Creamy French Onion Chicken Rice (Printable version)

Tender chicken and rice in a rich, creamy sauce with caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese.

# What you'll need:

→ Meats

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme

→ Pantry Staples

05 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
06 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Dairy

11 - 1 cup heavy cream
12 - 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring often, until deeply caramelized, about 15-18 minutes.
02 - Add minced garlic and thyme; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper, then nestle into the caramelized onions. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
04 - Add the rinsed rice around the chicken, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
05 - Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
06 - Stir in the heavy cream and shredded Gruyère, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with extra thyme if desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The onions caramelize into something that tastes like it took all day but actually happens in under 20 minutes
  • Everything cooks in one pan, including the rice, which means minimal cleanup maximum flavor
02 -
  • Resist the urge to rush the onions because that deep brown color and sweet flavor is what makes this taste like French onion soup
  • Let the pan come back up to temperature after adding the cold rice and broth to ensure even cooking
03 -
  • Use a wide pan so the onions have room to caramelize properly instead of steaming
  • Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded for the smoothest melting texture

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