Description

This French Onion Chicken & Rice recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with caramelized onions, garlic, and a flavorful blend of herbs and chicken broth. Baked together with long-grain rice and topped with melted Gruyere or Swiss cheese, this comforting one-pan dish offers a deliciously rich and cheesy twist on classic French onion flavors, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Dairy

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese

Vegetables & Aromatics

2 large onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Staples & Seasonings

2 tablespoons olive oil
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

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, then sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Caramelize Onions: Using the same skillet, cook the thinly sliced onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply caramelized, about 15 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper into the caramelized onion mixture. Mix well to combine.
Combine Chicken and Rice: Nestle the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice and onion mixture evenly in the skillet.
Bake Covered: Cover the skillet with a lid or tightly with foil, then bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the cover and sprinkle shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese over the top. Return the skillet to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve the French Onion Chicken & Rice warm for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Notes

Use an oven-safe skillet such as cast iron to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
For added depth, you can use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness.
Gruyere cheese is preferred for its authentic French flavor, but Swiss cheese works well as a substitute.
Make sure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking; you can pound them slightly if needed.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.