Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken pieces until browned but not fully cooked through.
In the prepared baking dish, stir together the uncooked rice, condensed French onion soup, chicken broth, and black pepper.
Add the seared chicken to the rice mixture and ensure the rice is evenly submerged in the liquid.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent steam from escaping.
Bake for 35 minutes until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid and the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese and crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the onions are toasted.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the rice to set.