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French Onion Chicken Rice Bake

French Onion Chicken Rice Bake

  • Author: David
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This French Onion Chicken Rice Bake is a comforting, rich, and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese layered with aromatic caramelized onions and fragrant rice. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this one-dish meal combines wholesome ingredients and natural seasonings for a hearty and satisfying experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Dairy (Plant-Based)

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 6 slices turkey bacon
  • 1 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Grains and Liquids

  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)

Others

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp natural gelling agent
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Slice the yellow onions thinly and cook them slowly over low heat in a bit of olive oil until golden brown and sweet, about 20-25 minutes. This step builds the rich flavor base for the bake.
  2. Prepare the Turkey Bacon and Garlic: While onions caramelize, crisp turkey bacon in a pan until slightly crunchy but still tender. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
  3. Combine Rice and Broth: In a baking dish, mix uncooked long-grain rice with chicken broth, fresh thyme, apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and the natural gelling agent. Stir well for even cooking and flavor distribution.
  4. Layer the Ingredients: Evenly spread the caramelized onions over the rice mixture. Place chicken breasts on top, scatter turkey bacon pieces over the chicken, then generously sprinkle shredded plant-based cheese (plant-based) on top.
  5. Bake Until Perfect: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to brown the plant-based cheese (plant-based) and ensure the chicken is juicy and cooked through.

Notes

  • Patience with onions is key as slow caramelizing unlocks deeper, sweeter flavors.
  • Use a tight cover on the baking dish to trap steam for evenly cooked rice and moist chicken.
  • Check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and tenderness.
  • Rest the bake for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute.
  • Adjust the amount of plant-based cheese (plant-based) on top to your preference for more or less creaminess.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: French Onion Chicken Rice Bake, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, caramelized onions, one-dish meal, gluten free, family dinner

Find it online: https://yummyrecipeszone.com/french-onion-chicken-rice-bake/