French Onion Chicken Rice Bake: Easy Weeknight Dinner (Print Version)
French Onion Chicken Rice Bake combines savory caramelized onions, tender chicken, and fluffy rice in one dish. A comforting, easy weeknight meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: French
# Ingredients:
→ The Caramelized Core
01 -
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 3 lbs)
02 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 tsp dried thyme
06 -
1 bay leaf
07 -
1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
08 -
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
→ Hearty Bake Elements
09 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
10 -
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
11 -
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
12 -
1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
13 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
→ Golden Cheesy Topping
14 -
1 1/2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
15 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until deeply golden brown and tender. This is the heart of your French Onion Chicken Rice Bake.
02 -
Stir in 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf with the caramelized onions. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides.
03 -
Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook for 2 minutes until the wine has mostly evaporated. Stir in 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
04 -
Add 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked, to the simmering liquid. Stir well to combine, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning with more kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed for your French Onion Chicken Rice Bake.
05 -
Cover the pot tightly with a lid or foil. Transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20 minutes. The rice should be mostly cooked and the liquid absorbed.
06 -
Remove the pot from the oven. Discard the bay leaf. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded, evenly over the top of the French Onion Chicken Rice Bake. Return the uncovered pot to the oven.
07 -
Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let your French Onion Chicken Rice Bake - Comforting Weeknight Meal rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped.
# Notes:
01 -
For even deeper onion flavor, you can caramelize the onions for up to 45-60 minutes on very low heat. Patience is key here!
02 -
If you don't have Gruyere, Swiss cheese or even a good quality sharp white cheddar can be used for the topping. For the wine, chicken broth can be substituted if you prefer to omit alcohol.
03 -
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
04 -
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but a simple green salad with a vinaigrette would be a lovely fresh accompaniment.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Sharp knife
04 -
Measuring cups
05 -
Measuring spoons
06 -
Grater
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 640 kcal
Total Fat: 24 g
Total Carbohydrate: 61 g
Protein: 37 g