Description
French Onion Chicken Rice is a comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with tender chicken and fluffy rice. This hearty meal is perfect for family dinners and is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
- Yellow onions, thinly sliced
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Long-grain white rice (such as Jasmine or Basmati)
- Low-sodium beef broth
- Gruyère cheese or Swiss cheese, grated
- Fresh thyme
- Bay leaf
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Balsamic vinegar or non-alcoholic cooking wine
- Butter or oil
- Flour
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Thinly slice all your onions, cut your chicken into 1-inch pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, rinse the rice thoroughly, grate the cheese, and have the broth, balsamic vinegar, flour, and herbs ready.
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt some butter or heat oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt, cooking slowly for 30-45 minutes until they turn golden brown and develop a deep amber color.
- Sear the Chicken: Remove the caramelized onions and set aside. Add more butter or oil to the pot, increase heat to medium-high, and sear the seasoned chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Set aside with the onions.
- Build the Flavorful Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits. Cook for about 1 minute, then sprinkle in the flour and cook for another minute. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, add thyme and bay leaf, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Combine Chicken, Rice, and Onions: Return the caramelized onions and seared chicken to the pot, stir in the rinsed rice until evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.
- Cook the Rice: Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and cook for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Let it rest, still covered, for 5-10 minutes.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, discard the bay leaf, and sprinkle the grated cheese over the top. If oven-safe, broil for a few minutes until bubbly and golden, or cover for 3-5 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme or chopped chives.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: French Onion Chicken Rice