Name: French Onion Chicken & Rice Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided; 3 pounds sweet onion (about four large onions), cut in half and sliced with the grain into thick slices; 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon dry tarragon; 1 teaspoon dry thyme; 1/3 cup brandy or white wine; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced; 1 1/2 cups white uncooked rice; 2 cups baby spinach, packed (about 2-3 ounces in weight); 3 cups chicken stock (from homemade or boxed); 1 cup heavy cream; 3-4 cups cooked chicken torn into bite sized pieces (from cooking your own chicken or rotisserie); 4 ounces Gruyere Swiss cheese, shredded

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 15 reviews

French Onion Chicken & Rice is pure comfort food, loaded with incredible flavors that take this classic casserole to a show-stopping level. Imagine melt-in-your-mouth chicken, earthy mushrooms, tender spinach, and fluffy rice, all nestled under a silky, deeply caramelized sweet onion and Gruyère topping—every bite is outrageously delicious and feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or looking to upgrade your usual weeknight dinner, this dish can easily become a new family favorite.

French Onion Chicken & Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of French Onion Chicken & Rice lies in the combination of simple ingredients that each bring something special to the table. Every component is thoughtfully chosen for its flavor, texture, or color, and together they create an irresistible, rustic casserole.

Butter: Essential for slow-caramelizing those sweet onions and adding rich flavor to the rice and mushrooms.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps achieve perfect browning without burning, and adds a lovely depth to both onions and rice.
Sweet Onions (3 lbs): The star of the topping, lending both sweetness and the gorgeous color you expect from French onion soup.
Fresh Garlic: Just a hint infuses the whole casserole with a subtle, aromatic punch.
Kosher Salt: Enhances every flavor in the dish—don’t skimp!
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Lends a gentle warmth and rounds out the rich flavors.
Dry Tarragon: Adds fresh, slightly sweet herbal notes that sing in creamy casseroles.
Dry Thyme: Brings classic French flavor and earthiness.
Brandy or White Wine: Deglazes the onions and gives the dish a touch of sophistication—use whatever you have!
Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens the umami and complexity of the onions.
Button Mushrooms: Offer a meaty texture and soak up all those savory flavors.
White Uncooked Rice: The base that ties everything together—choose a medium or long-grain variety for best results.
Baby Spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness that complements the richness.
Chicken Stock: Soaks into the rice, keeping the whole dish tender and bursting with flavor.
Heavy Cream: Makes the rice luxuriously creamy, giving that irresistible, silky finish.
Cooked Chicken (torn): Use rotisserie for ease or homemade for even more love—either way, you’ll have juicy, satisfying bites throughout.
Gruyère Swiss Cheese (shredded): The final cheesy crown, bubbling and golden brown for that unmistakable French onion appeal.

How to Make French Onion Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by melting two tablespoons of butter with two tablespoons of olive oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium-low heat. Slice your onions into thick half-moons and let them cook, without stirring, for a full 15 minutes. This helps them soften and begin to caramelize. After a stir, cook them for another 15 minutes, then check the color. If you want those onions rich and golden, give them an extra 10 to 15 minutes; don’t rush—they’ll reward your patience.

Step 2: Layer in the Flavors

Turn the heat up to medium and add your minced garlic to the pan with the onions, letting it cook just until fragrant—about a minute. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, tarragon, and thyme, then stir it all together for another quick minute. Now comes the magic: take the pan off the heat, carefully pour in your brandy or white wine, and place it back over the burner. Cook until the liquid evaporates, then finish this gloriously fragrant mixture with Worcestershire sauce. Set the onions aside; they’ll become the luscious topping soon!

Step 3: Brown the Mushrooms and Toast the Rice

In a separate medium pot or large saucepan, add your sliced mushrooms—no oil or butter yet! Let them sit and brown over medium-high heat for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once they’ve released their moisture and nicely colored, add the remaining tablespoon each of butter and oil. Now stir in the uncooked rice, toasting it for about 5 minutes so it gets a golden edge and nutty aroma.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Simmer the Rice

Toss the fresh spinach into the mushroom-rice mixture and stir just until it wilts, about a minute. Pour in the chicken stock and bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat, cover tightly, and let the rice cook for 15 minutes until tender and fluffy. This is the heart of your French Onion Chicken & Rice—creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Creamy Finish and Add Chicken

Remove the lid and pour in your cup of heavy cream, stirring gently to create a creamy risotto-like texture. Add the cooked, torn chicken, and heat everything through just until steaming hot. This brings all those savory flavors together in one delicious base.

Step 6: Assemble and Broil

Preheat your broiler on high. Lightly spray a 9x13x3-inch casserole dish with kitchen pan spray. Spoon the chicken and rice mixture evenly into the dish, then layer the caramelized onions right on top. Finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded Gruyère cheese. Slide the casserole under the broiler just until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and deeply golden brown. Don’t walk away—this part happens fast!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Bring the sizzling French Onion Chicken & Rice dish straight from the oven to the table while it’s piping hot and gooey. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into portions and revel in each creamy, cheesy, sweet onion-laced bite.

How to Serve French Onion Chicken & Rice

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top is both beautiful and lifts the flavors of your French Onion Chicken & Rice. For an extra touch of luxury, a flurry of more Gruyère or even a drizzle of good olive oil will make it shine.

Side Dishes

This dish is a meal-in-itself, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. You could also serve it with roasted asparagus, crusty bread for mopping up the creamy sauce, or a simple tangy slaw to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try making individual portions by baking your French Onion Chicken & Rice in large ramekins or mini dutch ovens—it’s perfect for dinner parties. Or serve it “family style” straight from the casserole dish for a rustic, comforting effect. For a little twist, offer it with a wedge of lemon and a few toasted breadcrumbs for crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover French Onion Chicken & Rice stores beautifully in the fridge. Just cover the casserole tightly or transfer it to an airtight container; it’ll keep for up to 4 days while staying moist and flavorful.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze French Onion Chicken & Rice! Let it cool completely, wrap it well, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep up to three months. For best texture, freeze before adding the cheese topping, then add fresh cheese before reheating and finishing under the broiler.

Reheating

To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and hot, about 20–30 minutes if reheating a large portion. You can microwave individual servings for a quick lunch, but nothing beats bringing it back to life in the oven with a fresh layer of shredded Gruyère.

FAQs

Can I make French Onion Chicken & Rice ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to one day in advance (minus the cheese topping), refrigerate, then top with Gruyère and broil right before serving.

What’s the best rice to use?

Long-grain white rice is the classic choice for its fluffy texture, but medium grain works as well. Avoid instant rice as it can get mushy.

Can I substitute the Gruyère cheese?

Absolutely! While Gruyère gives that classic French onion flavor, Swiss, Emmental, or even mozzarella and a bit of cheddar will still be melty and delicious.

Is French Onion Chicken & Rice gluten-free?

Yes! As long as you use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and double-check your stock, the dish contains no wheat or gluten ingredients.

Can I make this vegetarian?

You can! Swap the chicken for more mushrooms or roasted vegetables, and use vegetable stock. The onions and cheese are front and center, so you won’t lose that cozy French Onion Chicken & Rice vibe.

Final Thoughts

If you adore rich, bubbling casseroles with deep flavor and a hint of elegance, you owe it to yourself to try French Onion Chicken & Rice. It’s pure comfort, a labor of love, and sure to spark joy around your table—give it a go and watch it disappear!