French Onion Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe
Introduction
French Onion Chicken Rice is a comforting one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, savory onion soup, and cheesy goodness over fluffy rice. It’s an easy recipe that brings rich flavors together with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 package onion soup mix
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Swiss)
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, onion soup mix, and water or chicken broth. Stir well to blend the ingredients evenly.
- Step 2: Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, making sure they are partially submerged in the liquid.
- Step 3: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Step 4: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken, and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 5: Let it rest a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your flavorful French Onion Chicken Rice!
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer flavor in the rice.
- Add sliced mushrooms or caramelized onions to enhance the French onion taste.
- Substitute the shredded cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella for different textures and flavors.
- For a low-carb version, serve the chicken and onion mixture over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Storage
Store leftover French Onion Chicken Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For best results, add a splash of broth or water before reheating to keep the rice moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but increase the baking time and liquid slightly as brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. This dish reheats well and can be portioned into meal prep containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
PrintFrench Onion Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe
French Onion Chicken Rice is a comforting one-pan meal that combines tender baked chicken with flavorful rice cooked in onion soup mix, all topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, delivering rich onion and cheesy flavors with minimal fuss.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Rice and Soup Mix
- 1 packet (1 ounce) onion soup mix
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix rice and soup: In the baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, onion soup mix, and water or chicken broth. Stir to evenly distribute the soup mix through the rice.
- Add the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, ensuring they are spread out evenly.
- Bake the dish: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, then bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Add cheese topping: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken and rice, and return to the oven uncovered.
- Finish baking: Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth for water to add more flavor to the rice.
- Feel free to use different types of cheese such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a variation in taste.
- If you prefer more vegetables, add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers before baking.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Keywords: French Onion Chicken, Chicken and Rice, Baked Chicken Dinner, Onion Soup Mix Recipe, Easy One-Pan Meal
