Imagine the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup transformed into a hearty chicken dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. This French Onion Chicken recipe is a game-changer that’ll have your taste buds dancing and your family asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of caramelized onions, tender chicken, and melty cheese creates a taste sensation that’s simply irresistible.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to savor your delicious creation.
- Weeknight Hero: This dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for those busy evenings when you want something special without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts are the star of the show, providing a lean protein base.
- Onions: The heart and soul of this dish, they transform into sweet, caramelized goodness.
- Beef Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- Gruyere or Swiss Cheese: For that perfect, gooey cheese pull.
- Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and gives the chicken a light coating.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and thyme bring everything together with classic French flavors.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret ingredient that adds a umami kick.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
- Mushroom Madness: Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy twist.
- Wine Time: Swap some broth for white wine to elevate the sauce.
- Herb it Up: Experiment with rosemary or sage for different flavor profiles.
How to Make French Onion Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Cut and season those chicken breasts, then give them a light flour dusting.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Get that skillet hot and give your chicken a quick sear for a golden crust.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
This is where the magic happens! Slowly cook those onions until they’re sweet and golden.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Add garlic, flour, broth, and seasonings to build a flavorful base.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Nestle the chicken back in, top with cheese, and let the oven work its melty magic.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Slice Onions Evenly: This ensures they caramelize at the same rate.
- Don’t Rush the Onions: Low and slow is the way to go for maximum flavor.
- Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: It’s a one-pan meal from stovetop to oven!
How to Serve
Pair this with a crusty baguette to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce. A side of green beans or a crisp salad balances out the richness perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze without the cheese topping for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm in the oven at 350°F, adding the cheese for the last few minutes.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs will be even more flavorful and juicy. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries! Transfer everything to a baking dish before popping it in the oven.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Sure thing! Use a gluten-free flour blend and double-check your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
This French Onion Chicken is a flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. It’s comfort food at its finest, with a gourmet twist that’s surprisingly easy to achieve. Give it a try tonight – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
French Onion Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
French Onion Chicken is a delectable fusion of classic French onion soup and tender chicken cutlets. This savory dish combines caramelized onions, melted Gruyere cheese, and juicy chicken in a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner or elegant entertaining, this recipe brings restaurant-quality cuisine to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 3/4 pounds/ 790g)
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 700g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth (360mL)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 4 ounces gruyere or Swiss cheese, grated (113g)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken
Cut the chicken breasts lengthwise to create 4 evenly sized cutlets. If needed, pound them to an even ¾ inch thickness. Season with ½ teaspoon of salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess. Reserve 2 tablespoons of remaining flour. - Cook the chicken
Heat a 12-inch oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and cook chicken for 3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside. - Caramelize the onions
Melt butter in the same skillet. Add onions and remaining salt. Cook for 10 minutes on medium-high, then reduce heat to medium and cook for another 10 minutes until golden brown, stirring occasionally. - Create the sauce
Add garlic and sprinkle reserved flour over onions. Stir and cook for 2 minutes. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up brown bits. - Assemble and bake
Preheat oven to 400°F. Nestle chicken cutlets into the onion mixture. Top each piece with onion mixture and grated cheese. Bake for 6-8 minutes until cheese melts. - Serve
Sprinkle with fresh thyme and black pepper. Serve with baguette slices, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Notes
- For a stovetop-only method, after adding cheese, cover the skillet and cook on medium-low for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts.
- If you don’t have a meat mallet, use a rolling pin. Place chicken between plastic wrap or parchment paper when pounding.
- To strip thyme leaves, hold the stem top and pinch just below, pulling down to remove leaves.
- For added flavor, replace up to 1/2 cup of broth with dry white wine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
