French Onion Chicken and Rice – A Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Dish
If you’re craving rich, caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy, cheesy rice, this French Onion Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort meal! With deep flavors, gooey melted Gruyère cheese, and a savory, creamy texture, this dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Though it takes a bit of time, the reward is absolutely worth it!
Table of Contents : Onion Chicken and Rice
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make French Onion Chicken & Rice
- Serving Suggestions
- Pro Tips for the Best French Onion Chicken & Rice
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Rich & Comforting – A cozy dish with deep, savory flavors.
✔ Cheesy & Creamy – Gruyère cheese melts into a gooey topping.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Great for making ahead and reheating.
✔ Family-Friendly – A hearty dish everyone will love.
✔ Layers of Flavor – Caramelized onions, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 3 lbs sweet onions (about 4 large, sliced into thick half-moons)
- 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
- 1 ½ 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
For the Rice & Chicken:
- 8 oz button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 ½ cups white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups baby spinach, packed
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3-4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
For Topping:
- 4 oz Gruyère Swiss cheese, shredded
How to Make French Onion Chicken & Rice
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
1️⃣ In a large nonstick skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter with 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-low heat.
2️⃣ Add sliced onions and let them cook untouched for 15 minutes. Stir and continue cooking for another 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown.
3️⃣ Increase heat to medium and stir in garlic, salt, pepper, tarragon, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute.
4️⃣ Off the heat, add brandy or white wine and cook until evaporated (about 5 minutes). Stir in Worcestershire sauce, remove from heat, and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms & Rice
5️⃣ In a medium saucepan, add mushrooms (without oil or butter) and cook over medium-high heat until browned (5-10 minutes).
6️⃣ Add the remaining butter and oil, then stir in rice. Cook for 5 minutes until lightly toasted.
7️⃣ Add spinach, stirring just until wilted (about 1 minute).
8️⃣ Pour in chicken stock, bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
9️⃣ Remove the rice mixture from heat, then stir in heavy cream and shredded chicken. Heat just until warm.
Step 4: Assemble & Broil
🔟 Preheat the broiler and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
1️⃣1️⃣ Spread the rice mixture into the dish and top with the caramelized onions.
1️⃣2️⃣ Sprinkle with Gruyère cheese and broil for 3-5 minutes until melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
1️⃣3️⃣ Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
✔ Serve with a side of crusty French bread for extra indulgence.
✔ Pair with a light green salad for balance.
✔ Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Pro Tips for the Best French Onion Chicken & Rice
✔ Take your time with the onions – The deeper the caramelization, the richer the flavor!
✔ Use homemade chicken stock for the best taste.
✔ Gruyère is key! If unavailable, use Swiss or Provolone for a similar taste.
✔ Toast the rice before adding liquid – This enhances the nutty, savory flavor.
✔ For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the entire dish up to the broiling step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, broil until hot and bubbly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Let it cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
What can I substitute for brandy or white wine?
Use chicken broth or apple cider vinegar for a non-alcoholic option.
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Chicken & Rice is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of caramelized onions, juicy chicken, and melty Gruyère cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions. Though it takes time, the result is incredibly flavorful and satisfying!
🔥 Try this recipe today and let us know how you liked it in the comments!
Looking for more comforting meals? Get Delicious Recipes on the blog!
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