Description
Comfort meets elegance in this French onion chicken rice, where caramelized onions and tender chicken meld with creamy rice for a hearty meal. Rich, savory flavors invite you to savor each delightful spoonful of this classic French-inspired comfort dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Rice and Liquid Base:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or basmati)
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup water
Seasonings and Add-ins:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 packet (1 ounce) dry onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Create a flavor profile for the chicken by generously seasoning with an aromatic blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious oven-safe skillet over medium heat, then carefully sear the seasoned chicken pieces until they develop a rich, golden-brown exterior. Transfer the chicken to a temporary holding plate.
- Utilize the same skillet to transform sliced onions into a luxurious caramelized foundation. Melt butter and slowly cook the onions, stirring intermittently, allowing them to develop a deep golden color and intense sweetness.
- Introduce uncooked rice to the caramelized onions, gently toasting the grains to enhance their nutty flavor. Pour in beef broth, water, dry onion soup mix, and additional thyme, creating a flavorful liquid base that will infuse the rice with rich, savory notes.
- Carefully return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the rice and onion mixture. Ensure an even distribution to promote uniform cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil. Allow the dish to bake, transforming the raw ingredients into a harmonious, comforting meal.
- After the rice becomes tender and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature, uncover the skillet and generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface.
- Activate the broiler and position the skillet underneath, watching carefully as the cheese melts into a bubbling, golden-brown blanket that adds a final layer of indulgence to the dish.
Notes
- Swap chicken thighs or breasts depending on personal preference, ensuring even cooking and juiciness.
- Select sweet onions like Vidalia for deeper caramelization and richer flavor profile.
- Choose low-sodium beef broth to control salt content and prevent overly salty results.
- Toast rice briefly before adding liquid to enhance nutty undertones and improve overall texture.
- Use fresh thyme instead of dried for more vibrant herbaceous notes when available.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or Emmental for authentic French onion style complexity.
- Allow chicken to rest 5-7 minutes after baking to redistribute internal juices and maintain tenderness.
- Check rice doneness by gently fluffing with fork – grains should be separate and tender without mushiness.
- Adjust liquid ratio slightly if using brown rice, which requires more moisture and longer cooking time.
- For gluten-free version, replace onion soup mix with homemade seasoning blend of dried herbs and spices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 394
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 348 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg