Description
How to make Easy French Onion Chicken Rice Bake with savory chicken, caramelized onions, and cheesy rice that’s perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- Base & Main Components:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Aromatics & Flavor Builders:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Seasonings & Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- Finishing Touches:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In an oven-safe pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions, cooking slowly for 20-25 minutes until deeply golden and sweet. This creates the delicious base for your Easy French Onion Chicken Rice Bake. Ensure they’re truly softened.
- Brown Chicken: Remove onions, set aside. Brown chicken thighs in the same pot for 3-4 minutes per side. Deglaze with white wine, scraping up bits. Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. This builds flavor for your comforting Easy French Onion Chicken Rice Bake.
- Build Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the chicken, stirring for one minute. Gradually whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce until smooth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Return caramelized onions to the pot, blending everything well. This forms the savory liquid base.
- Bake Rice: Stir in the rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed beneath the liquid. Bring to a boil, then transfer the pot to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake, covered, for 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Add Cheese: Remove the pot from the oven. Sprinkle the Gruyere and mozzarella cheeses generously over the top of the rice and chicken mixture. Return to the oven, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest & Garnish: Let the Easy French Onion Chicken Rice Bake rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to fully set. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright finish before serving.
- Serve Warm: Spoon generous portions of this comforting Easy French Onion Chicken Rice Bake onto plates. Enjoy this hearty meal with your family, perhaps with a side salad. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Notes
Don’t rush onion caramelization; cook low and slow for deep, sweet flavor, preventing a common mistake.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; add a splash of broth when reheating.
For best melt and texture, always use freshly shredded Gruyere and mozzarella cheeses, avoiding pre-shredded.
Serve warm from the oven, allowing 5-10 minutes rest for flavors to meld; pair with a crisp green salad.
Caramelize onions and cook chicken/sauce up to 24 hours in advance; assemble with fresh rice to bake.
**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Gluten, Fish