Name: French Onion Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup; 1 1/2 cups sour cream (not lite); 1 packet dry Lipton Onion Recipe Soup and Dip Mix (or Knorr French Onion Mix); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover); 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen); 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup crispy French fried onions

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This French Onion Chicken Casserole is the ultimate in cozy comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy French fried onions, it’s a quick and satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just 5 minutes of prep and a few pantry staples, this fuss-free dish turns shredded chicken and broccoli into a family-friendly favorite.

French Onion Chicken Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Just 5 minutes of hands-on prep time
Uses leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience
Crispy, golden French fried onion topping
Creamy, cheesy, and ultra-comforting
One-dish meal with protein and veggies
Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd
Customizable with different veggies or cheese
Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
No need to pre-cook broccoli
Ready in under an hour from start to finish

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Condensed cream of chicken soup
Sour cream (full-fat recommended)
Dry French onion soup mix (such as Lipton or Knorr)
Garlic powder
Salt and black pepper
Shredded cooked chicken (leftover or rotisserie)
Broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Crispy French fried onions

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion soup mix, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the shredded chicken, broccoli, and cheddar cheese to the bowl. Stir until everything is well combined.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Evenly sprinkle the crispy French fried onions over the top.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for about 30 minutes, or until heated through and the broccoli is tender.
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and crispy.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Use different veggies: Try green beans, cauliflower, or spinach instead of broccoli.
Add rice or pasta: Mix in 1–2 cups of cooked rice or pasta to make it a heartier meal.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
Swap the protein: Use cooked turkey, or ground chicken instead of shredded chicken.
Change the cheese: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend.
Low-carb version: Omit the fried onions and use almond flour topping.
Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add a savory boost.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free soup, fried onions, and check the seasoning mix.
Lightened up: Try Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter twist.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables or a meat substitute.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze the fully cooked casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with foil and label.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. Add extra cheese or a few fresh onions on top before reheating for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is ideal for saving time and adds great flavor.

Can I use frozen broccoli without thawing?

It’s best to thaw it first for even cooking, but you can use frozen broccoli if you increase the baking time slightly.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Full-fat Greek yogurt can be used, but it will slightly change the flavor and texture.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole (without the fried onions), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Add the onions just before baking.

What’s the best way to keep the fried onions crispy?

Add them just before baking and finish uncovered in the last 5–10 minutes for a crispy texture.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze it fully baked and cooled. Reheat directly from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.

Can I make this without the soup mix?

You can, but the soup mix adds deep flavor. Consider substituting with caramelized onions and extra seasoning if omitting.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger casserole dish or two pans and increase baking time slightly if needed.

What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but mild cheddar, Colby Jack, or a cheese blend all work well.

Can I make it in a smaller dish?

Yes, but adjust baking time accordingly and ensure the mixture isn’t too thick for even cooking.

Conclusion

French Onion Chicken Casserole is the perfect solution for a comforting, no-fuss weeknight dinner. With creamy layers, melty cheese, and a crispy onion topping, it brings bold flavor and simplicity to your dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a keeper.