French Onion Chicken
Tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in deeply caramelized onions, savory French onion sauce, and plenty of melted Gruyère cheese. It’s cozy, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting family dinner!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup dry white wine, optional
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, until nicely golden. Transfer the chicken to a plate. It does not need to be fully cooked yet.
- Caramelize the onions: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Add the sliced onions and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently, until soft, golden brown, and caramelized. If they begin sticking, add a splash of broth and continue cooking.
- Add garlic and thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and thyme. Cook for about 30 seconds.
- Make the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well. Slowly pour in the beef broth and white wine, if using. Add Worcestershire sauce and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken: Nestle the browned chicken breasts into the onion sauce. Spoon some onions and sauce over the top.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the Gruyère and mozzarella evenly over the chicken and onions.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for about 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Broil for extra color: If desired, broil for 1–2 minutes until the cheese becomes beautifully golden and bubbly. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and serve immediately.
Serving Ideas
Serve this French Onion Chicken with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Crusty French bread
- Buttered noodles
- Roasted potatoes
- Steamed green beans
- A simple green salad
Tip: The secret is taking your time with the onions. Properly caramelized onions give the chicken that rich, sweet, classic French-onion flavor.