There’s something special about meals that come together in one pan and fill your kitchen with rich, savory aroma. This French Onion Chicken brings that magic with golden onions, tender chicken, and melted cheese all in one comforting dish. It’s the kind of dinner that feels homemade, hearty, and easy enough for any night of the week.
Why We Love This French Onion Chicken Recipe
Classic Flavor, Modern Twist
French Onion Chicken takes the deep, savory flavor of your favorite soup and pairs it with juicy chicken breasts to create a balanced, protein-rich main course. The skillet preparation cuts down on cleanup, making it just as convenient as it is delicious.
Benefits You’ll Appreciate
- Simple ingredients you already have on hand
- Ideal for meal prep or weeknight cooking
- Customizable for your dietary needs
- High in protein, naturally gluten-free
This recipe is more than just easy—it’s a way to make your dinner feel special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Chicken breasts – Use fresh, boneless, skinless for best results.
Yellow onions – Thinly sliced for sweet, caramelized flavor.
Olive oil – For searing chicken and cooking onions.
Butter – Adds richness to the onions.
Sugar – Helps onions caramelize faster.
Balsamic vinegar – Adds a tangy depth to the sauce.
Beef broth (low sodium) – Builds savory flavor in the sauce.
Dried thyme – Adds mild herbal notes.
Gruyère or Swiss cheese – Melts over chicken for a creamy finish.
How to Make French Onion Chicken
1. Season and Sear the Chicken
- Pat each chicken breast dry with a paper towel to help achieve a good sear.
- Season both sides evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and set aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter.
- Add sliced onions and stir to coat in butter.
- Cook slowly for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle sugar halfway through to deepen the caramelization.
- Add balsamic vinegar and dried thyme in the last few minutes.
3. Make the Sauce
- Pour in beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Let the broth simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Assemble and Bake
- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the onions.
- Spoon some of the onions on top of each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle cheese generously over each piece.
- Transfer skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 10-15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Slice onions thin and evenly for uniform caramelization.
- Be patient with caramelizing—rushing leads to burning, not flavor.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the contents to a baking dish after stovetop prep.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Delicious Variations of French Onion Chicken
You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Creamy Version: Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the onion sauce before baking for extra richness.
- Chicken Thighs: Swap breasts for boneless thighs for a more tender bite.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives that melt well.
- Slow Cooker Adaptation: Caramelize onions beforehand, then layer all ingredients in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Serving Suggestions for French Onion Chicken
Serve your French Onion Chicken in ways that highlight its cozy, comforting flavors:
- Over creamy mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower
- Alongside roasted vegetables or steamed green beans
- With warm, crusty bread to mop up the sauce
- Paired with a crisp side salad dressed in light vinaigrette
More Chicken recipes you will love!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is French Onion Chicken made of?
French Onion Chicken consists of seared chicken breasts cooked with deeply caramelized onions, simmered in beef broth, and topped with melted cheese.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully. They stay juicy and flavorful through baking. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What cheese works best for French Onion Chicken?
Gruyère offers a nutty depth that complements the onions. Swiss cheese is a great substitute, and mozzarella provides a meltier texture if you prefer.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything up to the baking step. Refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
French Onion Chicken
Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet
- Oven
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Onion Sauce
- 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 0.5 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 0.5 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Optional Garnish
- fresh parsley chopped
- baguette slices optional, for serving
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter and sliced onions to skillet. Cook slowly for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle sugar halfway through cooking.
- Add balsamic vinegar and dried thyme in the last few minutes of caramelizing.
- Pour in beef broth and scrape browned bits from pan. Let simmer 3-4 minutes to reduce.
- Return chicken to skillet, nestling it among the onions. Spoon onions on top of chicken and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Transfer skillet to oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Bake 10-15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with baguette slices if desired.