Description
This comforting French Onion Chicken and Rice Bake combines tender chicken thighs with a savory blend of beef and chicken broths, French onion soup seasoning, and caramelized onions, all baked together with creamy Gruyere cheese and crispy onion topping for a delicious one-dish meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups White rice
- 1 cup Beef broth
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1 Onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 packet French Onion soup mix
- 6 Chicken Thighs
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 4 ounces Shredded Gruyere cheese or Swiss cheese
- 1 cup Crispy onion topping
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Combine Base Ingredients: Add the thinly sliced onion, white rice, beef broth, chicken broth, and the packet of French onion soup into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on top, nestling them gently into the liquid and rice mixture ensuring they are partially submerged for even cooking.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken thighs for deep flavor.
- Add Butter: Cut the butter into 8 equal slices and distribute them evenly over the chicken and rice to add richness during baking.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 1 hour to allow the rice to cook and the chicken to become tender.
- Add Cheese and Topping: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese over the entire dish, then top with the crispy onion topping for a crunchy contrast.
- Finish Baking: Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the French Onion Chicken and Rice Bake hot for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skinless chicken thighs adds flavor and moisture.
- If you prefer, substitute Gruyere cheese with Swiss cheese for a milder taste.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure your French onion soup mix and crispy onion topping are gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- You can add fresh thyme or rosemary to enhance the herbaceous notes if desired.
