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French Onion Chicken with Rice and Gruyere Recipe

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4 from 45 reviews

This French Onion Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts with rich caramelized onions, melted Gruyere cheese, and a savory Dijon-thyme sauce, served over a bed of wild rice and sweet peas. It’s a comforting and elegant one-pan meal perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, delivering layers of flavor and texture in just 40 minutes.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Onions and Sauce

  • 2 large yellow onions, sliced
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Chicken

  • 2 large chicken breasts (sliced in half or 4 small breasts)
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Sauce and Additional Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese

To Serve

  • 2 cups cooked wild rice
  • 1 1/2 cups peas
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat Skillet: Warm a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter, preparing for sautéing the onions.
  2. Sauté Onions: Add the sliced onions and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the skillet. Cook them until they begin to brown, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Cook Onions Low and Slow: Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking the onions for about 20 minutes, or until they become very soft and caramelized.
  4. Add Sauces and Thyme: Stir in the balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Once mixed, remove the onions from the pan and set aside on a plate.
  5. Mix Flour and Seasonings: In a separate bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper thoroughly.
  6. Dredge Chicken: Coat each chicken breast piece in the flour mixture, ensuring full coverage.
  7. Cook Chicken: Add the floured chicken pieces to the skillet where onions were cooked. Brown each side until golden and mostly cooked through.
  8. Remove Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside temporarily.
  9. Make Sauce: Pour the chicken broth and Dijon mustard into the skillet. Simmer, scraping the sides to loosen browned bits, until the liquid reduces by half and thickens slightly.
  10. Return Chicken to Pan: Place the chicken back into the pan and coat it well with the reduced sauce, allowing it to thicken further, aided by the flour coating on the chicken.
  11. Top Chicken with Onions and Cheese: Spoon the caramelized onions over the chicken and sprinkle shredded Gruyere cheese on top. Cover the pan and cook until the cheese melts completely.
  12. Assemble Bowls: Prepare serving bowls with cooked wild rice, peas, and spoon the French onion chicken on top. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  • Carmelizing the onions slowly over low heat ensures they develop deep sweetness and flavor.
  • Using gluten-free flour keeps the dish safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Gruyere cheese adds a creamy texture and slightly nutty taste; you can substitute with Swiss cheese if unavailable.
  • Cook the chicken thoroughly but avoid overcooking to keep it juicy.
  • Wild rice adds a nice nutty flavor and chewy texture that complements the rich chicken and sauce.
  • Add peas at the end for a fresh, vibrant contrast in sweetness and color.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: French-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free