French Onion Chicken & Rice Recipe

This French Onion Chicken & Rice dish is the perfect one-pan meal that delivers rich flavors and comfort in every bite. It combines juicy chicken breasts with caramelized onions, savory herbs, and fluffy rice, all baked together in a creamy broth. It’s an ideal recipe for weeknights, offering minimal cleanup with maximum taste.

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

1. Slice the Onions: Thinly slice both onions for even caramelization.
2. Melt Butter in the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter.
3. Caramelize Onions: Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, for 15-20 minutes until they turn golden brown and soft. Add a pinch of salt halfway through to draw out moisture.

Tip: Caramelizing onions requires patience but develops the deep, sweet flavor essential for this dish.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of thyme.
2. Sear the Chicken: In a separate skillet (or after transferring the onions if using one pan), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Set aside on a plate.

Tip: Searing the chicken locks in juices, ensuring tender, juicy meat after baking.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice

1. Add Garlic and Thyme: Add the minced garlic and remaining thyme to the caramelized onions, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Stir in Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the onions, stirring to coat the rice grains in the butter and onion mixture.
3. Add Liquid: Pour in the beef broth, water, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Assemble and Bake

1. Add Chicken to the Skillet: Nestle the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice and onion mixture.
2. Cover and Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 2: Add Cheese and Broil

1. Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken and rice.
2. Broil: Set the oven to broil on high and return the skillet to the oven, uncovered. Broil for 2-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tip: Watch closely to prevent the cheese from burning under the broiler.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this French Onion Chicken & Rice hot, straight from the skillet. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and add a side of green beans or a fresh green salad to complete the meal. A slice of crusty bread would also complement the savory flavors beautifully.

Tips for Success

1. Low and Slow for Onions: Caramelizing onions takes time. Be patient, as rushing this step can lead to burned onions instead of sweet, caramelized ones.
2. Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: Make sure your skillet or Dutch oven is oven-safe, so you can seamlessly transition from stovetop to oven.
3. Adjust Liquid as Needed: Check rice before adding cheese. If the rice isn’t fully cooked, add an extra splash of water or broth and bake for a few more minutes.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor.
2. Use Different Cheese: Substitute mozzarella with Gruyère or Swiss cheese for a more traditional French onion flavor.
3. Add Herbs: Try rosemary or sage in addition to thyme for an herbal twist.
4. Try Brown Rice: Substitute with brown rice for a healthier option, but increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion

French Onion Chicken & Rice combines the irresistible flavors of caramelized onions, juicy chicken, and fluffy rice in a comforting one-pan dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any weeknight. With a topping of melted cheese, this recipe is bound to become a favorite for those who enjoy hearty, flavorful meals with minimal cleanup. Enjoy this delicious blend of textures and tastes straight from the oven!

Yield: 4

French Onion Chicken & Rice Recipe

Print

This French Onion Chicken & Rice dish is the perfect one-pan meal that delivers rich flavors and comfort in every bite. It combines juicy chicken breasts with caramelized onions, savory herbs, and fluffy rice, all baked together in a creamy broth. It’s an ideal recipe for weeknights, offering minimal cleanup with maximum taste.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Caramelize the Onions:
   In the same skillet, add butter and sliced onions. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the onions are soft and caramelized.
   
4. Add Rice and Broth:
   Stir in the uncooked rice, thyme, beef broth, and water. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the chicken back to the skillet, nestling it into the rice and broth mixture.
   
5. Bake:
   Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
   
6. Add Cheese and Broil:
   Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the chicken and rice. Switch the oven to broil and place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   
7. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Broth Options: For extra flavor, you can use a combination of beef and chicken broth.

Add Vegetables: Consider adding mushrooms or green beans for extra flavor and texture.