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A bubbling french onion chicken casserole, golden brown and topped with melted Gruyere cheese, fresh thyme.

French Onion Chicken Casserole

Transform classic French onion soup flavors into a hearty, cheesy, and crunchy casserole. This ultimate comfort food is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, featuring deeply caramelized onions and a creamy, savory blend that's easy to make and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Casserole, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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
  • 1 (2.8-oz) can French fried onions
  • 2 yellow onions thinly sliced, for caramelization
  • 2 tbsp dry sherry or white wine for deglazing
  • 1 tsp olive oil or butter for sautéing onions

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x9-inch baking dish
  • Large bowl

Method
 

The Flavor Foundation: Caramelized Onions
  1. First, grab a large skillet and thinly slice your yellow onions. Sauté them over medium-low heat with a little olive oil or butter until they are deeply caramelized—think a rich golden-brown, tender, and incredibly fragrant. This takes patience, usually 15-20 minutes, but it's where the magic truly begins, developing intense sweetness and umami.
  2. Once caramelized, pour in a splash of dry sherry or white wine to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom, letting the liquid reduce slightly to intensify that incredible flavor base. Set these glorious onions aside.
Prepare for Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring the dish is evenly coated so nothing sticks.
Combine and Spread
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chopped chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, refrigerated sour cream French onion dip, and the can of unsalted cream of chicken soup.
  2. Fold in those prepared caramelized onions and the deglazing liquid from your skillet. Mix everything until well combined and beautifully creamy. Spread this rich mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan.
Add the Crunchy Topping
  1. Sprinkle the French fried onions generously over the chicken mixture, ensuring you have an even layer for consistent crunch in every bite.
Bake to Perfection
  1. Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and heated through, and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
  2. Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, do not rush the caramelization of the onions, as this step is crucial for the deep French onion flavor. This casserole makes a fantastic make-ahead meal; simply assemble (without the fried onions) and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Remember to use unsalted cream of chicken soup to control the dish's overall sodium level.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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