French Onion Chicken & Rice

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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the mark quite like French Onion Chicken & Rice. This rich, creamy, cheesy dish brings together the deep, caramelized flavors of French onion soup, the heartiness of chicken and rice, and the gooey decadence of Gruyère cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this casserole-style meal is an absolute crowd-pleaser and makes for amazing leftovers.

Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving something warm and satisfying, this one-pan wonder has everything you need:
Savory caramelized onions
Tender, juicy chicken
Hearty rice infused with a rich, creamy sauce
Earthy mushrooms & fresh spinach for extra flavor
A golden, bubbly Gruyère cheese topping

This dish is slow-cooked perfection, letting the onions and mushrooms develop layers of deep, rich flavor. You’ll love how everything comes together in one comforting, flavor-packed casserole!

French Onion Chicken & Rice
French Onion Chicken & Rice

🥄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Inspired by French Onion Soup – If you love the deep, sweet flavor of caramelized onions, this dish delivers that in every bite.
One-Pan Wonder – Everything cooks in one skillet before going into the oven, making cleanup a breeze.
Perfect for Meal Prep – This dish reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day!
Family-Friendly – Packed with familiar flavors that both kids and adults will love.
Easy to Customize – Adjust the seasonings, add extra veggies, or swap proteins to fit your taste.


🍗 French Onion Chicken & Rice – What You’ll Need

This flavor-packed casserole comes together with a handful of simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating deep, complex flavors in this dish.

🧅 For the Caramelized Onions

3 tbsp butter, divided – Adds richness to the onions.
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided – Helps the onions cook evenly without burning.
3 lbs sweet onions (about 4 large), sliced – The star ingredient! Slowly caramelized for maximum flavor.
1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced – Adds an aromatic kick.
1½ tsp kosher salt – Enhances the natural sweetness of the onions.
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper – Balances the sweetness with a touch of spice.
1 tsp dry tarragon & 1 tsp dry thyme – Earthy, aromatic herbs that complement the onions beautifully.
⅓ cup brandy or white wine – Deglazes the pan and deepens the flavor (optional but highly recommended).
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami and richness.

🍄 For the Rice & Chicken Base

8 oz button mushrooms, sliced – Adds depth and a hearty texture.
1½ cups uncooked white rice – Absorbs all the delicious flavors.
2 cups baby spinach (packed) – Adds freshness and color.
3 cups chicken stock – The base for cooking the rice.
1 cup heavy cream – Makes everything luscious and creamy.
3-4 cups cooked, bite-sized chicken – Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here.

🧀 The Cheesy Topping

4 oz Gruyère Swiss cheese, shredded – Melts into a golden, bubbly, irresistible topping!


🔥 Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

This recipe is easy to follow and worth every minute of effort! Follow these simple steps for the most delicious French Onion Chicken & Rice.

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions (The Flavor Foundation) 🍳

1️⃣ Heat 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
2️⃣ Add sliced onions and season with salt & pepper. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 30-45 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown.
3️⃣ Stir in garlic, tarragon, and thyme and cook for 1 minute.
4️⃣ Pour in the brandy (or white wine) and let it cook until evaporated, about 2 minutes.
5️⃣ Add Worcestershire sauce, stir to combine, and set the onions aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms & Toast the Rice 🍄🍚

1️⃣ In the same skillet, cook sliced mushrooms over medium heat (without oil or butter) for 5-10 minutes until browned.
2️⃣ Add remaining butter and olive oil, then stir in uncooked rice and toast for 5 minutes until slightly golden.

Step 3: Add the Spinach & Cook the Rice 🌿

1️⃣ Stir in baby spinach and cook for 1 minute, until wilted.
2️⃣ Pour in chicken stock, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until the rice is tender.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole 🍗

1️⃣ Remove the skillet from heat and stir in heavy cream and cooked chicken.
2️⃣ Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Step 5: Add the Onions & Cheese 🧀

1️⃣ Top the casserole with the caramelized onions.
2️⃣ Sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese evenly on top.

Step 6: Broil to Perfection 🔥

1️⃣ Place the casserole under the broiler for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
2️⃣ Serve immediately and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, onion-infused bite!


✨ Tips for the Best French Onion Chicken & Rice

Patience is Key for Caramelized Onions – Let them cook low and slow for the best depth of flavor.
Don’t Skip Toasting the Rice – It adds a nutty, slightly chewy texture that enhances the dish.
Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience – Saves time while adding rich, roasted flavor.
Customize Your Cheese – Try Parmesan, mozzarella, or provolone for a twist.


🥑 Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

Calories: ~480
Carbs: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g

This dish is comforting yet balanced, packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber from the spinach and mushrooms.


🍽 What to Serve with French Onion Chicken & Rice

This dish is hearty enough to be a full meal, but if you’re looking for the perfect sides, here are some ideas:

Garlic Bread – For soaking up all that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Crisp Green Salad – A refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans make a great addition.
A Glass of White Wine – Pair with a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the flavors.


🤩 Why This Dish is a Must-Try

Every bite of French Onion Chicken & Rice is like a hug in a bowl. It’s:
Rich, creamy, and ultra-flavorful
Loaded with caramelized onions, cheese, and tender chicken
A perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights
Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients

If you love French onion soup, chicken and rice casseroles, and cheesy, melty comfort food, this recipe will become your new go-to favorite.

So grab your skillet, your favorite cheese, and a big appetite, because this dish is pure comfort food magic! ✨🍽

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French Onion Chicken & Rice

🧅 French Onion Chicken & Rice – Ultimate Comfort Food!


  • Author: therecipemingle
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 8

Ingredients

✔ 3 tbsp butter, divided
✔ 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
✔ 3 lbs sweet onions (about 4 large), sliced
✔ 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
✔ 1½ tsp kosher salt
✔ ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
✔ 1 tsp dry tarragon
✔ 1 tsp dry thyme
✔ ⅓ cup brandy or white wine
✔ 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
✔ 8 oz button mushrooms, sliced
✔ 1½ cups uncooked white rice
✔ 2 cups baby spinach (packed)
✔ 3 cups chicken stock
✔ 1 cup heavy cream
✔ 3-4 cups cooked, bite-sized chicken (rotisserie works great!)
✔ 4 oz Gruyère Swiss cheese, shredded


Instructions

1️⃣ Caramelize onions: In a large skillet, cook onions in butter & oil over medium-low heat for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2️⃣ Add garlic, salt, pepper, tarragon, thyme, and cook for 1 minute. Pour in brandy (off heat) and cook until liquid evaporates. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and set aside.
3️⃣ Cook mushrooms in a dry pan until browned (5-10 mins). Add remaining butter & oil, then stir in rice and cook for 5 mins.
4️⃣ Stir in spinach and cook until wilted (1 min). Add chicken stock, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 mins.
5️⃣ Remove from heat, stir in cream and chicken, and transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
6️⃣ Top with caramelized onions & Gruyère cheese. Broil until melted, golden, and bubbly.
7️⃣ Serve immediately and enjoy the deliciousness!

  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 1 hour

Nutrition

  • Calories: 480
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 30g

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