Why Make This Recipe
French Onion Chicken Rice Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of caramelized onions with tender chicken and creamy cheese. It’s a complete meal that requires minimal effort and is perfect for busy nights. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover rice and create something delicious and satisfying for the whole family.
How to Make French Onion Chicken Rice Bake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until they are caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, diced chicken, caramelized onions, chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top the casserole with shredded Gruyère and Swiss cheeses.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
How to Serve French Onion Chicken Rice Bake
Serve the French Onion Chicken Rice Bake hot from the oven. It pairs well with a light salad or some crusty bread. This dish is filling on its own, but adding a fresh side helps balance the flavors and textures.
How to Store French Onion Chicken Rice Bake
To store leftovers, let the rice bake cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when you are ready to enjoy it again.
Tips to Make French Onion Chicken Rice Bake
- For more flavor, you can add garlic or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the onion mixture.
- If you prefer, you can use other cheese varieties that melt well, such as mozzarella or cheddar.
- To make it even easier, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients and assemble the casserole a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and bake it the next day.
2. What can I serve with French Onion Chicken Rice Bake?
This dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but you can add a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
3. Can I use uncooked chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use uncooked chicken, but make sure to cook it thoroughly. It may take a little longer to bake, so check to ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
French Onion Chicken Rice Bake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice Use leftover rice for convenience.
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced Fresh or rotisserie chicken can be used.
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced Caramelize for added flavor.
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded A good melting cheese.
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded Can be replaced with other melting cheeses.
- 1 cup chicken broth Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
- 1 cup heavy cream Provides richness to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons butter For caramelizing onions.
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust according to preference.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) Enhances presentation.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until they are caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, diced chicken, caramelized onions, chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Cooking
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top the casserole with shredded Gruyère and Swiss cheeses.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
