French Onion Chicken & Rice: The Ultimate Comfort Food

French Onion Chicken & Rice is the kind of dish that feels like home with every bite. At HomeasyRecipes.com, we’re all about recipes that bring families together around the table without the stress. Hi, I’m Anna—the voice and cook behind this kitchen. Inspired by my grandmother Mary’s comforting, made-from-scratch meals, I created HomeasyRecipes as a place where real-life cooking meets unforgettable flavors.

Here, you won’t find complicated recipes or endless ingredient lists. Instead, you’ll discover meals that are approachable, satisfying, and designed to make weeknights easier. From hearty casseroles like this French Onion Chicken & Rice to desserts that hit the sweet spot, my goal is to make cooking something you actually look forward to.

This site was born from my own journey of learning (and sometimes failing) in the kitchen. I’m not a chef, just a home cook determined to turn family meals into moments of joy. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for comfort food after a long day, you’re in the right place.

So let’s skip the fuss, grab simple ingredients, and bring this crowd-pleasing French Onion Chicken & Rice to life. It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and everything a comfort meal should be.

For seafood lovers, don’t miss the creamy indulgence of our Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce—a perfect alternative when you’re craving something different.

Why French Onion Chicken & Rice is a Game-Changer

The Magic of French Onion Flavors in a One-Pan Dish

French Onion Chicken & Rice brings the soul-warming flavors of classic French onion soup into a hearty, family-friendly casserole. Imagine tender chicken pieces nestled in fluffy rice, smothered in a rich, savory sauce made with French onion soup and Gruyere cheese. The result? A perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and oniony goodness with a crunchy topping of French fried onions that’s impossible to resist.

This recipe stands out because it takes the complex depth of caramelized onions and simplifies it using a can of French onion soup and a packet of dry onion soup mix. It’s one of those rare one-pan meals where every bite feels like it’s been slow-cooked for hours, yet it comes together in a fraction of the time.

How This Recipe Simplifies Weeknight Dinners

Life gets busy, but dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. This French Onion Chicken & Rice casserole is proof. With just a handful of pantry staples, minimal prep, and a single baking dish, you get a complete meal that serves the whole family. No need for fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—this recipe works because it’s designed for real kitchens.

Using white rice ensures the perfect texture after baking, while cubed chicken breasts cook to tender perfection in the oven’s gentle heat. The addition of Gruyere cheese elevates the flavor profile, giving it that melty, luxurious finish you’d expect from French cuisine. Pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables, and dinner is done.

Looking for more comfort food inspiration? Try our Garlic Butter Lettuce Tomato Grilled Chicken Sandwich for a quick, flavorful meal that pairs beautifully with any casserole night.

French Onion Chicken & Rice: The Ultimate Comfort Food

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

French Onion Chicken & Rice is a comforting casserole made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, rich Gruyere cheese, and a crunchy French fried onion topping. Perfect for an easy family dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups white rice
• 1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup
• 1 1/2 canfuls of water (use the soup can)
• 1/4 cup butter, sliced
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1 (1 oz) packet dry onion soup mix
• 1 cup French fried onions

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pour white rice into a 13×9-inch baking dish.
3. Add French onion soup and water; stir to combine.
4. Add cubed chicken breast evenly over the rice mixture.
5. Sprinkle dry onion soup mix on top.
6. Layer shredded Gruyere cheese over the casserole.
7. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
8. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked and rice is tender.
9. Remove foil, top with French fried onions, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
10. Serve hot and enjoy.

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Notes

• Substitute Gruyere cheese with Swiss or mozzarella if needed.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free French fried onions and onion soup mix.
• Brown rice can be used, but increase cooking time by 20–25 minutes and add extra liquid.
• This dish can be assembled ahead and frozen before baking.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg

Keywords: French Onion Chicken & Rice, chicken rice casserole, comfort food, one-pan dinner, cheesy chicken bake

Ingredients You’ll Need for French Onion Chicken & Rice

Essential Pantry Staples for This Recipe

One of the beauties of French Onion Chicken & Rice is how simple the ingredient list is. You won’t need anything fancy, just a few pantry staples and fresh items that combine into a dish full of comforting flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 1/2 cups white rice – Provides the base of the casserole, absorbing all the rich, savory flavors.
• 1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup – The secret ingredient for deep onion flavor without hours of caramelizing.
• 1 1/2 canfuls of water (use the soup can) – Ensures the rice cooks perfectly without becoming mushy.
• 1/4 cup butter, sliced – Adds richness and a buttery depth to the dish.
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed – Lean protein that cooks tender in the oven.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese – Brings a creamy, nutty flavor that melts beautifully.
• 1 (1 oz) packet dry onion soup mix – Enhances the French onion essence with layers of seasoning.
• 1 cup French fried onions – Delivers the crispy, crunchy topping every good casserole deserves.

This combination creates a perfect balance of textures: tender chicken, fluffy rice, creamy sauce, and that irresistible crunchy finish.