Creamy French Onion Chicken and Rice

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 large onions, thinly sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) In this recipe, chicken thighs serve as the main protein. They stay juicy and tender during cooking. Onions and garlic add rich flavor, while rice soaks up all the delicious broth. Cream brings a smooth finish that ties everything together. Thyme enhances the taste with its earthy aroma, and balsamic vinegar adds a hint of sweetness. - 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (optional) - Fresh parsley or chives for garnish Adding cheese makes the dish even creamier and richer. Try Gruyère for a nutty taste or Swiss for a milder flavor. Fresh herbs brighten the dish, giving it a pop of color and taste. - Large skillet - Cooking utensils - Measuring cups and spoons You need a large skillet to cook everything in one pot. This makes clean-up easy and keeps the flavors together. Use standard measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient amounts. Cooking utensils like a spatula and tongs will help you mix and turn the food. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook them for about 15-20 minutes. Stir them often. You want them to turn golden brown. This caramelization adds a sweet and rich flavor. In the last 2 minutes, add minced garlic. This boosts the aroma and taste. Once done, remove the onions and garlic from the skillet. Set them aside to keep the flavors fresh. Next, increase the heat to medium-high. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. This mix brings out their natural taste. Place the chicken in the skillet. Sear each side for about 5-6 minutes. You’re aiming for a nice golden crust. This step locks in the juices. Once golden, remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the uncooked rice. Stir it well to coat in the leftover juices. This step helps flavor the rice. Pour in the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar next. Bring the mixture to a boil. This will help cook the rice evenly. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet. Cover it and cook for about 20 minutes. The rice should become tender and absorb most of the liquid. After simmering, stir in the heavy cream and the caramelized onions. This makes the dish rich and creamy. If you want cheese, sprinkle it on top. Cover the skillet again and cook for another 5 minutes. The cheese should melt and bubble. This adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. Once everything is ready, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds color and freshness. You can serve it hot directly from the skillet. For a nice touch, transfer it to individual plates. This makes the dish look even more appealing. Enjoy your creamy French onion chicken and rice! To get those sweet, soft onions just right, use these tips: - Time-saving tips: Start with medium heat and add a pinch of salt. This helps onions sweat faster. Stir them often to prevent burning. If you want to speed up the process, cover the skillet for a few minutes. This traps steam and softens onions quicker. - Flavor enhancements: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end. This brightens the taste and gives a nice depth. You can also sprinkle in a bit of sugar for extra caramelization. A hint of thyme can also deepen the flavor. Creaminess makes every bite better. Here’s how to enhance it: - Alternative cream substitutes: If you need a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut milk or cashew cream. Each option gives a unique twist to the dish. - Cheese melting techniques: Add shredded cheese right after adding cream. Cover the skillet to trap heat. This helps the cheese melt smoothly and blend into the sauce. Stir gently to mix it well, ensuring every bite is cheesy. The chicken needs to be tasty and juicy. Here’s how to achieve that: - Best seasoning practices: Season the chicken thighs well with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Don’t skip this step. It makes a huge difference in flavor. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes to absorb the spices. - Marinating options: For more flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes. This adds depth and keeps the chicken moist during cooking. You can use the same spices from the dish for consistency. Pro Tips Caramelization is Key: Make sure to take your time when caramelizing the onions; this adds depth and sweetness to the dish. Use Quality Broth: For an even richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth or a high-quality store-bought option. Thighs for Tenderness: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe as they stay juicy and flavorful. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or fontina for a unique twist on flavor. {{image_2}} You can add vegetables to boost nutrition and flavor. Vegetables like spinach or mushrooms work well. They add vitamins and minerals. You can sauté them with the onions for extra taste. Carrots or bell peppers also add nice color and crunch. Experiment with your favorites to find what you like best! If you want to switch from rice, try quinoa or barley. These grains bring a different texture. They also add more fiber and protein. Keep in mind that cooking times will change. Quinoa cooks faster, while barley takes a bit longer. Adjust your liquid and cooking times as needed. You can swap out Gruyère or Swiss cheese for other types. Cheddar or mozzarella are great choices too. They melt nicely and add creaminess. If you're dairy-free, try cashew cheese or nutritional yeast. These provide flavor without dairy. Choose what fits your taste and diet! To keep your Creamy French Onion Chicken and Rice fresh, cool it down quickly. Place the dish in a shallow container. This helps heat escape. Use airtight containers for storing leftovers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Label them with the date. This way, you’ll know when to use them. If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely first. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can also use freezer bags. Lay the bags flat to save space. For thawing, move the container to the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, use the microwave on low. When reheating, do it slowly over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. Stir often to prevent sticking. If using a microwave, heat in intervals. Cover it to keep moisture in. This will help maintain the creamy texture. Enjoy your tasty leftovers! Yes, you can use chicken breast. Chicken breast will cook faster than thighs. Adjust the cooking time. Cook the breasts for about 4-5 minutes on each side. They should be cooked until they reach 165°F. The taste will be less rich but still delicious. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free rice. Also, check the chicken broth label. Some broths contain gluten. You can also use homemade broth to ensure it is safe. This way, you keep the flavors intact and healthy. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or crusty rolls complement it nicely too. They help soak up the creamy sauce. Feel free to get creative with your sides! You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. If you want to store it longer, freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This dish combines chicken thighs, rice, and rich flavors. You learned how to sauté onions and create a creamy mix. Remember to try different cheeses or grains for fun twists. Store leftovers properly for future meals. Make this meal your own by adding vegetables or using chicken breast. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor your delicious dish. You now have all the tools to impress family and friends with this tasty recipe!$

Creamy French Onion Chicken and Rice

A delicious and creamy dish featuring chicken thighs, caramelized onions, and rice, topped with cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine French

Servings 4

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 large onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (optional)

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown. Add minced garlic in the last 2 minutes of cooking, then remove the onions and garlic from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the skillet, add uncooked rice and stir to coat it in the remaining juices. Pour in the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Lower the heat to a simmer and nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Stir in the heavy cream and caramelized onions into the skillet. If using, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover again for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once done, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for garnish. Serve hot directly from the skillet or transfer to individual plates.

Notes

Optional cheese can be added for extra creaminess.

Keyword chicken, comfort food, creamy, onion, rice