Enjoy a cozy, plant-based twist on French onion chicken! Vegan "chicken," caramelized onions, melty cheese, and wild rice deliver rich flavor and comforting warmth in each bite.
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Looking for a comforting, savory meal that captures all the flavors of classic French onion soup-without the animal products? This Vegan French Onion "Chicken" with Wild Rice is sure to become a new favorite. The dish combines perfectly caramelized onions, melty vegan cheese, and hearty vegan "chicken" substitutes, all served with aromatic wild rice. It's an impressive centerpiece for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
What makes this vegan skillet french onion chicken recipe truly shine is the time spent caramelizing the onions until they're deeply golden and sweet. Their rich flavor pairs beautifully with the tangy vegan cheese and herb-infused sauce. Served alongside wild rice, this meal offers a delicious blend of textures and tastes that you'll want to make again and again. Bon appétit!
Ingredients
This recipe brings together an array of wholesome, plant-based ingredients to create a flavorful and nourishing meal. The wild rice provides fiber and protein while offering a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium and zinc. Brown onions and garlic are rich in antioxidants and sulfur-containing compounds linked to heart health and immune support. The vegan 'piece of chicken' substitute offers an easy, protein-packed alternative to traditional meat, and often contains added nutrients like iron and B vitamins.
Meanwhile, the vegan butter and olive oil supply healthier fats that aid in nutrient absorption. Topping it all off, the vegan cheese adds the best part - a satisfying creaminess-many brands now fortify their cheese products with calcium and vitamin B12. Finally, the warming herbs-like bay leaves and oregano-not only enhance the aroma of the whole dish but also provide subtle anti-inflammatory benefits.
You will need...
- vegan chicken breast or chicken thighs substitute
- brown onions (or yellow onions / white onions)
- garlic, minced.
- vegan butter
- rice flour
- vegan cheese slices
- wild rice
- olive oil (for frying)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- bay leaves
For the sauce:
- vegan bouillon cube
- olive oil
- dried oregano
For exact quantities see the recipe card below...
Instructions
Cook the wild rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
Slice the brown onions and mince the garlic cloves.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions, minced garlic, and bay leaves. Cook until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, stirring occasionally. This may take about 20-25 minutes, add the rice flour to the skillet and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to coat the onions with the flour.
Add the vegan chicken substitute and cook on a medium heat until heated through and slightly browned.
Gradually add a bit of water to the skillet with the onions and flour mixture, stirring constantly. Add vegan butter, this will create a thick creamy consistency.
In a small bowl, combine the bouillon cube, olive oil, and dry oregano. Pour it into the skillet and stir it through the onion mixture.
Place the slices of vegan cheese on top of the cooked vegan chicken substitute. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for a few minutes.
Enjoy the Vegan French Onion Chicken either over the cooked wild rice mixed with onions or as a side dish.
📖 Recipe
Vegan French Onion Chicken Recipe (Dairy-Free)
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy a cozy, plant-based twist on French onion chicken! Vegan "chicken," caramelized onions, melty cheese, and wild rice deliver rich flavor and comforting warmth in each bite.
Ingredients
- 2 vegan chicken breast substitute
- 3 brown onions
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 tbsp vegan butter
- 1 tbsp rice flour
- 2 slices vegan cheese
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 bay leaves
For the sauce:
- 1 vegan bouillon cube
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Cook the wild rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
- Slice the brown onions and mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, minced garlic, and bay leaves. Cook until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, stirring occasionally. This may take about 20-25 minutes, add the rice flour to the skillet and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to coat the onions with the flour.
- Add the vegan chicken substitute and cook until heated through and slightly browned.
- Gradually add a bit of water to the skillet with the onions and flour mixture, stirring constantly. Add vegan butter, this will create a thick creamy consistency.
- In a small bowl, combine the bouillon cube, olive oil, and dry oregano. Pour it into the skillet and stir it.
- Place the slices of vegan cheese on top of the cooked vegan chicken substitute. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for a few minutes.
- Enjoy the Vegetarian French Onion Chicken either over the cooked wild rice mixed with onions or as a side dish.
Variations and Substitutions
Here are a few vegan-friendly substitutions and variations you might enjoy:
- Swap the "Chicken"
- Tofu or Tempeh: Press and marinate tofu or tempeh, then sauté until golden.
- Seitan: Brings a denser, "meatier" texture and savory flavor and works well with bold flavors.
- Choose Your Cheese
- Vegan Mozzarella-Style Shreds: The best vegan melted cheese for that classic French onion "stretch."
- Vegan Cheddar-Style Slices: Offers a sharper flavor that contrasts nicely with sweet onions.
- Homemade Cashew Cheese Sauce: Drizzle on top instead of using cheese slices for a creamy finish.
- Vegan parmesan cheese: For a stronger, more mature cheese flavour
- Adjust the Onions
- Use Mixed Onions: Combine yellow, sweet, or red onions for a more complex flavor.
- Add Shallots: Amp up the sweetness and richness of the dish by mixing in sliced shallots.
- Switch Up the Base
- Vegetable Broth or Vegan chicken broth Instead of Water: Adds extra depth when deglazing the skillet.
- No Wild Rice? Substitute with brown rice, quinoa, or farro-just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Flavor Boosters
- Red Wine Splash: After caramelizing the onions, deglaze the bottom of the pan with a bit of dry red wine for a richer, bistro-style flavorful sauce.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley to complement the sweet onions and savory "chicken."
- Spice It Up
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth that pairs well with caramelized onions.
- Chili Flakes: A pinch of heat for those who like a kick in their dish.
Feel free to combine or layer these variations to craft your ideal meal-keeping it 100% vegan and full of flavor!
FAQ's
How do I prevent the onions from burning while caramelizing?
Cook them low and slow. Use medium to medium-low heat, stir occasionally, and if they start to stick, add small splashes of water or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan.
Is this vegan french onion chicken bake gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free vegan "chicken" substitute and stick to rice flour (or another certified GF flour rather than regular all purpose flour). Always double-check your vegan bouillon cube to ensure it's gluten-free.
What kind of vegan cheese works best?
A vegan mozzarella-style or provolone-style slice tends to melt nicely and complement the caramelized onions. You can also use vegan shredded cheese or a homemade cashew cheese sauce if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can caramelize the onions and cook the vegan "chicken" in advance, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, adding the cheese slices just before serving.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a little water or broth to keep the onions from drying out. Add extra vegan cheese on top if you like.
Can I use a different grain instead of wild rice?
Absolutely. Brown rice, quinoa, or even farro make great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions of your chosen grain. You can even serve these vegan french onion chicken breasts with some crusty bread and vegan butter.
How can I add more flavor to this french onion 'chicken' skillet?
Deglaze with a splash of red wine or vegetable broth after caramelizing onions.
Add fresh thyme or rosemary toward the end of cooking.
Sprinkle in smoked paprika or chili flakes if you enjoy some heat.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but note that the texture of the vegan cheese might change slightly so ideally leave the cheese off before freezing. Freeze the "chicken" and onions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
We hope that you enjoyed this vegan french onion chicken recipe. We would love it if you would share this great recipe with your friends or on social media. Don't forget to Pin it for later too!
If you enjoyed this vegan french onion chicken recipe you might also like these classic recipes...
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Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe (Veggie Stir-Fry)
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