Dinner

Easy French Onion Chicken Rice Bake Recipe

Name: Easy French Onion Chicken Rice Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Australian
Ingredients: 200 g button mushrooms, thinly sliced; 3 green shallots, finely chopped (divided); 120 g baby spinach; 30 g Coles Australian Salted Butter; 400 g French onion dip (2 x 200g tubs); 125 ml pouring cream; 80 g mozzarella, coarsely grated; 80 g Coles Cheddar Cheese, coarsely grated; 1 barbecue chicken, skin and bones removed, meat shredded (approximately 400-500 g cooked meat); 450 g microwave basmati rice, warmed (1 packet)

Byanna orden December 22, 2025December 22, 2025

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Introduction

This Easy French Onion Chicken Rice Bake combines creamy French onion dip, tender shredded chicken, and delicious melted cheese for a comforting one-dish meal. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

A baked dish in a white rectangular casserole dish with handles is shown with a golden brown cheese layer on top that is bubbly and slightly crispy, scattered with bright green peas. Underneath the top layer, there is a thick mix of white rice, chunks of cooked chicken, more green peas, and cooked onions, all visible where a portion has been scooped out from the front side. The casserole sits on a white marbled surface with a textured gray cloth underneath. The layers from top to bottom include a browned cheese crust dotted with peas, a creamy mix of melted cheese and chicken, and a base of rice with vegetables. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

30 g Coles Australian Salted Butter
200 g button mushrooms, thinly sliced
3 green shallots, finely chopped (divided)
120 g baby spinach
400 g French onion dip (2 x 200g tubs)
125 ml pouring cream
1 barbecue chicken, skin and bones removed, meat shredded
450 g microwave basmati rice, warmed (1 packet)
80 g mozzarella, coarsely grated
80 g Coles Cheddar Cheese, coarsely grated

Instructions

Step 1: Melt the butter in a large, deep frying pan over high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and three-quarters of the shallots. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes or until softened. Add the baby spinach and stir until wilted.
Step 2: Stir in the French onion dip, pouring cream, and shredded chicken. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Preheat your grill on high. Spoon the warmed rice evenly into the base of a 1.5L baking dish. Spread the chicken mixture over the rice, then sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
Step 4: Grill the dish for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden. Remove from the grill and sprinkle the remaining shallots on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of garlic powder when cooking the mushrooms and shallots.
Swap out the barbecue chicken for cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken to vary the protein.
Use brown rice or cauliflower rice if you prefer a healthier or low-carb option—adjust cooking times accordingly.
Try adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for a fresh finish.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals stirring in between. Avoid reheating under the grill to prevent burning the cheese.

How to Serve

A white square casserole dish holds a baked chicken and rice casserole with three visible layers. The bottom layer consists of cooked rice mixed with green peas and bits of chicken, creating a light beige and green base. The middle layer includes more chicken pieces and cooked peas scattered throughout, adding texture and color. The top layer is a golden-brown melted cheese crust with browned spots and scattered bright green peas on the surface. The dish sits on a folded green and white cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bake up to the point before grilling and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Then grill just before serving to keep the cheese fresh and melted.

What can I use if I don’t have French onion dip?

You can substitute with a mixture of sour cream and caramelized onions or use plain cream cheese blended with some onion soup mix for a similar flavor profile.