Our French Onion Chicken Casserole is one of those easy comfort food dinners we love because it’s creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor. Cooked chicken is mixed with cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayo, cream of chicken soup, celery, and almonds, then baked until warm and finished with crispy French fried onions. Yes, it’s beyond delicious!
We love this for busy weeknights, Sunday dinner, or using up leftover chicken because it comes together quickly and bakes in a 9×13. The fried onion topping adds that perfect golden crunch that makes every scoop extra good.
We’ve made casseroles like this for years because they’re dependable, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a family. This one never fails and always disappears fast.
If you love this recipe, be sure to try Chicken Divan, Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, Funeral Potatoes, and Chicken Stuffing Casserole.
Why you’ll love it + Why it works:
- Easy Weeknight Dinner: This casserole comes together quickly with simple ingredients and minimal prep work.
- Great Use for Leftovers: Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe.
- Feeds a Crowd: A 9×13 pan makes this ideal for large families, potlucks, and sharing with friends.
- Simple Ingredients: Everyday ingredients work together to create a reliable casserole with very little effort.
French Onion Chicken Casserole Ingredients
- Cooked Chicken (3 cups, chopped): Gives this casserole hearty protein and makes it filling enough for an easy family dinner. Rotisserie chicken works great when you need a quick shortcut.
- Celery (1 cup, chopped, or French-style green beans): Adds a little crunch and freshness to balance the creamy filling. French-style green beans are a great swap if your family prefers them.
- Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts into the casserole and gives it that classic cheesy flavor everyone loves. Freshly shredded cheddar melts best, but bagged shredded cheese works too.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Makes the filling creamy, tangy, and rich without making it too heavy.
- Mayo (½ cup): Helps the casserole stay creamy and smooth, and it adds just the right amount of richness.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (1 10.5-ounce can): Brings everything together into a simple, creamy sauce with comforting chicken flavor.
- Slivered Almonds (½ cup): Adds crunch and a slightly nutty flavor that makes each bite more interesting.
- French’s Fried Onions (6 ounces): Gives the casserole its crispy, salty topping and make it taste like a family favorite side dish and main dish in one.
How to Make French Onion Chicken Casserole
PREP. Preheat oven to 350 and coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
COMBINE. In a large bowl, stir celery, cheese, sour cream, mayo, and cream of chicken. Add chicken and almonds. Spoon into the dish.
BAKE. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
TOPPING. Sprinkle fried onion and cook for another 5 minutes. Let stand 5-10 minutes. Enjoy!
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken to make this recipe even faster on busy nights.
- Add the fried onions during the last few minutes of baking so they stay crispy and golden.
- Shred your own cheddar cheese for the smoothest texture and best flavor.
- Let the casserole rest before serving so it sets up and scoops more easily.
French Onion Chicken Casserole Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped (or french style green beans)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayo
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup slivered almonds
- 6 ounces French’s fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, stir celery, cheese, sour cream, mayo and cream of chicken. Add chicken and almonds. Spoon into dish.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Sprinkle fried onion and cook another 5 minutes. Let stand 5-10 minutes. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to make this recipe even faster on busy nights.
- Add the fried onions during the last few minutes of baking so they stay crispy and golden.
- Shred your own cheddar cheese for the smoothest texture and best flavor.
- Let the casserole rest before serving so it sets up and scoops more easily.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Assemble and cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for a day. If freezing, then add another layer of aluminum foil and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Do not add the fried onions until the last 5 minutes of baking time.
Divide the leftovers into single serve portions. Store the portions in airtight containers and keep in the fridge for days. To reheat quickly, use the microwave. If you have a little more time reheat in the oven.
The fried onions may become mushy as it sits in the fridge. To crisp them back up simply stick the casserole under the broiler. Watch carefully as they can go from soggy to burnt really quickly.
More Like This
Chicken Casseroles
Sides
Oven Roasted Red Potatoes
35 mins
Parmesan Crusted Zucchini
16 mins
Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
35 mins
Dinner Rolls Recipe
2 hrs 40 mins
Collections
This recipe was first shared February, 2015.
This is my go to casserole! All 4 of my grandsons request this recipe weekly from Nana! I use the French style green beans and add 4 ounces of Philly cream cheese! I omit the almonds. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe ❤️
Finding something the grandkids all love is definitely a win!
This dish was easy! Came out delicious! Will definitely make it again.
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe.