If you love the classic flavors of French onion soup and crave a hearty one-pan dinner, this French Onion Chicken and Rice Recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Tender, juicy chicken nestled among caramelized onions, fluffy rice, and a crown of melty Gruyère cheese—it’s pure comfort food with a gourmet twist, all baked together until perfectly golden and bubbly. This dish brings together savory depth, just the right hint of sweetness from the onions, and that irresistible cheesy finish for a meal you’ll want to share with your favorite people.

French Onion Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun, and with this list, you’ll notice how each item adds a special something to the dish. Simple staples are transformed into magic when layered and baked together in this French Onion Chicken and Rice Recipe.

Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose whichever you prefer; thighs are extra juicy, while breasts are lean and tender.
Olive oil: Provides richness and helps everything brown up beautifully.
Yellow onions: Sliced thin and slowly caramelized, they give the dish its signature sweet-savory base.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves for a fragrant depth of flavor.
Long grain white rice: Absorbs all those glorious juices and bakes up perfectly fluffy.
Beef broth: Adds richness and the unmistakable umami that echoes French onion soup.
Water: Gives the rice just the right amount of moisture as everything bakes.
Worcestershire sauce: A secret weapon for deep, savory complexity.
Dried thyme: A subtle herby note that works wonders with onions and chicken.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out the best in every ingredient.
Gruyère or Swiss cheese: Melted on top for that signature cheesy finish—Gruyère is classic, but Swiss or even mozzarella are great substitutes.
Fresh parsley (optional): A pop of green and brightness to finish things off.

How to Make French Onion Chicken and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by turning thinly sliced yellow onions into pure gold. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, then add your onions. Stir occasionally and give them about 15–20 minutes to develop that gorgeous, deep golden color. Just before they’re done, stir in the minced garlic for a quick minute—this helps build the base of flavor that sets this French Onion Chicken and Rice Recipe apart.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season your chicken with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Add the last bit of olive oil to the empty skillet, crank the heat up a notch, and sear each piece on both sides until golden (about 3–4 minutes per side). This step locks in the juices, ensuring each bite of chicken is moist and flavorful. Remove the chicken and keep it handy for the next layer.

Step 3: Toast the Rice and Build the Flavor Base

Don’t wipe out the skillet—instead, pour in the uncooked rice and stir it into the little browned bits left from browning the chicken and onions. This step adds toasty undertones and allows the rice to pick up every drop of flavor. Next, pour in beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme, then gently bring it to a simmer. Remove the skillet from the heat—now it’s time to layer and prepare for baking.

Step 4: Arrange and Bake

Nestle your beautifully seared chicken back into the pan, then scatter the caramelized onions over everything. Cover tightly with a lid or foil to help the rice cook evenly and the ingredients meld together. Bake in your preheated 375°F oven for 35–40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender and fluffy—a true one-pan wonder!

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Carefully remove the lid or foil, and evenly sprinkle Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the top. Pop the skillet back into the oven uncovered for 5–7 more minutes. You’re looking for that perfect, golden, bubbly cheese crust that makes this French Onion Chicken and Rice Recipe impossible to resist. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and freshness if you like, then serve it up hot!

How to Serve French Onion Chicken and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds just the right amount of brightness and color against the cheesy, golden crust. If you want to take it up a notch, a few extra grinds of black pepper or even a tiny drizzle of olive oil give it that chef’s kiss finish just before serving.

Side Dishes

This French Onion Chicken and Rice Recipe is a meal all on its own, but it also plays beautifully with a simple side salad dressed in a mustard vinaigrette or some crisp roasted green beans. A basket of warm baguette slices is a classic pairing, perfect for sopping up every last drop of savory sauce in the skillet!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re in the mood to impress, try serving the chicken and rice in individual ovenproof bowls, much like a traditional French onion soup. Top with extra cheese and give each bowl a quick broil for maximum melt and color. Or, for a cozy family dinner, just bring the whole skillet right to the table and let everyone help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover French Onion Chicken and Rice Recipe keeps beautifully! Simply transfer any remaining chicken and rice into an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if you love it even more the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow everything to cool completely, then portion out the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent drying out and revive the creamy texture of the rice. A quick blast under the broiler melts the cheese topping all over again—so irresistible!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both boneless, skinless chicken thighs and breasts work well in this French Onion Chicken and Rice Recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving, but breasts stay tender if you’re careful not to overcook them.

What’s the best cheese substitute if I don’t have Gruyère?

If you can’t find Gruyère, Swiss cheese is a fantastic stand-in, offering similar melt and a nutty flavor. Mozzarella also works in a pinch for a gooier finish, though the flavor will be milder.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make the French Onion Chicken and Rice Recipe dairy-free, simply omit the cheese or use your favorite non-dairy shredded cheese alternative. The dish will still be flavorful thanks to the caramelized onions and well-seasoned chicken and rice.

Is it possible to use brown rice instead?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it takes longer to cook and may need a bit more liquid. Check after 40 minutes in the oven and add more broth as needed until the rice is fully tender.

Can I add other vegetables?

Feel free! Sliced mushrooms, spinach, or even bell peppers would be right at home in this cozy skillet. Add heartier veggies with the onions so they have time to soften, or stir in greens just before the cheese goes on for a quick wilt.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cozy dinner that feels both classic and a little bit special, the French Onion Chicken and Rice Recipe has your name written all over it. With savory-sweet onions, juicy chicken, and melty cheese all baked together, every bite is a comfort—perfect for sharing with family or those friends who feel like family. Give it a try and let this dish become one of your most-requested favorites!

French Onion Chicken and Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of French Onion Chicken and Rice. This hearty one-pan dish combines tender chicken, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese, all baked to perfection with fragrant rice. A comforting and satisfying meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil

Caramelized Onions:

2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Rice Mixture:

1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Caramelize the onions: Cook the onions in olive oil until golden brown, then add garlic.
Prepare the chicken: Season and sear the chicken until golden.
Combine ingredients: Add rice, broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme to the skillet.
Bake: Nestle chicken and onions in the rice mixture, bake until cooked through.
Add cheese: Sprinkle cheese over the top and bake until melted.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy hot.