French Onion Chicken & Rice: 4 Reasons to Savor Tonight

Welcome to the comforting world of French Onion Chicken & Rice! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly night, combining savory caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy rice into one glorious casserole. Imagine digging into a hearty meal where each bite is packed with flavor—it’s truly a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. The rich, onion-smothered goodness just melts in your mouth, while the Gruyère cheese adds a delightful touch of creaminess that’s hard to resist. Trust me, this easy French onion chicken and rice bake will quickly become your go-to recipe when you need something satisfying and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into the magic of this comforting dish!

Ingredients List

• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 3 pounds sweet onion, cut in half and sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dry tarragon
• 1 teaspoon dry thyme
• 1/3 cup brandy or white wine
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 ½ cups white uncooked rice
• 2 cups baby spinach, packed
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3–4 cups cooked chicken, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 4 ounces Gruyere Swiss cheese, shredded

How to Prepare French Onion Chicken & Rice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! This French Onion Chicken & Rice recipe is a delightful journey to flavor town, and I promise it’ll be easier than you might think. Follow these steps for a scrumptious dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!

First things first, gather your ingredients. You’ve got your butter and olive oil ready, right? Good! Let’s start by melting two tablespoons of butter with two tablespoons of olive oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. This combo helps get those onions nice and caramelized. Trust me, the smell will be heavenly!

Now, add the sliced sweet onions to the pan. Here’s a little tip: Don’t stir them just yet! Let them sit untouched for about 15 minutes. This allows the natural sugars to start caramelizing beautifully. After that, give them a gentle stir and let them cook for another 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them – if they’re not quite golden and sweet yet, feel free to let them go for another 10-15 minutes. Patience is key here!

Once your onions are perfectly caramelized, turn the heat up to medium and toss in the minced garlic. Cook it for just one minute until it’s fragrant. You don’t want to burn it—oops! Now season everything with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, dry tarragon, and thyme, and give it another minute to bloom those flavors.

Next, it’s time to add the brandy or white wine. Make sure to remove the skillet from the heat, pour it in, and let it bubble away until the liquid evaporates, which should take about five minutes. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor, so don’t skip it!

While your onions are doing their thing, let’s move on to the rice. In a medium pot over medium-high heat, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Cook them until they’re browned, which takes about 5-10 minutes. Once they’re looking good, add the remaining butter and olive oil. Once that’s all melted, stir in the uncooked rice and cook for another five minutes. It’ll get a little toasty, and that’s just what we want!

Now, add in the baby spinach. You’ll want to wilt it down for about a minute—it’ll shrink quite a bit, but that’s okay! Now, pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a simmer. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it cook for 15 minutes. This is where the magic happens, so resist the urge to peek!

After 15 minutes, remove the lid and gently stir in the heavy cream and the cooked chicken pieces. Heat everything just until it’s hot but not boiling. We want the chicken to warm through without overcooking. Now, it’s time to combine everything!

Pour the warm rice mixture into a sprayed casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Top it with those delicious caramelized onions you made earlier. And of course, let’s not forget the Gruyere cheese! Sprinkle it generously on top.

Finally, pop the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it, as this happens fast! The golden, gooey cheese is the perfect finish to this comforting dish.

When it’s ready, serve it immediately while it’s hot and cheesy. I guarantee everyone will be raving about how delicious this meal is. So grab a fork and dig in—you’ve earned it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, this dish is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
• Flavor Explosion: The savory caramelized onions combined with tender chicken and creamy rice create an irresistible taste that everyone loves.
• Comfort Food: This recipe brings warmth and satisfaction, making it an ideal choice for chilly nights or family gatherings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy digging into this hearty meal, ensuring it’s a hit at your dinner table.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax and enjoy your delicious creation!

Tips for Success

To make sure your French Onion Chicken & Rice turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t rush the caramelization process—those sweet onions need time to develop their rich flavor, so be patient! If you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

If Gruyere isn’t your favorite, feel free to swap it out for mozzarella or cheddar! And remember, you can toss in other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. Lastly, keep an eye on the broiler; it can go from bubbly to burnt in a flash! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to comfort food, it’s always good to know what you’re serving! Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. Below are the estimated nutritional values for one serving of French Onion Chicken & Rice:

• Calories: 650
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 35g

This dish is not just comforting but also a great source of protein, thanks to the chicken! Enjoy your meal while keeping these nutritional values in mind!

FAQ Section

Q1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this French Onion Chicken & Rice recipe?
Absolutely! You can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it takes longer to cook. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, adding about 15-20 minutes to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender. It’ll also give you a lovely nutty flavor!

Q2. Is it okay to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, making this savory onion chicken rice bake ahead of time is a great idea! You can prepare it up to the point of baking and then refrigerate it. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q3. What can I substitute for Gruyere cheese?
If Gruyere isn’t available, don’t worry! You can substitute it with mozzarella for a milder taste, or cheddar for a sharper kick. Both will melt beautifully and complement the flavors of the dish.

Q4. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Definitely! To make a slow cooker French onion chicken and rice, simply caramelize the onions in a skillet first, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. You’ll end up with a delicious one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy days!

Q5. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
To keep your creamy onion chicken and rice skillet fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to keep it creamy and delicious!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your French Onion Chicken & Rice leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the dish cool completely before sealing it up to avoid condensation. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of chicken stock or cream to keep it creamy and prevent drying out. Heat gently over medium-low until warmed through, and you’ll have that comforting dish ready to enjoy once more!

Call to Action

I’d love to hear how your French Onion Chicken & Rice turns out! Please leave a comment below sharing your experience, any twists you added, or questions you may have. If you enjoyed this recipe, consider rating it and sharing it with your friends on social media! Let’s spread the love for this comforting dish together. Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Pinterest page!

Print