Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman French Onion Chicken Casserole is a cheesy and savory recipe, which is made with sweet caramelized onions and nutty Gruyère cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Pioneer Woman French Onion Chicken Casserole Ingredients
- 5 Tbsp. salted butter, plus more for the baking dish
- 1 10-ounce package cremini mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 5 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken (skin removed)
- 1 long baguette, sliced 1/2 inch thick
- 2 1/2 cups shredded gruyère cheese (about 10 ounces)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
How To Make Pioneer Woman French Onion Chicken Casserole
- Prep oven and brown mushrooms: Preheat the oven to 425°F and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook without stirring for about 2 minutes until browned on one side, then stir and cook until browned all over, about 2-3 minutes more. Remove the mushrooms to a plate.
- Caramelize the onions: Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the same pot and melt it over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are a deep golden brown. This takes patience and will require 20 to 25 minutes.
- Create the savory filling: Return the mushrooms to the pot with the onions. Add the thyme, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the flour over everything and stir to coat, letting it toast for one minute. Increase the heat, pour in the wine, and bring to a simmer. Add the beef broth and chicken, return to a simmer, and cook until thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Layer the casserole: Spread a layer of the onion-chicken mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange half of the baguette slices on top. Ladle half of the remaining mixture over the bread, pressing down to submerge the slices. Sprinkle with 1 cup of Gruyère and ¼ cup of Parmesan. Top with the rest of the baguette slices, the remaining onion-chicken mixture, and finally the remaining 1 ½ cups Gruyère and ¼ cup Parmesan.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with foil, tenting it so it doesn’t touch the cheese. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly. Uncover and bake for about 15 more minutes, until the top is browned and crusty. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
- How to properly caramelize onions? The key is low and slow heat. Don’t rush this step. Stirring frequently prevents them from burning and ensures they cook down into a sweet, jammy consistency.
- Can I use a different cheese? Gruyère is classic for its nutty, salty flavor that melts beautifully. However, you could substitute with Swiss, Jarlsberg, or even a mix of provolone and mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- What kind of white wine is best? A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or an unoaked Chardonnay is perfect. It adds a touch of acidity to cut through the richness. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with additional beef broth.
- Can this be made ahead of time? You can prepare the entire onion-chicken filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the casserole with the bread and cheese right before baking for the best texture.
What To Serve With French Onion Chicken Casserole
This rich casserole is a meal in itself. A simple, fresh side is all you need to complete it.
- A crisp green salad with a sharp lemon-dijon vinaigrette
- Steamed asparagus with a squeeze of lemon
- Sautéed green beans with garlic
How To Store French Onion Chicken Casserole
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The bread will soften, but it will still be delicious.
- Freeze: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
French Onion Chicken Casserole Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Fat: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 38g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Why is my casserole watery?
This can happen if the filling wasn’t simmered long enough to thicken after the flour was added. Make sure the gravy has a chance to reduce and thicken in the pot before you assemble the casserole.
Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
Beef broth is traditional for French onion soup and provides a deeper, richer flavor that complements the caramelized onions. However, chicken broth will work in a pinch if it’s all you have.
Does the type of onion matter?
Yellow onions are the best choice for caramelizing as they have a good balance of sweetness and astringency. Sweet onions like Vidalia can also be used, but they may result in a sweeter final dish.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad With Grapes
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Pioneer Woman French Onion Chicken Casserole Recipe
Description
All the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup transformed into a hearty, cheesy casserole with chicken and layers of baguette.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown mushrooms in 1 Tbsp butter; set aside. Sauté onions in 4 Tbsp butter for 20-25 mins until deeply caramelized.
- Add mushrooms, thyme, salt, and pepper back to the pot. Stir in flour, then wine, then broth and chicken. Simmer until thick.
- In a 9×13 dish, layer half the onion mix, half the baguette, and half the remaining onion mix.
- Press bread down to submerge. Top with 1 cup Gruyère and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
- Repeat with remaining baguette, onion mix, and cheeses.
- Bake covered at 425°F for 20 mins. Uncover and bake for 15 more mins until golden.
- Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eThe key to this dish is patience; allow the onions to caramelize slowly over medium-low heat for the deepest flavor.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eUsing a rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon’t skip the step of pressing the baguette slices into the filling; this helps them absorb the sauce.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the best results, use a block of Gruyère and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses often have anti-caking agents that can affect how they melt.u003c/liu003e
Pioneer Woman French Onion Chicken Casserole Recipe
