Description

This French Onion Chicken & Rice recipe combines tender chicken breasts with caramelized onions, aromatic herbs, and melted Gruyere cheese for a comforting one-pan meal. Cooked in an oven-safe skillet, it delivers rich flavors and a satisfying texture with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Chicken and Rice

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Caramelize the onions: Using the same skillet, cook the thinly sliced onions over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Combine ingredients: Stir the rice, chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Add chicken and bake: Nestle the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
Add cheese topping: Remove the lid or foil, sprinkle shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese evenly over the dish, then return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve the dish warm for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Notes

Use an oven-safe skillet or pan to allow seamless transition from stovetop to oven.
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a different flavor profile or to make it lighter.
For a crispier top, broil for 1-2 minutes after adding the cheese, watching closely to prevent burning.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Adjust salt to taste depending on the saltiness of your broth.