![- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great) - 1 large onion, thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups beef broth (low sodium) - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese) - 1 cup heavy cream - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) For this French Onion Chicken Rice Bake, I love using cooked rice as my base. You can use white or brown rice, whatever you have on hand. Next, shredded chicken makes it easy. I often grab a rotisserie chicken for this. It's quick and adds great flavor. The onions are key. When you thinly slice one large onion and cook it, it becomes sweet and savory. The magic happens when you caramelize them in butter. Add minced garlic to the mix for even more flavor. Now, let’s talk about beef broth. I use low-sodium broth to control the salt level. This keeps our bake tasty but not too salty. We can't forget the seasonings! Dried thyme and rosemary add depth. Gruyère cheese melts beautifully and gives a rich taste. I also use heavy cream for creaminess. Remember to season with salt and pepper to your liking. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it pretty! You can find the full recipe for this dish at the end of the article. - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. - Add 1 large, thinly sliced onion to the skillet. Cook the onion, stirring often. - Keep cooking until the onions turn caramelized and golden brown. This takes about 15-20 minutes. - In the last minute, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. - In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked rice, 2 cups of shredded chicken, and the caramelized onions. - Pour in 2 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. - Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. - Mix well and stir in half of the 1 cup of shredded cheese. - Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. - Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. - Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. - After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. - Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley. This dish is not just tasty; it fills the kitchen with warm, inviting smells. For the full recipe, check out the previous section! How to properly caramelize onions To get sweet, golden onions, slice them thin. Use a large skillet and melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and stir often. Cook for 15-20 minutes. When they turn a deep brown, add minced garlic. This brings out the flavor. Season with salt and pepper. Choosing the right type of chicken I love using rotisserie chicken for this dish. It saves time and adds great taste. You can also cook your chicken at home. Just bake or boil it until done. Shred it and add to the rice bake. Suggested herbs and spices to use Dried thyme and rosemary work great in this dish. They add warmth and depth. You can also try sage or oregano for a new twist. Fresh herbs like parsley make it bright. Add them just before serving for the best flavor. Best cheese alternatives Gruyère cheese gives a nice melt and flavor. If you can’t find it, Swiss cheese is a good choice. Cheddar adds sharpness, while mozzarella keeps it mild. Use what you have and experiment! Garnishing suggestions Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. Chop it finely and sprinkle it on top. You can also add crispy onion bits for crunch. A drizzle of olive oil makes it shine. Serving ideas Serve this bake with a simple side salad. A green salad with vinaigrette is perfect. You can also pair it with some crusty bread. This makes for a cozy family meal. For the full recipe, visit [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can change the rice type in this bake. Both white and brown rice work well. If you want to try something fun, use wild rice or quinoa. These options add great texture and flavor. For the broth, beef broth is classic, but you can swap it out. Use vegetable broth for a lighter taste. This keeps the dish tasty while making it vegetarian-friendly. Add extra veggies for a boost of taste. Mushrooms work great in this recipe. You can also toss in bell peppers, spinach, or carrots. These add color and nutrients. Cheese blends can change the whole vibe. Gruyère is delicious, but try mozzarella or cheddar too. Mixing two or more types can create a rich, creamy layer of flavor. If you prefer slow cooking, this dish adapts easily. Just combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker. Let it cook on low for about 6 hours. It will be lovely and warm when done. You can also make this in an Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let it release naturally for 5 minutes before serving. This method saves time and keeps everything moist. For more details, you can check the Full Recipe. To store leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Freezing is a great way to save extra portions. Start by letting the dish cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to label them with the date. You can freeze the dish for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just be sure to add a splash of broth or cream to keep it flavorful. Enjoy each bite like the first time! If you want a lighter option, try using half-and-half. It gives a nice creaminess but with less fat. You can also mix one cup of milk with two tablespoons of butter for a similar effect. This mix keeps the flavor rich without being too heavy. Yes, you can use uncooked chicken. Just make sure to cut it into small pieces. You will need to increase the cooking time. Bake it covered for about 40 minutes, then check if it's fully cooked. Chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F (75°C). The dish is ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. You can also check the rice. It should be soft and hot throughout. If you see steam rising when you cut into it, that’s a good sign too. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Just follow the recipe, but do not bake it right away. Cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake it as directed. This makes it easy for busy days. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. This dish combines cooked rice, chicken, and caramelized onions for a cozy meal. You prepare it in simple steps and can customize it with different flavors and ingredients. Tips help you elevate the taste and ensure a great presentation. You can also store leftovers easily for future meals. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe, and make it your own. You’ll love how comforting and delicious it is!](https://flavorsprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/c51cdd10-06d3-43a3-acb3-3fa33f91b5d3-250x250.webp)
French Onion Chicken Rice Bake
Discover the deliciousness of French Onion Chicken Rice Bake, a comforting dish that's perfect for a family meal! Made with juicy chicken, caramelized onions, creamy cheese, and hearty rice, this easy recipe is sure to please everyone. Follow the simple steps to create a cheesy, flavorful casserole that's both satisfying and quick to prepare. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this tasty dish to your dinner table tonight!