Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount. Brown rice typically requires about 45 minutes to cook and may need an additional 1/2 cup of stock. Cook the brown rice until almost tender before adding the cream and chicken.

How do I know when my onions are properly caramelized?

Properly caramelized onions should be deeply golden brown (not burnt), very soft, and have a sweet, rich flavor. They'll reduce dramatically in volume—about 1/4 of their original size. This process takes patience, often 45 minutes or more for the best flavor development.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the chicken and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You might want to add more mushrooms or even some white beans for protein. The caramelized onions and mushrooms provide plenty of savory flavor.

My casserole looks too liquid-y before baking. Is this normal?

Yes, there should be some creaminess to the rice mixture before baking. During the broiling process, some liquid will evaporate, and the rice will continue to absorb moisture. If it's extremely soupy, you can cook the rice mixture a bit longer before transferring to the casserole dish.

French Onion Chicken and Rice Recipe

Name: French Onion Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided; 3 pounds sweet onion (about 4 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); 3 cups chicken stock (homemade or boxed); 1 cup heavy cream; 3–4 cups cooked chicken, torn into bite-sized pieces (from rotisserie or cooked chicken); 4 ounces Gruyere Swiss cheese, shredded

This French Onion Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food makeover you didn’t know you needed. The rich, caramelized onions that make French onion soup so beloved are transformed into a hearty, complete meal with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and melty Gruyere cheese. It takes some time to prepare, but the deeply developed flavors are absolutely worth every minute at the stove!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-Quality Flavors: The combination of caramelized onions, rich broth, and Gruyere creates that unmistakable French onion flavor profile that’s usually reserved for restaurants.
One-Dish Wonder: While it takes some time to prepare, everything comes together in one beautiful casserole that looks impressive when served.
Comfort Food Upgrade: This isn’t just another chicken and rice dish—it’s elevated with sophisticated flavors that transform everyday ingredients into something special.
Perfect for Company: The impressive presentation and rich flavors make this ideal for serving guests, though it’s comforting enough for family dinners too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter and Olive Oil: The combination creates the perfect medium for caramelizing onions—butter for flavor, oil to prevent burning.
Sweet Onions: The star of the show! They transform from sharp and pungent to sweet and mellow during the caramelization process. Sweet onions like Vidalia work best as they have a higher sugar content.
Garlic: Adds depth and aroma without overpowering the sweet onions.
Herbs: Tarragon and thyme provide that classic French flavor profile that perfectly complements the onions and chicken.
Brandy or White Wine: This deglazing ingredient adds acidity and complexity while helping to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the pan.
Worcestershire Sauce: A secret ingredient that adds umami depth and enhances the savory qualities of the dish.
Mushrooms: They add earthy flavor and meaty texture that complements both the chicken and onions beautifully.
White Rice: Provides the hearty base for the dish. The rice absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the stock and cream.
Spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a subtle earthiness that balances the richness of the dish.
Chicken Stock: Forms the flavor foundation of the rice. Homemade stock takes this dish to another level, but a good quality boxed stock works well too.
Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious richness in the rice that balances the sweet onions on top.
Cooked Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or home-cooked chicken for maximum control over flavor.
Gruyere Swiss Cheese: The traditional cheese for French onion soup, with its perfect melting properties and nutty flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Vegetable Additions

Add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts along with the spinach for more vegetable variety and flavor.

Grain Swap

Try wild rice blend or farro instead of white rice for a more rustic, nutty flavor profile and added nutrition.

Protein Options

Substitute leftover turkey after holidays, or use browned ground beef for a different take on the dish.

Cheese Customization

Don’t have Gruyere? Try a combination of Swiss and Parmesan, or even a good sharp white cheddar.

How to Make French Onion Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Melt two tablespoons butter with two tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and let cook untouched for 15 minutes. Stir and cook for another 15 minutes. Continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes until deeply caramelized.

Step 2: Season the Onions

Turn heat to medium and add garlic, cooking for one minute. Add salt, pepper, tarragon, and thyme, cooking for another minute to bloom the spices.

Step 3: Deglaze and Finish Onions

Remove pan from heat, add brandy (safely away from flame), return to heat, and cook until liquid evaporates, about five minutes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, then set aside.

Step 4: Prepare Mushrooms and Rice

In a separate pot over medium-high heat, dry-cook mushrooms until browned (5-10 minutes). Add remaining butter and oil, then add rice and cook for five minutes to lightly toast the grains.

Step 5: Add Remaining Components

Add spinach and cook just until wilted. Pour in stock, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Incorporate Cream and Chicken

Remove lid and stir in cream and cooked chicken, heating just until hot throughout but not boiling.

Step 7: Assemble and Broil

Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Transfer the rice mixture to the dish, then top with the caramelized onions. Sprinkle with shredded Gruyere and broil until cheese is melted, browned, and bubbly.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Restaurant-Quality Flavors: The combination of caramelized onions, rich broth, and Gruyere creates that unmistakable French onion flavor profile that’s usually reserved for restaurants.
One-Dish Wonder: While it takes some time to prepare, everything comes together in one beautiful casserole that looks impressive when served.
Comfort Food Upgrade: This isn’t just another chicken and rice dish—it’s elevated with sophisticated flavors that transform everyday ingredients into something special.Perfect for Company: The impressive presentation and rich flavors make this ideal for serving guests, though it’s comforting enough for family dinners too.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this rich casserole with a crisp green salad dressed simply with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of roasted asparagus or green beans also works beautifully.

Bread Accompaniment

A crusty baguette or garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce and completing the French bistro experience.

Wine Selection

A medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or light red like Pinot Noir complements the rich, caramelized flavors in this dish perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead Option

Prepare the components separately up to a day ahead—caramelize the onions and store in the refrigerator; prepare the rice mixture without adding the cream and chicken. When ready to finish, warm the rice mixture, add cream and chicken, then assemble and broil.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together!

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the rice may change slightly. Freeze in a covered, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat covered in a 325°F oven until heated through (about 20-30 minutes). Add a splash of broth if the dish seems dry. Remove cover for the last few minutes to re-crisp the cheese topping.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount. Brown rice typically requires about 45 minutes to cook and may need an additional 1/2 cup of stock. Cook the brown rice until almost tender before adding the cream and chicken.
How do I know when my onions are properly caramelized?

Properly caramelized onions should be deeply golden brown (not burnt), very soft, and have a sweet, rich flavor. They’ll reduce dramatically in volume—about 1/4 of their original size. This process takes patience, often 45 minutes or more for the best flavor development.
Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the chicken and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You might want to add more mushrooms or even some white beans for protein. The caramelized onions and mushrooms provide plenty of savory flavor.
My casserole looks too liquid-y before baking. Is this normal?

Yes, there should be some creaminess to the rice mixture before baking. During the broiling process, some liquid will evaporate, and the rice will continue to absorb moisture. If it’s extremely soupy, you can cook the rice mixture a bit longer before transferring to the casserole dish.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Chicken & Rice transforms the beloved flavors of a classic soup into a satisfying, complete meal that’s sure to impress. While it requires some time and attention, particularly for properly caramelizing the onions, the result is a dish with incredible depth of flavor that’s well worth the effort. The combination of sweet onions, hearty rice, tender chicken, and melty cheese creates comfort food at its finest—perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to elevate a family dinner.