If you love the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup, you’re going to fall head over heels for this French Onion Chicken Rice. It’s the kind of comforting, stick-to-your-ribs meal that feels like home—hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, all made in just one pan. And let’s be honest: who doesn’t need more easy dinners like that in their back pocket?

This recipe combines everything I love about cold-weather comfort food: caramelized onions (worth every second of stovetop stirring), juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and melted cheese. It’s like French onion soup got cozy with a casserole and made dinner magic.

Let me walk you through how this all comes together—and share a few tips from my own kitchen along the way!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s start with why this recipe earns a permanent spot in your meal rotation:

• One pan = fewer dishes

• Layers of deep, savory flavor

• Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved

• Great for using up leftover or rotisserie chicken

• Cheesy, hearty, and filling—without being fussy

I’ve made this on busy weeknights and lazy Sundays alike, and it’s always a hit. I like to pair it with a simple side salad or some roasted veggies if I’m feeling fancy, but it’s totally satisfying all on its own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into this recipe:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups cooked shredded or cubed chicken (rotisserie works great!)

• 1 cup uncooked white rice

• 2 cups beef broth (for that rich, French onion flavor)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

You probably have most of this in your kitchen already, and that’s the beauty of it—it’s a recipe that feels special but doesn’t require a trip to a specialty grocery store.

STEP 1: CARAMELIZE THE ONIONS

This is where the magic starts. In a large skillet or oven-safe pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar, then cook them low and slow for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently. You’re looking for that deep golden-brown color and sweet, rich aroma—don’t rush this step! Caramelizing the onions builds the base of the whole dish.

Pro Tip: If your onions start to stick or brown too fast, just lower the heat a bit and add a splash of water to deglaze the pan. Patience here pays off.

this recipe

STEP 2: ADD THE GARLIC

Once your onions are beautifully caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—burnt garlic can add a bitter flavor we don’t want.

STEP 3: ADD THE RICE AND LIQUID

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Stir in:

• Uncooked white rice

• Beef broth

• Worcestershire sauce

• Dried thyme

• Salt and pepper

Let everything come to a gentle simmer. This is when your kitchen really starts to smell amazing.

STEP 4: MIX IN THE CHICKEN

Add in your cooked chicken, and stir everything well to combine. This is a great spot to use up leftovers or make your life easier with a store-bought rotisserie chicken.

Once it’s all mixed, cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Heads up: Don’t peek too early—keeping the lid on helps trap the steam and ensures your rice cooks evenly.

Now that we’ve got all those rich flavors simmering together in one pan, it’s time for the part that really takes this recipe over the top—cheese. This final stretch comes together quickly, and the reward is a bubbling, golden-topped dish that’s just begging to be scooped onto your plate.

This dish is a total flavor bomb, but it’s also flexible. Whether you’re making it for the family on a weeknight or serving it up as a cozy weekend dinner, it has that comforting, just-fancy-enough vibe that makes it perfect for any occasion.

Let’s wrap this recipe up and dive into some tips to make it even easier (and tastier).

STEP 5: ADD THE CHEESE AND MELT

Once your rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, it’s time to crown your creation with cheese.

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the dish. I personally love the mild stretchiness of mozzarella, but if you want that authentic French onion soup flavor, Swiss (or even Gruyère) is the way to go.

Then, simply cover the pan again and let the heat melt the cheese for 2 to 3 minutes. That’s it—no need to transfer to the oven unless you want to take things up a notch (which I’ll explain below).

Optional Upgrade:
If you’re craving a bubbly, browned top, go ahead and pop the skillet (make sure it’s oven-safe!) under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it—broilers work fast.

STEP 6: GARNISH AND SERVE

Once the cheese is melty and irresistible, remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle with a little fresh chopped parsley if you’ve got it on hand. It adds a nice touch of color and a fresh flavor that balances the richness of the dish.

Serve warm, straight from the skillet, with a big spoon and a hungry crowd—trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Use Rotisserie Chicken to Save Time

This recipe calls for cooked, shredded chicken, and store-bought rotisserie is perfect here. It saves time and adds tons of flavor without extra work.

Caramelize Your Onions Properly

It can be tempting to turn up the heat to get through this step faster, but true caramelization takes time. Low and slow is key—this is what gives the dish its signature French onion depth.

Switch Up the Cheese

Mozzarella is mild and melty, while Swiss adds a nuttier, more traditional French onion flavor. Want to get fancy? Try Gruyère or a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for something special.

Make It Ahead

This dish stores beautifully. The flavors only deepen after a night in the fridge, making it an excellent make-ahead option for meal prep or entertaining. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen it up.

Add a Crunchy Topping

For a little extra texture, top the dish with crispy fried onions (the kind you find near the salad toppings) just before serving. It’s not necessary, but it’s definitely delicious.

VARIATIONS TO TRY

Make it Creamy

If you’re craving something even more decadent, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before adding the cheese.

Go Vegetarian

Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef. You’ll still get all the richness from the caramelized onions and cheese.

Try Different Grains

Not a fan of white rice? You can use brown rice or even quinoa—just adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.

Add Some Greens

Want to sneak in more veggies? Stir in some chopped spinach or kale right before you add the cheese. It’ll wilt perfectly in the heat of the pan and boost the nutritional value without changing the flavor much.