Description
This comforting dish combines caramelized onions with chicken and a variety of flavorful ingredients for a deeply satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- Pinch of salt
- 6 chicken thighs (skin on or off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups dry wild rice
- 1/2 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup cubed Gouda cheese
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 cups chicken broth or chicken bone broth
- 6 tablespoons butter, sliced
- Fresh thyme (for garnish)
- Black pepper (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Caramelized Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring often, until the onions turn deep golden brown and soft, about 15–20 minutes. Set aside — these will be added at the end for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F.
- Build the Base in Your Baking Dish: Use a baking dish or a deep oven-safe skillet. Add the chicken thighs and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Mix in the chopped shallots, garlic, thyme, sage, Italian seasoning, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the wild rice, orzo, mushrooms, celery, and Gouda cheese around the chicken — do not mix too much, just spread evenly.
- Add Liquid & Butter: Pour the apple cider and broth evenly over the rice and vegetables. Arrange the chicken thighs on top so they roast nicely. Add the butter slices across the top of the dish.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil or a lid. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the cover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until the rice is fluffy, the orzo is tender, and the chicken is fully cooked. If the rice is still firm, add 1/3 cup water, cover again, and bake 10 more minutes.
- Finish With Caramelized Onions: Spoon the warm caramelized onions over the top of the chicken and rice. They add a sweet, rich flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Serve: Finish with fresh thyme or black pepper if desired. Serve hot and enjoy a deeply flavorful, comforting meal.
Notes
- This dish can be made in a deep oven-safe skillet for easy preparation and serving.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer.
- The caramelized onions can be made in advance to save time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg