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Chicken Combo: A Hearty Family Favorite

I remember summer evenings at my Aunt Carol’s house, the scent of this Chicken Combo wafting from the kitchen. It was always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, the kind of dish that made you feel instantly comforted and full. We cousins would fight over the crispy French’s fried onions on top, knowing it was the final touch of deliciousness on a plate of warm, savory goodness. This recipe, passed down through generations, brings back those cherished memories every time I make it.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Dietary Type: Comfort Food

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken
2 family-size boxes of Chicken Rice-a-Roni
6 ounces French’s fried onions
26 ounces Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup

Equipment Needed

Large pot
Large bowl
Wooden spoon
13 x 9 inch baking pan

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the Chicken Combo bakes evenly and the French’s fried onions get perfectly golden brown.
In a large pot, boil the chicken for 20-30 minutes, or until cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly.
Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it using two forks. Set the shredded chicken aside. This step is crucial for even distribution of the chicken throughout the dish.
While the chicken is boiling, prepare both boxes of Chicken Rice-a-Roni according to the directions on the box. Using family-size boxes ensures you have enough rice to balance the other ingredients.
Transfer the cooked Rice-a-Roni to a large bowl. Make sure to scrape all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the Rice-a-Roni.
Pour the entire can (26 ounces) of Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup into the bowl with the chicken and Rice-a-Roni.
Using a wooden spoon, mix all the ingredients together thoroughly. Ensure the chicken and soup are evenly distributed throughout the Rice-a-Roni.
Grease a 13 x 9 inch baking pan well. This prevents the Chicken Combo from sticking to the pan during baking.
Pour the Chicken Combo mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove the baking pan from the oven. Sprinkle the French’s fried onions evenly over the top of the Chicken Combo.
Place the baking pan back into the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the French’s fried onions are golden brown. Watch carefully, as the onions can burn quickly.
Remove the Chicken Combo from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and prevents burning your mouth.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of water when preparing the Rice-a-Roni.
If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of boiling your own. Just shred it and add it to the mixture.
To prevent the French’s fried onions from burning, you can cover the baking dish loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
If you prefer a creamier dish, add a splash of milk or cream to the mixture before baking.
Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans to the mixture for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté the vegetables until tender before adding them to the bowl.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Chicken Combo warm, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or re-bake the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. You can also freeze the Chicken Combo for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	420 kcal	21%
Total Fat	20g	31%
Saturated Fat	8g	40%
Cholesterol	120mg	40%
Sodium	1200mg	50%
Total Carbohydrate	30g	10%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Sugars	5g	N/A
Protein	35g	70%

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
You can substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup for the cream of chicken soup, depending on your preference.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, use brown rice instead of white rice in the Rice-a-Roni.
Add some shredded cheddar cheese on top along with the french fried onions, and broil for the last minute to get it extra gooey and delicious.
Try using different types of “crispy fried onions.” There are many available, like sweet onion, or even jalapeno.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the Chicken Combo ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the French’s onions just before baking to prevent them from getting soggy.

Q: Can I use a different type of rice?
A: While Rice-a-Roni is traditional for this recipe, you could experiment with other rice blends. Keep in mind that different types of rice may require different cooking times and liquid amounts.

Q: What if my French’s fried onions burn easily?
A: Keep a close eye on the onions during the last few minutes of baking. If they start to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent burning.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans can add extra flavor and nutrition to the Chicken Combo.

Q: Is it possible to make this with gluten-free ingredients?
A: While traditional Rice-a-Roni contains gluten, there are gluten-free rice alternatives available. Also, ensure that the cream of chicken soup you use is gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Combo recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a taste of home, a reminder of family gatherings and shared laughter. I encourage you to try it out, put your own spin on it, and share it with the people you love. It’s a simple dish with a big heart, and I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a memory! Pair it with a crisp Chardonnay for a comforting and delicious meal.

Chicken Combo Recipe