Description
This comforting French Onion Chicken & Rice recipe features tender chicken breasts seared to a golden brown, simmered with caramelized onions, garlic, and a fragrant blend of herbs, all baked together with fluffy rice and topped with melty Gruyere cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that’s both savory and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Rice and Onion Mixture
- 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
Topping
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
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. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a golden brown color. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Caramelize Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until caramelized and sweet. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma.
- Add Rice and Seasonings: Stir the rice into the onion mixture along with chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Nestle the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese evenly over the dish. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the French Onion Chicken & Rice warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Using an oven-safe skillet is essential for transitioning from stovetop searing to oven baking.
- Gruyere cheese melts beautifully and provides a nutty flavor, but Swiss cheese is a great substitute.
- You can adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked by checking for no pink in the center or using a meat thermometer.
- For a richer onion flavor, caramelize the onions longer on low heat until deeply browned.
