Description
This French Onion Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining caramelized onions, tender shredded chicken, creamy rice, and melted Swiss cheese. The deep flavors from slowly caramelized onions and chicken broth-infused rice come together with creamy heavy cream and a golden cheesy topping, making it perfect for a family-friendly dinner or potluck.
Ingredients
Scale
Onion Base
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter
- 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 large onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
Rice and Broth
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 cups white rice
Casserole Mix
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded into bite-size pieces
- 16 ounces Swiss cheese block, shredded
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large pan, melt the butter and vegetable oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them well with the butter and oil. Let the onions cook undisturbed for 10 minutes, then begin stirring occasionally for another 20-30 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized.
- Add Seasonings and Cook Rice: Stir in salt, pepper, and minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and white rice. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine Ingredients and Prepare Casserole: After the rice finishes cooking, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cooked chicken until well combined. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and pour the rice and chicken mixture into it. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake and Serve: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, flavorful casserole.
Notes
- Caramelizing onions slowly over low heat is key to developing a deep, sweet onion flavor—do not rush this step.
- Using cooked chicken makes this recipe quick and convenient; leftover rotisserie chicken works great.
- Make sure the rice is fully cooked and liquid absorbed before baking to ensure the casserole sets properly.
- You can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère for a more traditional French onion flavor.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
