Description

This French Onion Chicken Recipe combines slow-caramelized onions, tender chicken breasts, and a creamy melted cheese topping to create a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners. With simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish delivers rich, savory flavors inspired by classic French onion soup, elevated with juicy baked chicken and a luscious cheesy finish. Versatile and customizable, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or fresh salads.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup beef or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Topping

½ to 1 cup Swiss or Gruyere cheese, shredded

Optional

Baguette slices, lightly toasted for serving
Fresh thyme sprigs or chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Caramelize the Onions: Start by thinly slicing your yellow onions. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat, then add the onions. Cook gently for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and develop a rich, sweet aroma that promises deep flavor.
Prepare the Chicken: While the onions caramelize, season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Once the onions are nearly done, push them to the side of the skillet and add the chicken breasts, searing each side until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Add Garlic and Herbs: Reduce heat to medium, and stir in minced garlic and fresh thyme with the onions and chicken. Allow garlic to become fragrant but not brown, about 1 minute.
Deglaze with Broth: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This creates a flavorful base and helps form a savory sauce that keeps the chicken moist and tender.
Bake with Cheese Topping: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Top each chicken breast with a generous layer of Swiss or Gruyere cheese. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Spoon any remaining onion sauce over the top for extra flavor before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and serve alongside your choice of sides.

Notes

Patience with onions: Slow caramelization is key; rushing it can lead to bitter, underdeveloped flavors.
Even slicing: Slice onions and chicken uniformly for consistent cooking and presentation.
Use a cast-iron skillet: Perfect for stovetop-to-oven cooking, ensuring even heat distribution and easy transfer.
Broth choice matters: Homemade or low-sodium broth helps control saltiness and enrich flavor.
Cheese layering: Add cheese near the end to melt perfectly without burning.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking and Sautéing
Cuisine: French-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 45 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg