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French cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, elegant presentation, and comforting dishes that warm the heart and soul. The French have a remarkable ability to transform simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces, reflecting their cultural heritage and love for food. Among the myriad of French-inspired dishes, French Onion Chicken & Rice stands out as a delightful fusion of flavors that captures the essence of classic French onion soup while incorporating the heartiness of chicken and rice.

French Onion Chicken & Rice

Discover the comforting flavors of Savory French Onion Chicken & Rice, a delightful one-pan dish that brings classic French cuisine to your table. This recipe features tender chicken thighs, caramelized onions, and fluffy rice, all enhanced by a gooey layer of melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's easy to prepare and promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Learn how to make this delicious meal and experience a taste of France in your own kitchen!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

2 large onions, thinly sliced

3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup long-grain white rice

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat. Cook the onions for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown. Season with salt and pepper.

    Sear the Chicken: In a separate large oven-safe skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

      Cook the Rice: In the same skillet where you seared the chicken, add the rice, dried thyme, and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

        Combine Everything: Nestle the seared chicken thighs into the rice mixture. Top with the caramelized onions.

          Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once heated, transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

            Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese on top of the chicken and rice. Return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

              Serve: Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4