French Onion Chicken Recipe

Nothing says comfort food quite like the classic flavors of French onion soup paired with juicy chicken. This French Onion Chicken recipe brings together savory caramelized onions, melted cheese, and seasoned chicken breasts for a rich and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s like your favorite bowl of French onion soup, but heartier with tender chicken as the star!

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the Chicken Breasts: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

1. Cook the Onions: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and stir to coat them in the butter and oil.
2. Caramelize the Onions: Cook the onions for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar to help with caramelization, if desired.
3. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the beef broth and balsamic vinegar, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the thyme and let the mixture simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

1. Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the caramelized onions.
2. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese evenly over the chicken breasts.
3. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). The cheese should be melted and bubbly.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is done baking, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
2. Enjoy: Serve this French Onion Chicken hot with a side of mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a light salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Full of Flavor: The rich, caramelized onions paired with the melted cheese create an irresistible flavor combination.
• Comforting: It’s like enjoying a cozy bowl of French onion soup but with the heartiness of chicken.
• Easy and Elegant: Though it sounds fancy, this recipe is simple to make and perfect for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to special gatherings.

Tips and Variations

1. Use Chicken Thighs:

• If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts. They add extra juiciness to the dish.

2. Make it Spicy:

• For a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for the chicken.

3. Use a Different Cheese:

• While Gruyère is traditional, you can also use Swiss, Provolone, or Mozzarella if you prefer a different flavor profile.

4. Add White Wine:

• Add ¼ cup of white wine when deglazing the onions for an extra depth of flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• Yes! You can prepare the caramelized onions and sear the chicken in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

• You can, but the chicken won’t absorb as much flavor. If using pre-cooked chicken, make sure to simmer it in the onion mixture for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3. How can I make this dish low-carb?

• To make it low-carb, serve the French Onion Chicken with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles instead of traditional starchy sides.

4. Can I make this in the slow cooker?

• Yes! Caramelize the onions on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Add the cheese in the last 30 minutes and allow it to melt before serving.

5. Can I freeze French Onion Chicken?

• While the chicken and onions freeze well, the texture of the cheese may change. To freeze, store the cooked chicken and onion mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat, adding fresh cheese before serving.

Conclusion

This French Onion Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions, melted cheese, and tender chicken in a comforting, easy-to-make meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress and become a favorite at your table.

Yield: 4

French Onion Chicken Recipe

Print

Nothing says comfort food quite like the classic flavors of French onion soup paired with juicy chicken. This French Onion Chicken recipe brings together savory caramelized onions, melted cheese, and seasoned chicken breasts for a rich and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week. It's like your favorite bowl of French onion soup, but heartier with tender chicken as the star!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions:
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter and olive oil. Once melted, add the sliced onions. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. If the onions start to stick, add a splash of beef broth or water.
2. Deglaze the Pan:
   Add the balsamic vinegar to the skillet and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the thyme and garlic powder, then pour in the beef broth. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to create a rich onion sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the onions to a bowl and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   In the same skillet, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. Cook over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Assemble and Bake:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Return the caramelized onions to the skillet and place the cooked chicken breasts on top of the onions. Sprinkle the Gruyère (or Swiss) cheese and mozzarella cheese over the chicken and onions.
5. Bake:
   Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot, spooning the caramelized onions and sauce over the chicken.

Notes

Pan Choice: If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken and onions to a baking dish before adding the cheese and baking.

Cheese Options: Gruyère is ideal for that classic French onion flavor, but Swiss or even provolone can be used as substitutes.

Broth Choice: Beef broth adds depth, but chicken broth works well if that's what you have on hand.

Sides: Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over a bed of rice to soak up the rich onion sauce.