This one-pan French Onion Chicken & Rice is pure weeknight magic. Everything cooks together in a single skillet—juicy chicken, fluffy rice, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey cheese. You’ll love how easy it is, and even more how comforting it tastes. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner rotation and how to make it flawlessly every time.
Table of Contents
Why I Keep Coming Back to This One-Pan Wonder
A Story Behind the Skillet
I first created this dish on a Wednesday night when I didn’t feel like scrubbing multiple pots. I had chicken, rice, a few onions, and not much energy. But what came out of the oven? A cheesy, savory pan of French onion goodness that reminded me of my Chicken Rice Onion Casserole, but with fewer dishes! It was an instant family favorite.
Layers of Flavor in One Pan
What makes this recipe irresistible? You sear the chicken, let the onions caramelize in the same pan, add rice and broth, and bake it all together. It’s simple, but the flavor depth is incredible. It’s like French onion soup had a dinner-party with chicken and rice—and they all became best friends.
Ingredients and Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken thighs or breasts | 4 pieces |
| Long grain white rice (uncooked) | 1 cup |
| Yellow onions, thinly sliced | 2 large |
| Chicken broth | 2 ½ cups |
| Shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese | 1½ cups |
| Butter, oil, salt, pepper, garlic, thyme | To taste |
How to Cook It All Together
- Preheat oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, sear seasoned chicken in oil. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onions in butter until deeply caramelized, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, uncooked rice, and broth. Nestle chicken on top.
- Cover and bake for 35 minutes until rice is tender.
- Uncover, sprinkle with cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden.
It’s got all the vibes of my French Onion Chicken Bake, but the rice soaks up every ounce of flavor. It’s dinner magic.
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One-Pan French Onion Chicken & Rice
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy chicken baked in a skillet with fluffy rice, sweet caramelized onions, and melted cheese—French onion flavor in one easy pan.
Ingredients
4 boneless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup long grain white rice
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
2. Sear seasoned chicken in oven-safe skillet; set aside.
3. Caramelize onions in butter, about 15 minutes.
4. Add garlic, uncooked rice, and broth to pan.
5. Nestle chicken over rice. Cover tightly.
6. Bake 35 minutes until rice is tender.
7. Uncover, top with cheese. Broil 2–3 minutes until golden.
8. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use cast iron or stainless skillet for best results. Brown rice needs more broth and time. Mozzarella or cheddar can substitute cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: One-Pan
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: one pan chicken rice, French onion skillet, comfort food
Pro Tips, Variations, and Serving Ideas
Tips to Nail It Every Time
- Use an oven-safe skillet like cast iron or heavy stainless.
- Caramelize onions low and slow—it’s worth the time.
- Rinse rice before adding for fluffier texture.
- Cover tightly before baking to prevent moisture loss.
Easy Customization Ideas
- Add mushrooms with the onions for earthiness.
- Swap in brown rice and add ½ cup extra broth; bake 10 minutes longer.
- Try mozzarella for a stretchier cheese pull, like in my Garlic Butter Chicken.
- Garnish with thyme or parsley for a fresh touch.
What to Serve It With
Since it’s already hearty, serve it with a crisp salad or roasted green beans. Leftovers are dreamy reheated, and the rice becomes extra flavorful the next day.
FAQs for This One-Pan Favorite
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts work fine. Just don’t overcook—remove from oven when they reach 74 °C (165 °F).
Will brown rice work?
Yes, but it takes longer. Use ½ cup more broth and extend bake time by 10–15 minutes.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Cool completely and freeze in an airtight container. Thaw in fridge and reheat in oven or microwave.
What cheese is best?
Gruyère is classic, but Swiss, mozzarella, or even cheddar work. You can mix them, too!
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan French Onion Chicken & Rice is the comfort food you didn’t know you needed. Juicy, cheesy, savory, and super satisfying. Plus, it’s all in one pan—so cleanup is minimal and flavor is maxed out. It’s a weekly staple for good reason.