Name: Dill Pickle French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 2 cups cooked white rice; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup dill pickle juice; 1/2 cup finely chopped dill pickles; 1 packet dry French onion soup mix; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions, divided (1 cup to mix in, 1/2 cup to top); Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or chopped dill, optional for garnish

I whisk together shredded chicken, rice, tangy dill pickle elements, and savory French onion flavors into a soothing, cheesy bake that’s topped with crispy onions. Every comforting bite strikes a balance between creamy richness, zesty pickles, and a golden crunchy finish. Dill Pickle French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how effortless this comes together with pantry staples and leftover chicken, yet delivers a standout, flavor-packed meal. The tang of the pickles brightens the creamy base, the French onion soup mix deepens the savory profile, and the crispy fried onions provide that ultimate textural counterpoint. It’s cozy, clever, and a complete crowd-pleaser.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 cups cooked white rice
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
½ cup dill pickle juice
½ cup finely chopped dill pickles
1 packet dry French onion soup mix
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1½ cups crispy fried onions, divided (1 cup to mix in, ½ cup to top)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or chopped dill, optional for garnish

directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, I combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, pickle juice, chopped pickles, and dry French onion soup mix, stirring until everything is blended. Then I stir in the mozzarella and 1 cup of crispy fried onions. I season to taste with salt and pepper. Next, I transfer the mixture to the baking dish, sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top, and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden. Finally, I garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving warm.

Servings and timing

This casserole makes about 6 to 8 servings.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

I lighten it up by swapping Greek yogurt for sour cream.
If I want a kick, I add red chili flakes or chopped jalapeños.
I often use rotisserie chicken to save time.
For a flavor twist, I switch mozzarella with sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, I use the oven at 325°F to maintain crispiness or microwave it for quick meals. I avoid freezing it since the texture of the rice and sour cream can change.

FAQs

How do I make Dill Pickle French Onion Chicken Rice Casserole?

I mix together cooked chicken, rice, soup, sour cream, pickle juice, chopped pickles, and soup mix. Then I fold in cheese and crispy onions, top with more onions, and bake until hot and golden.

Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?

Yes, I love using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken—it makes the prep so much faster.

What sides go well with this casserole?

I usually pair it with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to complete the meal.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I prep everything and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready, I pop it in the oven and just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Is this casserole kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The creamy texture and mild savory flavors are a hit with kids. If they’re not fans of pickles, I reduce the amount slightly.

Conclusion

I’ve found this casserole to be a go-to comfort food that’s easy to assemble and packed with personality. The combination of creamy chicken and rice, briny pickle flavor, and that irresistible crispy onion topping keeps me coming back for more. Whether I’m cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers every time.