Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, French onion soup mix, water or broth, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of the cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
Spread the rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly browned. It does not need to be cooked through yet.
Nestle the seared chicken into the rice mixture, pressing down slightly. Scatter the sliced onion over the top.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes, until the rice is tender and the onions have softened.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Return to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and golden.
Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so the rice can finish absorbing any remaining liquid.