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French Onion Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.1 from 57 reviews

  • Author: Diane
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

French Onion Chicken and Rice is a hearty, comforting one-pan dish combining tender seared chicken thighs with caramelized onions, creamy rice, and fresh spinach. This recipe offers rich flavors from garlic, onion powder, oregano, and a touch of cream, cooked together for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables and Rice

  • 1 large onion (peeled, quartered and thinly sliced)
  • 1 1/2 cups long grain rice
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups fresh spinach (uncooked)

Instructions

  1. Combine the chicken and seasonings. In a large bowl, mix the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly and set aside to marinate briefly.
  2. Caramelize the onions. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions soften, become golden, and caramelize, about 15 minutes. Take care to avoid burning. Once done, remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sear the chicken thighs. In the same skillet, add the chicken pieces and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Cook the rice mixture. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and stir in the uncooked rice. Cook for about one minute, stirring constantly, to lightly toast the rice. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the caramelized onions and fresh spinach. Stir to combine all ingredients.
  5. Simmer with chicken. Place the seared chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook gently for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
  6. Serve and garnish. Once cooked, serve the dish hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavors.

Notes

  • Use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and moisture.
  • Stir the onions frequently while caramelizing to prevent burning and achieve a deep golden color.
  • Make sure the skillet lid fits tightly to properly steam the rice and cook chicken evenly.
  • If desired, fresh thyme or parsley can be used as garnish to complement the flavors.
  • Adjust salt according to your preference and the sodium level of the chicken broth used.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: French-American

Find it online: https://eatwithdiane.com/french-onion-chicken-and-rice-recipe/