One-Pot French Onion Chicken Rice Recipe

This One-Pot French Onion Chicken Rice recipe brings all the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup into a hearty, satisfying meal. Tender chicken, caramelized onions, and perfectly cooked rice come together in one skillet for an easy dinner that feels gourmet without the fuss. It’s cozy, comforting, and packed with flavor — the ultimate one-pan comfort dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the flavors of French onion soup in a filling rice dish
• Made in just one pot for minimal cleanup
• Perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken
• Rich, caramelized onions enhance every bite
• Creamy, cheesy finish for extra indulgence
• Great for meal prep or weeknight dinners
• Family-friendly and budget-friendly
• Easily adaptable to your taste
• Gluten-free and simple to make dairy-free
• Freezer-friendly and reheats well

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil or butter
• Yellow onions (thinly sliced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Uncooked white rice (such as jasmine or basmati)
• Beef or chicken broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh thyme (or dried thyme)
• Salt and black pepper
• Gruyère or Swiss cheese (shredded)
• Optional: parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Heat oil or butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes until deeply caramelized. Remove and set aside.
3. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then brown both sides in the same pan (about 3–4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
4. Add garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add rice, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and stir well.
6. Return onions and chicken to the pot, nestling chicken into the rice.
7. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
8. Top with shredded cheese, cover for 2–3 minutes until melted, or broil for a golden top.
9. Garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour

Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version — just stir it in at the end.
• Swap the cheese: Try mozzarella, provolone, or a cheddar blend.
• Add mushrooms for an earthy twist and extra texture.
• Make it creamy by stirring in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
• Use brown rice for added fiber, adjusting liquid and cook time accordingly.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, but reduce the broth by about half and add the rice at the end with the cheese. Let it heat through before serving.

What kind of cheese works best?

Gruyère is traditional for French onion flavors, but Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella all work well.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Use vegetable broth and skip the chicken, or substitute with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein.

How long do the onions take to caramelize?

About 20–25 minutes on medium-low heat. Low and slow is key to developing that deep flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. It stores well and the flavors deepen as it sits. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

What’s the best chicken to use?

Boneless, skinless thighs are most flavorful, but breasts work just as well if you prefer leaner meat.

Do I need to cover the pot while cooking?

Yes. Covering allows the rice to steam properly and the chicken to stay juicy.

Can I use instant rice?

It’s not ideal, but if you do, reduce the liquid and cooking time. Add the rice once the chicken is mostly cooked.

What if the rice is still undercooked?

Add a splash of broth, cover again, and cook for an extra 5–10 minutes on low.

How do I get a crispy cheesy top?

Once the dish is fully cooked, sprinkle cheese over the top and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Conclusion

This One-Pot French Onion Chicken Rice recipe takes the comforting depth of French onion soup and turns it into a hearty, satisfying dinner that’s easy to make and even easier to love. With juicy chicken, sweet caramelized onions, flavorful rice, and melty cheese all in one pan, it’s a weeknight win you’ll come back to again and again. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a staple on your dinner table.

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