Name: Delicious French Onion Chicken & Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Ingredients: 3 cups chicken stock; 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 4 ounces shredded Gruyère cheese; 3–4 cups cooked chicken, torn into chunks; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/3 cup brandy or white wine; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 3 pounds sweet onions, halved and sliced; 1 teaspoon dried tarragon; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice; 2 cups baby spinach (about 2–3 oz); 8 oz button mushrooms, sliced

If you’re looking for a dish that brings comfort, warmth, and a dash of elegance to your dining table, look no further than French Onion Chicken & Rice. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and sweet caramelized onions topped with melted Gruyère cheese, creating a flavorful symphony that delights the senses. French Onion Chicken & Rice is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of rich flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or special occasions.

One of the greatest appeals of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a savory dish that feels gourmet without the fuss. The slow caramelization of onions transforms them into dark, sweet morsels that perfectly complement the creamy rice and juicy chicken. Plus, the incorporation of Gruyère cheese elevates the dish, adding a rich, nutty flavor that ties everything together. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish promises to impress everyone at the table.

In addition to its taste, French Onion Chicken & Rice offers numerous benefits. It’s a one-pan dish that cuts down on cleanup time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of protein from the chicken, healthy fats from olive oil, and fiber from spinach and rice creates a balanced meal that nourishes both body and soul. Overall, French Onion Chicken & Rice isn’t just a recipe; it’s a warm embrace on a plate, and once you try it, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know.

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Chicken & Rice

Delicious Comfort Food: The blend of flavors makes every bite comforting and satisfying.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, this dish is perfect for home cooks of any skill level.
Perfectly Balanced Meal: Offers a delicious mix of protein, carbs, and vitamins from vegetables.
Family-Friendly: A meal that appeals to all ages—kids and adults alike will love it!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this flavorful adventure, prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Start by ensuring you have a large skillet or Dutch oven for cooking the onions and another pot for the mushrooms and rice. A spacious 9×13-inch baking dish is required for assembling the final masterpiece before it goes into the oven. Make sure your utensils are ready: a sharp knife for slicing onions, a wooden spoon for stirring, and measuring cups/spoons for accuracy in your ingredients.

Curb the chaos by prepping all your ingredients beforehand. Slice your onions, measure out your spices, and shred the Gruyère cheese. This mise en place technique streamlines the cooking process and ensures nothing is overlooked. Lastly, have some oven mitts on hand, as you will be broiling the dish at the end, giving that gooey cheese topping its signature bubble and browning.

Ingredients

3 cups chicken stock
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon minced garlic
4 ounces shredded Gruyère cheese
3–4 cups cooked chicken, torn into chunks
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/3 cup brandy or white wine
1 teaspoon dried thyme
3 pounds sweet onions, halved and sliced
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
2 cups baby spinach (about 2–3 oz)
8 oz button mushrooms, sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start your journey by caramelizing the onions, which is the heart and soul of this recipe. In a pan over medium-low heat, combine 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the mixture is hot, toss in the sliced onions. Stir occasionally, allowing them to cook for about 30–45 minutes until they achieve a deep golden color. This slow-cooking process brings out the inherent sweetness of the onions.

Once your onions are beautifully caramelized, it’s time to enhance their flavor. Add minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, dried tarragon, and dried thyme to the skillet. Let this mixture cook for an additional minute, stirring gently. Then, carefully add brandy or white wine to the skillet, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to meld. Finally, stir in Worcestershire sauce and set the caramelized onions aside to mingle their flavors.

Step 2: Cook Mushrooms & Rice

In a separate pot, the next step is to cook the mushrooms. You want to achieve a lovely golden-brown texture, so cook the sliced button mushrooms over medium heat without any oil until they are nicely browned—this should take around 5 to 10 minutes. Once browned, add in the remaining butter and olive oil.

Next, it’s time for the rice! Stir in the uncooked white rice to the pot and cook it for about 5 minutes, allowing it to soak up the flavors and heat. Following this, add the baby spinach to the pot, cooking just long enough for it to wilt—this should take only about 1 minute.

Step 3: Simmer with Stock

Once your rice and vegetables are ready, pour in the chicken stock, stirring to combine everything. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for approximately 15 minutes. This stage allows the flavors to coalesce, and the rice absorbs the chicken stock, creating a delightful base for your dish. Stir in the heavy cream along with the cooked chicken chunks, heating just until everything is warmed through. You want a creamy consistency that’s rich and inviting.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

Now the fun part, assembling your masterpiece! Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the rice mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Gently layer the caramelized onions on top, allowing their sweet flavor to permeate through the rice below. Finally, sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese liberally over the top. Its melting properties make it the ideal finish for this dish.

Step 5: Broil & Serve

To finish, place your dish under the broiler until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden—this usually takes just a few minutes, so keep a close eye on it. Once ready, remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve hot to your eager diners, ready to dig into a dish that exudes warmth and comfort.

Variations

Protein: Substitute the chicken for shredded beef, pork, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
Vegetables: Add additional veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, to enhance the nutrient profile and color of the dish.
Spices: Incorporate spices such as smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat and flavor complexity.

Cooking Notes

This dish is perfect for meal prep; you can make it ahead of time and reheat it easily in the oven.
If you prefer a bit of crunch, consider adding toasted breadcrumbs on top before broiling for texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess of the dish.
A crisp white wine pairs beautifully, complementing the flavors of the chicken and cream.

Tips

For maximum flavor, use homemade chicken stock if possible, as it adds a depth you can’t get from store-bought.
Don’t rush the caramelization of the onions; the longer and slower they cook, the sweeter and tastier they will be.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 640 per serving
Protein: 32 grams
Sodium: 800 mg

FAQs

Can I make French Onion Chicken & Rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it in the oven until warmed through before serving.

What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese?

If you can’t find Gruyère cheese, Swiss cheese or even mozzarella can be used as a substitute, although it may alter the flavor slightly.

Can I use different types of onions?

Yes! While sweet onions are preferred for their flavors, you can experiment with yellow or red onions for a different taste profile.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before enjoying.

Conclusion

French Onion Chicken & Rice is a delightful recipe that combines simplicity with elegance. With tender chicken, creamy rice, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Its warm and comforting nature makes it perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive gathering. We hope you try this easy recipe and enjoy each bite! Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you’ve tried in the comments below. Happy cooking!