Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: First things first, get your oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and give it a light grease with butter or non-stick spray. This will make cleanup so much easier later.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to combine the heart of the casserole. Add your cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it's well combined. Then, gently fold in the sour cream. You want a creamy, consistent mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken and rice mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. This ensures everything cooks uniformly.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle your shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Don't be shy here—the cheese creates that glorious, bubbly golden-brown crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You're looking for the casserole to be hot and the cheese to be fully melted and bubbly around the edges.
- Add the Crispy Topping: Carefully remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the French fried onions all over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, just until the onions are golden brown and extra crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly!
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, then serve warm. This makes an amazing Protein Dinner that the whole family will love.
Notes
For best results, use day-old, cold rice to prevent a gummy texture. Use a high-quality French onion soup for a deeper flavor. Add the French fried onions only during the last 5-7 minutes of baking to ensure they stay crispy. The casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
