French Onion Chicken & Rice
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French Onion Chicken & Rice

ByLily Carter
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French Onion Chicken & Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of French onion soup with tender chicken and rice. It’s a perfect meal for cozy nights in or special occasions when you want something hearty and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

  1. The caramelized onions add a deep, savory flavor to the dish.
  2. It’s a one-pot meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep.
  3. The combination of cheese, chicken, and rice creates a satisfying and filling dish.

Ingredient Notes:

  • Butter and olive oil: These add richness and depth to the dish.
  • Sweet onions: Caramelized onions are the star of this recipe.
  • Garlic, salt, pepper, tarragon, and thyme: Flavor enhancers for the dish.
  • Brandy or white wine: Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory umami taste.
  • Mushrooms: Optional, but add earthy flavor and texture.
  • Rice: Use white rice for the best results.
  • Baby spinach: Adds a pop of color and nutrients.
  • Chicken stock: Provides a rich base for the dish.
  • Heavy cream: Adds creaminess to the sauce.
  • Cooked chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • Gruyere Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized.
  3. Add garlic, salt, pepper, tarragon, and thyme.
  4. Deglaze the pan with brandy or white wine.
  5. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, mushrooms, and rice.
  6. Add baby spinach, chicken stock, and cream.
  7. Stir in cooked chicken and top with shredded cheese.
  8. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Helpful Tips:

  • For extra flavor, use homemade chicken stock.
  • Substitute other cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

  1. Allow the onions to caramelize slowly for the best flavor.
  2. Use high-quality chicken for a more flavorful dish.
  3. Don’t overcook the rice to ensure a perfect texture.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve French Onion Chicken & Rice with a side of crusty bread and a green salad. Pair it with a glass of white wine or a light beer for a complete meal.

French Onion Chicken & Rice

Storage and Reheating Tips:

To store, let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, omit the chicken and use vegetable stock instead.
  3. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
  4. Can I use different types of cheese? Of course, experiment with your favorite cheeses for a unique twist.

Conclusion:

French Onion Chicken & Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. Try it out and let us know how you liked it! Enjoy!

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French Onion Chicken & Rice

French Onion Chicken & Rice

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

French Onion Chicken & Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, caramelized onions, earthy mushrooms, and creamy rice, all topped with melted Gruyere Swiss cheese.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 3 pounds sweet onion (about four large onions), cut in half and sliced with the grain into thick slices
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dry tarragon
  • 1 teaspoon dry thyme
  • 1/3 cup brandy or white wine
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups white uncooked rice
  • 2 cups baby spinach, packed (about 2-3 ounces in weight)
  • 3 cups chicken stock (from homemade or boxed)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3–4 cups cooked chicken torn into bite sized pieces (from cooking your own chicken or rotisserie)
  • 4 ounces Gruyere Swiss cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Cook Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, salt, pepper, tarragon, and thyme. Cook until onions are caramelized.
  2. Deglaze Pan: Add brandy or white wine and Worcestershire sauce to the pot, scraping up any browned bits.
  3. Add Mushrooms and Rice: Stir in mushrooms, rice, spinach, and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Cook Chicken: In a separate skillet, cook chicken pieces in remaining butter and oil until browned.
  5. Combine: Add cooked chicken to the rice mixture and stir in heavy cream.
  6. Finish: Top with shredded Gruyere cheese and bake until bubbly and cheese is melted.

Notes

  • If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Feel free to customize the dish by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
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