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- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste For this French Onion Chicken Rice Bake, I love using either white or brown rice. Brown rice gives a nutty flavor, while white rice is soft and fluffy. Both work well! The chicken thighs are the star here. They stay juicy and tender, making every bite a delight. Season them well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This ensures they soak up all the great flavors. Onions add a sweet depth to the dish. Sauté them until they turn golden and caramelized. This takes about 15-20 minutes. Use low-sodium chicken broth for a rich taste without too much salt. - 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese - 1/2 cup crispy fried onions Gruyère cheese is my top choice for this recipe. It melts beautifully and adds a rich, creamy texture. If you can’t find Gruyère, try Swiss or mozzarella for similar results. Crispy fried onions give a fun crunch. Add them on top just before serving for a delightful texture contrast. They bring a satisfying finish to your comforting meal. - Consider using dried rosemary or parsley for extra flavor. - Adjust salt and pepper based on your taste. For added flair, you can mix in dried rosemary or parsley. These herbs brighten up the dish and enhance the overall flavor. Always taste your mix before baking. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to suit your liking. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot before baking. Next, take a large skillet and pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. This will get the oil warm and ready for the onions. Add 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced, to the skillet. Sauté them for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to help them cook evenly. You want them to turn a deep golden brown color. For perfect caramelization, keep the heat steady. If the onions stick, add a little more oil or water. Take 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Season them well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This adds great flavor. Once your onions are caramelized, push them to the side. Add the chicken thighs to the skillet. Sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You want a nice golden crust on the chicken. In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of cooked rice and 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Then, add in the caramelized onions and chicken. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well until it is mixed nicely. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. Place the seared chicken thighs on top. Make sure they sit partially in the rice mix to soak up the flavors. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake it in the oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, take off the foil. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese on top of the chicken. Return the dish to the oven without the foil. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the dish sit for about 5 minutes once it's out of the oven. Finally, add 1/2 cup of crispy fried onions on top for a crunchy finish. To get the best rice texture, use cooked rice. I recommend white or brown rice. Both work well. Make sure the rice is fluffy and not too sticky. If you want more flavor, use chicken broth instead of water to cook your rice. Keep your chicken juicy by not overcooking it. Sear the thighs for just 3-4 minutes per side. This gives them a nice crust while keeping them moist. When baking, cover the dish with foil to trap steam. This helps keep the chicken tender. For melting Gruyère cheese, sprinkle it on top right before the final bake. This allows it to melt evenly. If you want a golden top, bake it uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes. If you can’t find Gruyère, use Swiss cheese or mozzarella. Both melt well and add a creamy texture. Cheddar is another fun option for a sharper taste. Serve the dish in shallow bowls for a nice look. This makes it easy for guests to enjoy. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. They add color and a hint of flavor. For extra flair, sprinkle crispy fried onions on top. They give a nice crunch and contrast to the soft chicken and rice. This simple touch makes your dish look and taste gourmet. Pro Tips Caramelizing Onions: For the best flavor, be patient while caramelizing the onions. Cook them slowly over medium heat until they are deep golden brown, which can take around 15-20 minutes. Seasoning Chicken: Don't skimp on seasoning the chicken thighs. Properly seasoning them not only enhances the flavor but also infuses the rice with deliciousness as it cooks. Using Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt levels in your dish. This allows you to adjust the seasoning to your taste without overpowering it. Cheese Choice: Gruyère cheese adds a wonderful depth of flavor. For a twist, consider mixing it with a bit of mozzarella for extra creaminess. {{image_4}} If you want to switch up the protein, there are great options. Turkey works well instead of chicken. It adds a nice, lean flavor. Tofu is a good choice for a plant-based meal. Just press and cube it before adding to the skillet. Other meats like pork or beef can also fit this dish nicely. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through. Rice is a wonderful base for this dish. You can use wild rice for a nutty flavor. Quinoa is another excellent choice, bringing in protein and texture. To boost the taste, cook your rice in chicken broth instead of water. Adding herbs like parsley or basil can also enhance the flavor of the rice. Experimenting with these options can make each meal unique. Adding vegetables can really elevate your French Onion Chicken Rice Bake. Mushrooms bring an earthy taste, while spinach adds a fresh touch. You can sauté them with the onions for added flavor. Cheese is key too. Gruyère is classic, but you can try mozzarella or cheddar for a different taste. Each cheese will change the dish's flavor profile, so feel free to mix it up! To keep your French Onion Chicken Rice Bake fresh, store it in an airtight container. I recommend using glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. This will help prevent moisture loss and keep flavors intact. You can refrigerate the leftovers for up to four days. If you know you won’t finish it in that time, freezing is a great option. To freeze the dish, allow it to cool completely first. Then, transfer portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This meal can be frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheating is simple. Just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the dish in a baking pan. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in and heat for about 25-30 minutes. When reheating, the oven is best for keeping the dish moist. Covering with foil helps prevent drying out. If you need a quicker method, the microwave works too. Just add a splash of chicken broth to keep it juicy. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through. Enjoy your leftovers as if they were fresh! How long does it take to cook French Onion Chicken Rice Bake? You need about 25 minutes to bake it, plus 15 to 20 minutes for the cheese to melt. What is the total time including prep and cooking? The total time is around 1 hour. This includes 20 minutes for prep and 40 minutes for cooking. Can I use brown rice instead of white? Yes, you can use brown rice. Just make sure it's cooked before mixing it in. What can I use if I don’t have Gruyère cheese? If you lack Gruyère, try mozzarella or cheddar. Both will melt well and taste great. What pairs well with French Onion Chicken Rice Bake? This dish goes well with a fresh green salad or steamed veggies. They add a nice crunch and balance. Can this dish be served as a meal prep option? Absolutely! This bake stores well in the fridge and is perfect for meal prep. Just reheat before serving. This blog post covered all you need to make a delicious French Onion Chicken Rice Bake. We discussed the main ingredients, like cooked rice, chicken, and tasty toppings. You also learned the step-by-step process to create this dish from prepping the oven to finishing touches. Remember, the right technique makes a big difference. Whether you're trying out protein substitutes or unique rice variations, feel free to get creative. With these tips, you can easily impress your family or friends. Enjoy making this flavorful meal!

French Onion Chicken Rice Bake

A comforting casserole featuring tender chicken thighs, caramelized onions, and creamy rice topped with melted Gruyère cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 medium yellow onions
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 0.5 cup crispy fried onions

Instructions
 

  • Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the thinly sliced onions for about 15-20 minutes until caramelized.
  • Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sear the thighs in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, chicken broth, and caramelized onions (including the chicken). Add dried thyme and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Mix well.
  • Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and nestle the seared chicken thighs on top.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the chicken thighs. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  • Let the dish sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Top with crispy fried onions for added crunch.

Notes

For a beautiful presentation, serve individual portions in shallow bowls, garnished with fresh sprigs of thyme.
Keyword casserole, cheese, chicken, onions, rice