Description
A deliciously creamy and cheesy French onion chicken rice bake that’s perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often. Be patient here. The onions will soften, then gradually turn golden brown and deeply fragrant. This can take about 20–25 minutes. The slow cooking draws out their natural sweetness, which gives the entire casserole its signature flavor.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add the Chicken and Broth: Place the chicken breasts directly over the rice. Pour the beef broth and chicken broth evenly over everything. This liquid will cook the rice to tender perfection while keeping the chicken juicy. Spoon the caramelized onions over the chicken, spreading them out so every bite gets that rich onion flavor.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes. The rice should be tender, and the chicken fully cooked.
- Add the Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with lightly golden edges.
- Let the French Onion Chicken Rice Bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
- To add more flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg