Okay, friend, let me tell you about this French Onion Chicken Casserole. This one’s a real hug in a dish, you know? It’s got that deep, savory onion flavor that’s just… addictive, mixed with tender chicken and a creamy sauce that blankets everything in pure comfort. Think of it as the cozy cousin of classic French Onion Soup, but with added protein and heartiness. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone gather around the table, and believe me, the aroma alone is worth the effort. I swear, my family goes crazy for it every single time!
What is French onion chicken casserole?
What is the answer to this question?is a French Onion Chicken Casserole? It’s essentially a baked dish where you combine shredded chicken with caramelized onions, a creamy sauce (think cream of mushroom soup jazzed up!), and then top it all off with a generous layer of crispy, golden-brown croutons or toasted bread crumbs. It’s like taking the best parts of French Onion Soup – that intensely flavorful broth and the cheesy, bread-topped finish – and turning it into a complete meal. It’s not fancy, it’s not fussy, but it is incredibly satisfying and comforting. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something warm and easy but still full of flavor.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start?flavorWhat are caramelized onions? They bring this deep, sweet, savory richness that permeates the entire casserole. Is it a complex flavor profile that will totally impress, even though it’s surprisingly simple to make? Why do I love simple?simplicityWhat are some good recipes for baking? What I love most about this is how easy it is to cook on a weeknight!cost-effectiveIs it possible to use leftover cooked chicken? ) and pantry staples like onions, broth, and bread to create something truly special. And finally, the final word, Theversatility! You can serve it as a main course with a simple salad, spoon it over rice or noodles, or even enjoy it as a hearty dip with crusty bread. If you’re a fan of the classic French Onion Soup, you’ll be completely obsessed with this chicken casserole. Trust me, this recipe is a winner!
How do I make French Onion Chicken Casserole?
Quick Overview
How do you make French onion Chicken Casserole? How do you caramelize onions? Important step, so don’t rush it! What’s the best way to make a creamy sauce with onions? What is the best way to bake bread crumbs in a casserole dish? Is it easier than it sounds? What is the best part about baking?
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions:
* 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced. Don’t skimp on the onions – they’re the star of the show! * 4 tablespoons butter. Real butter is best for that rich flavor. * 1 tablespoon olive oil. How do you prevent butter from burning? Just a touch to help the onions caramelize. * 1/2 teaspoon salt.
For the Chicken Casserole:
* 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. * 1 (10. How much condensed cream of mushroom soup is in a can? I’ve also used cream of chicken soup and it works great! * 1 cup chicken broth. * 1/2 cup sour cream. This adds a lovely tang and creaminess. * 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. For a pop of freshness. * 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
For the Topping:
* 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs. You can also use crushed croutons. * 2 tablespoons melted butter.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. How do you prevent a casserole from sticking to your hands? I always do this first so it’s ready to go when the mixture is ready.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
What is the magic of olive oil and butter? Add sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes, or until the onions are deeply golden brown. What is caramelized? Don’t rush this step – the longer they cook, the more flavorful they’ll be. If they start to stick, add a tablespoon or two of water to deglaze the pan.
Step 3: Mix the Casserole Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, caramelized onions, cream of mushroom soup, and salt. Stir to combine. Chicken broth, sour cream, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder. What are lumps of soup?
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
How do I spread the chicken mixture in a casserole dish?
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Set aside. Toss until the bread crumbs are evenly coated.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the chicken casserole. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Keep an eye on it so the topping doesn’t burn!
Step 7: Let it Rest
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. How do the flavors meld together?
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
What are some good ways to serve French onion chicken casserole hot and enjoy! I like to garnish it with fresh parsley, but that’s totally optional.
What is the best way to serve it?
French Onion Chicken Casserole is pretty hearty on its own, but it’s always nice to have a side dish with it. What is a little something on the side?For a light lunch or dinner:What is a good salad to serve with the rich casserole?For a Heartier Meal:Serve with roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus.For a Special Occasion:What are some good side dishes to serve with this creamy sauce?
My family loves it with mashed potatoes! What are the best potatoes to serve with a savory casserole? Is it good to serve it over rice or noodles? When I want to be fancy, I serve it in individual ramekins – it makes it feel extra special.
How do I make French onion chicken casserole?
I’ve made this casserole a lot of times, so I have gotten hints to share to help you make it. Is it absolutely perfect?What is the key to onion caramelization?Do onions need time to develop that deep, sweet flavor? If they start to burn, reduce the heat slightly and add a tablespoon or two of water to deglaze them.What is good quality chicken? The better the chicken, the better the casserole. I prefer using rotisserie chicken because it’s already cooked and has great flavor. But you can also use leftover roasted chicken or even poached chicken.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will dry out the casserole. You want it to be heated through and bubbly, but not dry. Start checking it after 20 minutes and bake until the topping is golden brown.
Add a Splash of Wine: For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of dry white wine to the onions while they’re caramelizing. It adds a nice acidity that balances out the sweetness of the onions.
Customize the Topping: Get creative with the topping! You can use different types of bread crumbs, like panko or Italian seasoned. Or try adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the topping for a cheesy twist. Sometimes I use crushed butter crackers if I don’t have bread crumbs!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This French Onion Chicken Casserole is great for meal prepping because it stores really well.
Refrigerator Storage: Let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking to crisp up the topping. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my all-time favorite French Onion Chicken Casserole recipe! It’s the ultimate comfort food, packed with flavor and surprisingly easy to make. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner that will warm you from the inside out, this is it. And if you love French Onion Soup, trust me, you’ll be obsessed with this twist on the classic. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what you think, and feel free to share any variations you try. Happy cooking!
French Onion Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie chicken works great
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz can
- 1 cup French onion dip
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, French onion dip, Swiss cheese, and onion soup mix.
- Fold in the cooked egg noodles gently to incorporate.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
