Description
A comforting dish featuring long-grain rice cooked in a savory broth, tender chicken pieces, caramelized onions, and melted Gruyère cheese. This casserole combines the flavors of French onion soup with creamy rice, making it a perfect family dinner.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 pounds yellow onions (about 2 large or 4 medium), sliced about 1/4-inch thick (about 7 cups)
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1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (from 1/4 medium bunch), plus more for garnish
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2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more as needed
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1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
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1/4 cup dry white wine
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1 cup long-grain white rice
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2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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1 cup whole or 2% milk
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
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6 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups), divided
Instructions
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Melt the butter in a large oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and thyme leaves. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are very tender and golden, about 32–36 minutes.
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Add the dry white wine and cook until it’s almost completely evaporated, about 2 minutes.
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Stir in the rice, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 15–20 minutes.
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Preheat your oven’s broiler.
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Arrange the chicken pieces on top of the rice and onion mixture in the skillet. Sprinkle each piece of chicken with the shredded Gruyère cheese. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
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Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, you can use skim milk and reduce the cheese amount.
This dish can be made ahead and reheated in the oven before serving.
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before broiling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: French onion chicken, cheesy rice casserole, chicken with cheese, comforting dinner