French Onion Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe
Introduction
French Onion Chicken Rice combines the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions with tender chicken and comforting rice, all topped with melted cheese. This one-pan dish is a delightful twist on classic French onion soup, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère or mozzarella works well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread the cooked rice evenly. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Spread the caramelized onions over the chicken and rice. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top, and return to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
Tips & Variations
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier meat and more flavor.
- Add a splash of white wine or beef broth while caramelizing the onions for extra depth.
- Try different cheeses like Swiss or cheddar for a unique twist.
- Include fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary for added aroma.
Storage
Store leftover French Onion Chicken Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to maintain moisture. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the chicken tender.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use raw rice instead of cooked rice?
This recipe works best with pre-cooked rice since the baking time isn’t sufficient to cook raw rice fully. If using raw rice, you will need to adjust the baking time and add additional liquid.
What type of cheese works best for this dish?
Gruyère cheese is ideal for its nutty flavor and excellent melting quality, but mozzarella, Swiss, or even a mild cheddar can also be used depending on your preference.
PrintFrench Onion Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe
French Onion Chicken Rice is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken baked with caramelized onions, savory rice, and melted cheese topping for a deliciously cheesy finish.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
Grains
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese or Gruyère cheese
Other
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring frequently, until they turn a rich golden brown and caramelize, about 25-30 minutes. Season lightly with salt during cooking to help draw out moisture.
- Prepare Chicken and Rice: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, evenly spread the uncooked rice. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice. Pour the chicken broth over the rice and chicken, ensuring the rice is fully submerged.
- Add Caramelized Onions: Spoon the caramelized onions evenly over the chicken breasts, distributing the flavorful onions on top of the meat and rice.
- Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap steam, and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chicken and rice. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the rice to set.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, you can deglaze the onion pan with a splash of dry white wine or sherry before adding onions to the baking dish.
- Use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat; cooking time may need slight adjustment.
- Gruyère cheese pairs best for an authentic French onion taste, but Swiss cheese is a great substitute.
- Make sure the rice is fully submerged in broth to ensure even cooking and avoid dryness.
Keywords: French Onion Chicken Rice, One-Pot Meal, Baked Chicken with Rice, Caramelized Onions, Cheesy Chicken Rice
