If you’re looking for a dish that’s both hearty and elegant with minimal effort, French Onion Chicken Rice is the perfect choice. It combines tender chicken, caramelized onions, and flavorful rice baked together in a rich, savory broth. Inspired by the comforting taste of French onion soup, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful meal that feels gourmet yet is incredibly easy to make.
I’ve made this dish many times for family dinners, and it’s always a hit. Once, I tried swapping the rice for quinoa—it still turned out delicious and flavorful. The caramelized onions add a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the chicken and rice, while the melted cheese on top brings everything together. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with a cozy aroma and your table with smiles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This French Onion Chicken Rice recipe is everything you want in a comfort meal—rich, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s a complete dinner made in one dish, saving you time on cleanup. The French onion flavor adds depth, while the melted cheese and perfectly cooked rice make it satisfying and filling. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this recipe always impresses.
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French Onion Chicken Rice: A Savory, Comforting One-Pan Delight
- Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A savory and comforting one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, caramelized onions, and flavorful rice infused with French onion soup mix for an easy and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can French onion soup
- 1 (1-ounce) packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized.
- Remove onions from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lightly sear the chicken breasts on both sides (2–3 minutes per side). They do not need to be fully cooked.
- In a large bowl, combine uncooked rice, chicken broth, French onion soup, and dry onion soup mix. Stir to mix.
- Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Arrange chicken breasts on top, then spoon the caramelized onions over the chicken.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove foil, sprinkle with mozzarella or Swiss cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For richer flavor, use a mix of mozzarella and Gruyère cheese.
- Substitute brown rice, but increase the baking time by 15–20 minutes and add extra broth if needed.
- Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Lean and tender, they soak up the rich onion flavor beautifully. You can also use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Long-grain white rice – Absorbs all the savory flavors from the broth and onions, becoming perfectly tender and flavorful.
Onions – The star of the dish. Caramelizing them slowly brings out their natural sweetness and signature French onion flavor.
Beef broth – Adds depth and richness that mimics classic French onion soup. You can substitute chicken broth if you prefer a lighter taste.
Butter – Essential for caramelizing the onions and adding richness to the overall dish.
Olive oil – Helps cook the onions evenly without burning and adds a layer of flavor.
Garlic – Enhances the savory notes and balances the sweetness of the caramelized onions.
Gruyère or Swiss cheese – Melts beautifully over the top, adding that signature cheesy French onion flavor.
Dried thyme – Adds a subtle, herby depth that complements the onions and chicken.
Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
Fresh parsley (optional) – For a garnish that adds color and freshness before serving.
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Caramelize the onions: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until golden brown and caramelized. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Prepare the casserole base: Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the prepared baking dish. Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the rice.
- Add the onions and broth: Spoon the caramelized onions evenly over the chicken, then pour in the beef broth. Sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Add cheese topping: Remove the foil, sprinkle Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes total—20 minutes for prep and 55 minutes for cooking. It’s perfect for a comforting family dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. Add a splash of broth if needed to keep the rice moist. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months—thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy French Onion Chicken Rice
Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream before baking for a richer, creamier version.
Mushroom Lovers’ Version
Add sautéed mushrooms to the onions for an earthy, umami-packed twist.
Cheesy Delight
Top with a mix of Gruyère and mozzarella for extra gooey texture and flavor.
Herb-Infused Option
Add rosemary or a pinch of sage for a deeper, aromatic note.
Vegetable Boost
Mix in baby spinach or peas before baking for added color and nutrition.
One-Pot Skillet Version
Make it all in an oven-safe skillet for fewer dishes and faster cleanup.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by about 15–20 minutes and add extra broth if needed.
2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just reduce the baking time by about 15 minutes since the chicken only needs to heat through.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble it a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
4. Can I use French onion soup mix instead of fresh onions?
You can for convenience, but caramelized onions give a much richer, homemade flavor.
5. What kind of cheese works best?
Gruyère is classic, but Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella are great alternatives.
6. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use olive oil instead of butter and skip the cheese, or use dairy-free alternatives.
7. How do I prevent the rice from overcooking?
Make sure the dish is tightly covered with foil and check at the 45-minute mark.
8. Can I add wine to this recipe?
Yes, deglaze the onions with a splash of white wine for extra flavor before adding to the dish.
9. What sides go well with this meal?
A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables make perfect companions.
10. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely—replace the chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
Conclusion
French Onion Chicken Rice is a comforting, flavorful dish that transforms humble ingredients into something truly special. The sweetness of caramelized onions, the savory depth of the broth, and the creamy melted cheese create a meal that’s rich, satisfying, and deeply comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family or simply craving a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your oven—easy, hearty, and utterly delicious.
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