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- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 2 large onions, thinly sliced - 8 ounces egg noodles (uncooked) - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese - 1 cup French fried onions - 2 tablespoons olive oil Gathering the right ingredients is key to a great dish. I love using tender, cooked chicken to give this casserole its hearty base. Shredded chicken blends well with the other flavors. Next, the onions bring sweetness and depth. Slice them thinly, so they caramelize nicely. Egg noodles add a comforting texture. Cook them al dente, as they will soak up some broth and flavors during baking. For seasonings, I prefer low-sodium chicken broth for a lighter taste. Worcestershire sauce adds a hint of tang. Thyme gives a lovely earthiness. Don't forget salt and pepper! They enhance all the flavors in the dish. Dairy adds richness. Sour cream makes it creamy and smooth. Swiss cheese melts beautifully on top, while French fried onions give a satisfying crunch. Use olive oil to caramelize the onions; it adds flavor and helps them cook evenly. These ingredients come together to create a warm and filling meal. Get ready to enjoy some comfort on your plate! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This makes sure your casserole cooks evenly. - Caramelizing the onions and garlic is the next step. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions. Stir them often so they don’t burn. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until they turn golden brown. Add 3 minced cloves of garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. The sweet smell will fill your kitchen! - In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, 1 cup of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix it well until all ingredients blend nicely. - Next, cook 8 ounces of egg noodles following the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and add them to the chicken mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and ready for the next step. - Now, it’s time to fold in the caramelized onions and half of the shredded Swiss cheese into the chicken mixture. This adds great flavor and texture. - Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Top it with the remaining Swiss cheese and 1 cup of French fried onions. This will give a nice crunch. - Finally, bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for melted cheese that is bubbly and a golden brown top. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting warmth of your French Onion Chicken Casserole! To get the best caramelized onions, start by slicing the onions thin. Use medium heat and add olive oil. Stir often for even cooking. Keep an eye on the time; it should take about 15 to 20 minutes. You want them golden and sweet. When you add garlic, do it last. Garlic cooks fast. Just one to two minutes is enough. This way, it won’t burn and can add great flavor. For the perfect creaminess in your casserole, you can adjust the amount of sour cream. If you want it creamier, add more. For a lighter version, use less. Cook the egg noodles until they are al dente. This means they should be firm but not hard. This helps the noodles hold up in the casserole when baked. To boost the flavor, try adding herbs like rosemary or parsley. A pinch of paprika can also give it some kick. You might also like to sprinkle some black pepper for extra spice. For sides, consider serving the casserole with a simple green salad. A light vinaigrette pairs nicely and balances the richness of the dish. Enjoy the comfort and flavors! Pro Tips Caramelize Onions Properly: Take your time to cook the onions until they're deeply golden brown for maximum flavor. This will add a rich sweetness to the casserole. Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken, making it a convenient and economical meal option. Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the mixture for extra nutrition and texture. Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. {{image_2}} You can switch up the chicken if you want. Using rotisserie chicken makes this dish easy. Just shred the chicken and mix it in. It saves time and adds flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian version, try plant-based chicken. There are many brands available. Just follow the same steps as with real chicken. This keeps the dish hearty and satisfying. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. There are many types out there. Rice noodles or quinoa pasta work well, too. Just make sure to cook them al dente. You can also experiment with other pasta shapes. Fusilli or penne can add a fun twist. They will hold the sauce nicely and taste great. Cheese can change the whole dish. You can try different kinds like cheddar or gouda. Each adds a unique flavor. Mix and match for a fun taste experience. If you want a dairy-free option, look for vegan cheese. Many brands melt well and taste good. This way, everyone can enjoy this warm casserole. To keep your French onion chicken casserole fresh, refrigerate it. Use an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and odors out. Label the container with the date. Enjoy within three to four days for the best taste. You can freeze this casserole for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. For best results, eat it within three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, the oven is best. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. If you need a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, about 1-2 minutes. Stir and check often to avoid overcooking. You can prepare the casserole a day before. Start by cooking the onions and garlic as usual. Then mix the chicken, broth, and seasonings. Cook the noodles until they are al dente. Combine everything in a casserole dish, but don’t bake it yet. Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When you are ready, just remove the wrap and bake it according to the recipe. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. You can do this by placing it in the fridge overnight. If you are in a hurry, submerge it in cold water for a couple of hours. Once thawed, cook the chicken until it is fully done. Then shred it and follow the recipe as normal. This casserole pairs well with many side dishes. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread is great for dipping into the creamy sauce. You can also serve steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. For a heartier meal, mashed potatoes work well too. This blog post guides you through making a delicious French Onion Chicken Casserole. You’ve learned about the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create this comforting dish. Tips for perfecting flavors and variations help you customize the recipe to your taste. Lastly, we discussed proper storage and reheating methods to keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy making this dish your own, and share it with family and friends! Trust me, it's worth every bite.

French Onion Chicken Casserole

A comforting casserole featuring shredded chicken, caramelized onions, and Swiss cheese, topped with crispy French fried onions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1 cup French fried onions
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 8 ounces egg noodles (uncooked)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chicken broth, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
  • Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add to the chicken mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
  • Fold in the caramelized onions and half of the Swiss cheese into the mixture.
  • Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Top with the remaining Swiss cheese and French fried onions.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the casserole family-style in the dish, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Keyword casserole, chicken, comfort food, onions