What is the best rice to use in chicken rice casseroles?

To turn French Onion Chicken & Rice into a vegetarian-friendly dish, simply leave out the chicken and replace it with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted cauliflower. You can also add a can of drained chickpeas for protein. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to maintain that savory base. The result is a comforting casserole that satisfies without meat.

Can I use bone-in chicken pieces instead of cubed breast?

Yes, you can substitute bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for cubed breast. However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Bone-in cuts take longer to cook, so plan for an extra 10–15 minutes in the oven. To keep the rice from overcooking, consider partially pre-cooking it on the stovetop before assembling the casserole.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For French Onion Chicken & Rice , long-grain white rice works best. It absorbs the flavorful liquids evenly and cooks to a fluffy, tender texture in the oven. Avoid using instant rice or parboiled rice, as they can turn mushy during the long bake. If you prefer brown rice for added fiber, extend the baking time by 20–25 minutes and add a little extra water or broth to keep the dish moist.

French Onion Chicken & Rice: The Best Comfort Bake

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

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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

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.

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

Find it online: https://homeasyrecipes.com/french-onion-chicken-rice/