French Onion Chicken Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that wraps the comforting flavors of a classic French onion soup into a cozy, easy-to-make meal, the French Onion Chicken Casserole is your new best friend. This casserole combines tender cooked chicken, creamy sour cream French onion dip, rich cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions that top everything off with a delightful crunch. It’s a perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet notes that will quickly make its way onto your weekly rotation. Whether you need a satisfying dinner to please the family or something to bring to a potluck, this French Onion Chicken Casserole delivers on flavor, ease, and pure comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of French Onion Chicken Casserole begins with simple, familiar ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the creamy base to the crisp topping that makes every bite unforgettable.
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken: Use leftover roasted chicken or poached for tender, juicy bites throughout the casserole.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a melty, flavorful richness that complements the onion dip perfectly.
- 1 cup refrigerated sour cream French Onion Dip: This ingredient is the star, infusing the dish with classic French onion flavor and creamy texture.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds a smooth, savory base that binds everything together while keeping it moist.
- 1 (2.8-oz) can French fried onions: These crunchy onions are sprinkled on top for that irresistible golden crust and signature taste.
How to Make French Onion Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick and will come out beautifully after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken and Creamy Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream French onion dip, and the can of cream of chicken soup. Stir everything together until the mixture is well blended, creating a luscious, creamy filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. This even layer ensures every scoop will have the perfect balance of ingredients and flavors.
Step 4: Add the Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the French fried onions liberally over the top of the chicken mixture. Pop the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly and the onions are golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
How to Serve French Onion Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
To add a fresh, vibrant touch, consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives right before serving. This not only brings a pop of color but also a mild herbaceous contrast to the hearty flavors of the French Onion Chicken Casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple side dishes like steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. These lighter sides balance the richness and make for a well-rounded meal everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve portions of the French Onion Chicken Casserole in individual ramekins. Top them with extra fried onions and a sprinkle of extra cheese before baking for an elegant personal touch. It’s a charming way to impress guests without much extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover French Onion Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully, making the leftovers just as delicious as the first night.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until hot throughout, or place the casserole in a 350ºF oven covered with foil for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10 minutes to crisp the topping back up.
FAQs
Can I use fresh onions instead of French fried onions?
While fresh caramelized onions would add wonderful flavor, they won’t provide the same crunchy texture that French fried onions bring to the top of the casserole. You could use both for a different, delicious twist!
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Not typically, since the French fried onions and cream of chicken soup often contain gluten. Look for gluten-free alternatives to make this casserole safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
If you substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein like cooked mushrooms or tofu and use vegetarian-friendly soup and dip, you can absolutely enjoy a vegetarian version of the French Onion Chicken Casserole.
What kind of chicken works best in this recipe?
Any cooked chicken works well, whether it’s roasted, poached, or even leftover rotisserie chicken – just make sure it’s chopped into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
Can I add other cheeses to the casserole?
Definitely! While cheddar is classic and flavorful, mixing in mozzarella or Gruyère can create different melty textures and nuanced tastes that complement the dip beautifully.
Final Thoughts
French Onion Chicken Casserole is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day—a deliciously creamy, comforting casserole that’s surprisingly simple to make. I can’t recommend it enough, especially if you love the flavors of French onion soup but want a fun twist. Give it a try, and get ready for a new favorite that’s sure to delight your family and friends.
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French Onion Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make French Onion Chicken Casserole featuring tender cooked chicken baked with cheddar cheese, creamy sour cream French onion dip, and cream of chicken soup, topped with crispy French fried onions for a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup refrigerated sour cream French Onion Dip
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
Topping
- 1 (2.8-oz) can French fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chopped chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream French onion dip, and unsalted cream of chicken soup. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for even cooking.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top of the chicken mixture for a crunchy texture.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked turkey for chicken if preferred.
- For extra cheesiness, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese before adding the French fried onions.
- Make sure not to cover the casserole while baking to maintain the crispiness of the fried onions.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium cream of chicken soup and a low-sodium French onion dip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: French Onion Chicken Casserole, chicken casserole, easy chicken recipes, baked chicken casserole, French fried onions
