French Onion Chicken
If you love rich, savory flavors and easy comfort food dinners, this French Onion Chicken Bake is about to become a weeknight favorite.
With tender chicken breasts smothered in caramelized onions and melted cheese, it’s like your favorite French onion soup met your main course, and they got married in a casserole dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Ready in under an hour
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Big flavor with minimal ingredients
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Feels fancy but is super simple
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Family-friendly and kid-approved
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Great for leftovers the next day
Ingredients Needed
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly until deeply golden and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally and add balsamic vinegar halfway through.
Step 3: While onions cook, season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Lightly sear the chicken in a separate skillet or push onions to one side and cook chicken 2-3 minutes per side, just until browned.
Step 5: Transfer chicken to a baking dish. Top each piece with caramelized onions. Pour beef broth into the dish.
Step 6: Sprinkle cheese generously over the top.
Step 7: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F) and cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 8: Garnish with parsley if desired. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
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Don’t rush caramelizing the onions—that’s where all the flavor lives.
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Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
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Deglaze the skillet with a splash of broth to add even more depth to the onions.
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Swap in provolone or mozzarella if you can’t find Gruyère.
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Add a splash of cream to the broth if you want it even richer.
Serving Ideas
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Pair with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the sauce
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Serve alongside roasted green beans or a simple salad
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Add crusty bread for a French onion soup-style experience
Storage & Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days
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Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave in short bursts
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Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time slightly.
Q: What if I don’t have beef broth?
A: You can use chicken broth, though beef adds a deeper flavor.
Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
A: Yes, caramelize the onions and sear the chicken ahead. Assemble and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Q: What’s the best cheese for this?
A: Gruyère melts beautifully and adds great flavor, but Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella also work.
Conclusion
This French Onion Chicken Bake is the ultimate cozy dinner—rich, cheesy, and surprisingly easy to make any night of the week.
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French Onion Chicken
Tender chicken breasts baked with sweet caramelized onions, beefy broth, and bubbly cheese—a cozy French-inspired dish that’s pure comfort.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper
- 1.5 cups shredded Gruyère
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Caramelize onions (25 min)
- Season and lightly sear the chicken
- Assemble in a dish: chicken, onions, broth
- Top with cheese and bake (20-25 min)
- Rest and garnish before serving
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
- Add mushrooms or sautéed spinach for a veggie twist.
- Make it low-carb by pairing it with cauliflower mash or steamed broccoli.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4Amount Per Serving Calories ~390 per serving
