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!
🥄 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! ✨🍽
Print
🧅 French Onion Chicken & Rice – Ultimate Comfort Food!
- 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