French Onion Chicken & Rice is a delightful one-pan meal that combines juicy chicken, caramelized onions, and savory, seasoned rice. Topped with melted cheese, this dish is the ultimate comfort food for cozy family dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks together, which means fewer dishes to clean up.
Rich Flavors: The caramelized onions and melted Gruyere or Swiss cheese add an irresistible depth of flavor.
Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or add your own twists.
Family-Friendly: A hearty, satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe fits the bill.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, cook the onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized, about 15 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Stir in the rice, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Nestle the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture in the skillet.
Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Remove the skillet from the oven, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken and rice, and return it to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
Cheese Options: Swap Gruyere or Swiss for mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone for a different flavor profile.
Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier result or use pork chops.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the rice mixture for extra nutrition.
Herb Choices: Use rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different herbal note.
Grain Swaps: Replace white rice with brown rice or quinoa, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist.
Related Recipes:
- One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice
- Easy One-Pan Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans Dinner
- One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken with Potatoes & Green Beans
FAQs
How can I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
I recommend using long-grain white rice and ensuring the chicken broth measurements are accurate. Avoid overcooking.
Can I use a different type of skillet?
Yes, any oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven will work. Just ensure it has a tight-fitting lid.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the dish up until the baking step, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready to serve.
What should I serve alongside this dish?
A fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread pairs perfectly with French Onion Chicken & Rice.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Conclusion
French Onion Chicken & Rice is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. From the caramelized onions to the cheesy topping, every bite is packed with deliciousness. Give it a try, and let it become a staple in your recipe collection!
📖 Recipe:
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French Onion Chicken & Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
French Onion Chicken & Rice is a comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, caramelized onions, and seasoned rice, all topped with melted cheese. This flavorful and family-friendly dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, caramelize onions over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in rice, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Nestle the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
- Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Sprinkle cheese over the dish and return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use long-grain white rice to avoid mushiness.
Substitute cheese, protein, or add vegetables to customize the dish.
For a dairy-free version, omit cheese or use alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
