Creamy French Onion Chicken

This creamy French onion dip chicken and rice casserole is a cozy crowd-pleaser perfect for game day or any night you want a comforting meal without fuss. The rich onion flavor combined with tender chicken and a crispy potato chip topping makes it a dish that feels both indulgent and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: to gently caramelize the onions without burning
• Yellow onions: sliced thin for a sweet, brown base that builds deep flavor
• Cream cheese: softened to create a luscious, creamy binding in the casserole
• Whole-milk plain Greek yogurt: adds tang and creaminess while keeping the dish light
• Salt and ground pepper: for balanced seasoning
• Onion powder and garlic powder: that boost the savory notes and tie ingredients together
• Cayenne pepper: for a subtle kick without overpowering the dish
• Shredded cooked chicken breast: brings protein and heartiness to the casserole
• Cooked long-grain brown rice: offers a wholesome texture and absorbs the flavors perfectly
• Coarsely crushed crinkle-cut potato chips: provide a salty, crispy topping that everyone loves
• Chopped fresh chives: as a garnish to brighten the final presentation

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Onions:

Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until they become translucent and start to brown. Lower the heat to medium-low and continue stirring frequently for another 15 to 20 minutes until the onions are very tender and a rich brown throughout. This slow cooking enhances the natural sweetness and umami of the onions. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Creamy Mixture:

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, salt, ground pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about one minute until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This creates the flavorful base for the casserole that will hold everything together.

Combine and Assemble:

Fold the shredded cooked chicken, cooked brown rice, and caramelized onions gently into the cream mixture. Spoon the entire mixture into a greased 8-inch square baking dish for even cooking.

Add the Topping and Bake:

Sprinkle the coarsely crushed crinkle-cut potato chips evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 30 minutes until bubbly. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to crisp and lightly brown the chip topping perfectly.

Garnish and Serve:

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh chives for a pop of color and mild onion flavor before serving.

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Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at moderate temperature to retain the crispiness of the potato chip topping. If freezing, cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking again to restore the creamy and crunchy textures.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the brown rice for white rice or even cauliflower rice depending on your preference or dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, try using a vegan cream cheese and coconut yogurt but expect slight differences in flavor and texture. If you want less heat, reduce the cayenne or omit it entirely.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for brightness. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans also provide a fresh contrast to the creamy casserole. It makes a complete meal that’s hearty enough on its own but easily rounded out with sides.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you get the onions perfectly caramelized?

Cook thinly sliced onions slowly over medium to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft, translucent, and deeply browned, which usually takes about 35-40 minutes in total.

→ Can I use other types of rice?

Yes, cooked long-grain brown rice works great, but you could also try white rice or wild rice for different textures and flavors.

→ What’s the purpose of the potato chip topping?

The crushed potato chips add a crispy, salty contrast to the creamy casserole, enhancing both flavor and texture.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare everything through mixing the ingredients and refrigerate for up to two days or freeze for up to one month before baking.

→ What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in this dish?

Sour cream or crème fraîche can be used as alternatives, offering a similar creamy tang and texture.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a pinch of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes to the mix for an extra kick.