Creating your French Onion Chicken & Rice is straightforward and enjoyable with the following steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté the Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Season the Chicken: While the onions are caramelizing, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
4. Brown the Chicken: Once the onions are caramelized, push them to one side of the skillet. Add the chicken breasts to the empty side and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
5. Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the rice, thyme, and chicken broth, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed in the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Combine and Bake: Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet if necessary, then cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil. Transfer it to the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
7. Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyere cheese over the chicken and rice. Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Rest and Garnish: Take the skillet out of the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

These steps will guide you toward creating an incredible meal that will please everyone at the table.