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Creamy French Onion Chicken served over rice in a bowl

French Onion Chicken & Rice

A comforting dish with caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy sauce, served over fluffy rice.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 6 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the base

  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided Adds richness and depth.
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided Enhances overall taste.
  • 3 pounds sweet onion, thickly sliced Aromatic and fragrant.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced Balances the sweetness of the onions.
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt Enhances flavor.
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Adds warmth.
  • 1 teaspoon dried tarragon Elevates flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme Provides an earthy note.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Adds umami depth.

For the additional ingredients

  • 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced Adds an earthy dimension.
  • 1.5 cups uncooked white rice Absorbs flavors.
  • 2 cups baby spinach, packed Adds nutrition.
  • 3 cups chicken stock Provides a savory base.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Adds a creamy element.
  • 3-4 cups cooked chicken, torn into bite-sized pieces Great for using leftovers.
  • 4 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded Melts beautifully for topping.

Instructions
 

Sauté the Onions

  • Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
  • Add the sliced onions and let them cook undisturbed for 15 minutes.
  • Stir occasionally and continue cooking for another 15 minutes until they become deeply caramelized.

Season the Mixture

  • Lower the heat to medium and introduce minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, dried tarragon, and thyme to the skillet. Sauté for about a minute.
  • Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and set the mixture aside for layering later.

Cook the Mushrooms

  • In another saucepan, dry-cook the sliced mushrooms over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until golden brown.

Toast the Rice

  • Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil into the mushroom pan.
  • Add the uncooked rice and toast for about 5 minutes until fragrant.

Add Spinach

  • Gently fold in the baby spinach to the rice and mushrooms, allowing to cook down until it wilts.

Incorporate the Stock

  • Pour in the chicken stock, bringing everything to a boil.
  • Once boiling, cover the pan and lower the heat, letting it simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender.

Mix in Chicken and Cream

  • Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and the torn pieces of chicken, heating everything through until warmed.

Assemble in a Baking Dish

  • Grease a baking dish with butter or oil, pour in the mixture, layer the caramelized onions on top, followed by a sprinkle of shredded Gruyère cheese.

Broil to Perfection

  • Place the baking dish under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the onions caramelize longer. Add red pepper flakes for heat, or experiment with different cheeses.
Keyword Comfort Food, Creamy Rice Dish, family meal, French Onion Chicken, weeknight dinner