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French Onion Chicken Rice Bake

A comforting bake combining tender chicken, creamy rice, and a cheesy topping, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked rice Use day-old rice for better texture.
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced Cut to uniform size for even cooking. Can use leftover cooked chicken.
  • 2 medium onions, sliced Slice thin and cook low and slow for best caramelization.
  • 2 cups chicken broth Low-sodium broth is recommended for better control over salt.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, use half-and-half.
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded Melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor.
  • 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded Can be swapped for fontina if desired.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Add near the end of onion cooking.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Season in layers.
  • Olive oil for cooking Use a neutral oil to avoid overpowering the onions.
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) Adds freshness at the end.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the sliced onions. Cook until caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, diced chicken, caramelized onions, chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and top with shredded Gruyère and Swiss cheese.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden on top.
  2. Let it rest a few minutes before serving and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in microwave for 90 seconds or oven for 10-12 minutes covered. Freezable for up to 2 months.