French Onion Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe

Looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of French onion soup with tender chicken and rice? This French Onion Chicken and Rice Bake is the perfect solution. Packed with caramelized onions, juicy chicken, and a creamy, cheesy rice base, this recipe is an easy one-pan dinner that’s both hearty and delicious. It’s perfect for cozy nights or when you’re craving a flavorful, fuss-free meal.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

1. Cook the Onions: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them in the butter and oil.
2. Caramelize the Onions: Cook the onions for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are soft and caramelized. If desired, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar to aid in the caramelization process.
3. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the balsamic vinegar and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the thyme and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Combine the Rice and Onions

1. Mix the Rice: Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish.
2. Pour in the Broth and Cream: Add the beef broth and heavy cream over the rice, stirring gently to combine.
3. Add the Onions: Stir in the caramelized onions, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the rice mixture.

Step 4: Bake the Dish

1. Add the Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice and onion mixture in the baking dish.
2. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the entire dish.
3. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the rice is tender.
4. Broil: Remove the foil and broil the dish for an additional 3-5 minutes to get the cheese golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve: Let the French Onion Chicken and Rice Bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
2. Enjoy: Scoop generous portions of the chicken and rice onto plates and enjoy the rich, savory flavors of this one-pan meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one dish, making it a hassle-free dinner with minimal cleanup.
• Rich and Comforting: The combination of caramelized onions, creamy rice, and gooey cheese is the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Full of Flavor: The chicken is seasoned perfectly and the caramelized onions add a depth of flavor that takes this dish to the next level.

Tips and Variations

1. Use Chicken Thighs:

• If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute for chicken breasts. They add extra moisture and richness to the dish.

2. Add Veggies:

• To make this dish even heartier, you can add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the rice mixture before baking.

3. Make it Gluten-Free:

• Be sure to check that your beef broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

4. Make it Spicy:

• Add some heat by incorporating red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the seasoning for the chicken or the rice mixture.

5. Use Different Cheeses:

• Swap out Gruyère for Provolone, Mozzarella, or Fontina for a different cheesy flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

• Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Simply skip the searing step and place the chicken on top of the rice before baking. Reduce the overall cooking time by about 10 minutes.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• Absolutely! You can prepare the rice and caramelized onions ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then add the chicken and bake when ready.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?

• Yes, this dish freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

4. Can I use brown rice instead of white?

• Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so add an additional ½ cup of broth and bake for 15-20 minutes longer.

5. What should I serve with this dish?

• This French Onion Chicken and Rice Bake pairs well with a light salad, steamed veggies, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Conclusion

This French Onion Chicken and Rice Bake is an easy, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re in need of some hearty, home-cooked comfort food. With tender chicken, creamy rice, and the rich flavor of caramelized onions, this meal is sure to become a family favorite.

Yield: 6

French Onion Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe

Print

Looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of French onion soup with tender chicken and rice? This French Onion Chicken and Rice Bake is the perfect solution. Packed with caramelized onions, juicy chicken, and a creamy, cheesy rice base, this recipe is an easy one-pan dinner that's both hearty and delicious. It’s perfect for cozy nights or when you’re craving a flavorful, fuss-free meal.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 1/2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
   In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for about 20-25 minutes, until they are golden brown and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Rice:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, beef broth, French onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   Spread the rice mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Arrange the chicken breasts (or thighs) on top of the rice. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a little more garlic powder. Top the chicken with the caramelized onions.
5. Bake:
   Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the top, and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
6. Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Notes

Rice Type: Long-grain white rice works best, but you can use brown rice (adjust cooking time and liquid).

Cheese Substitutes: Gruyère offers that classic French onion flavor, but you can use Swiss or provolone if preferred.

Chicken Substitutes: Bone-in chicken thighs can be used, just increase the baking time by about 10 minutes.

Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and increase the amount of caramelized onions or add mushrooms for a vegetarian version.