Description
French Onion Chicken is a comforting main course featuring tender, seared chicken breasts baked under a rich, cheesy caramelized onion sauce. This French-inspired dish combines sweet slow-cooked onions with melted Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses for a flavorful, hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Onion Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup beef broth
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper evenly to enhance flavor throughout.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3–4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Caramelize Onions: Reduce heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the thinly sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Cook while stirring frequently for 15–20 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized, soft, and golden brown.
- Add Garlic and Thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Thicken Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to combine. Cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
- Deglaze and Simmer Sauce: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Then add the beef broth. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Assemble for Baking: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the onion sauce. Spoon some onions over each piece of chicken, then evenly sprinkle a cheese mixture of Gruyère and mozzarella on top.
- Bake: Transfer the oven-safe skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar to the onion sauce during cooking.
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-friendly.
- Serve alongside mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or crusty bread to complement the rich onion gravy.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop + Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
