French Onion Chicken

This French onion chicken is my new favorite one-pan dinner!

Tender chicken breasts are smothered in deeply caramelized onions and melty Gruyère cheese. It’s like the classic soup, but even more satisfying!

This dish is so easy to make but guaranteed to impress. It makes you feel like a culinary wizard without all the fuss.

I like to serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up all the incredible flavors.

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Chicken

One-Pan: This recipe requires only one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and minimizing kitchen chaos.

Savory Flavor & Creamy Texture: The combination of caramelized onions, balsamic vinegar, and melted Gruyère cheese is tantalizing!

Impressive Presentation: This dish has a restaurant-worthy appearance to impress your guests.

Cozy Comfort: It’s the epitome of comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: They’re the perfect canvas for savory flavors.
  
• Yellow Onions: The sweet, caramelized foundation of the dish.
  
• Olive Oil: It’s used to brown the chicken and provides a Mediterranean flavor base.
  
• Butter: It adds richness and helps caramelize the onions to perfection.
  
• Dried Thyme: It pairs beautifully with chicken and caramelized onions.
  
• Beef Broth: It deglazes the pan and creates a flavorful sauce. 
  
• Balsamic Vinegar: It adds a pop of acidity and complex sweetness to balance the richness.
  
• Shredded Gruyère Cheese: The distinct flavor is iconic in French onion soup.
  
• Salt and Pepper: This dynamic duo is a must for this recipe.

How to Make French Onion Chicken

You’ll love how easy this chicken is to put together! 

1. Season the chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Brown the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

3. Caramelize the onions. Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Add the onions, salt, and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.

4. Add the liquids. Add the balsamic vinegar and beef broth to the onions. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.

5. Top with cheese. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the onions. Top each piece with shredded Gruyère.

6. Broil the chicken. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil on high for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve. Serve the chicken topped with the caramelized onions and pan sauce.

Tips for the Best French Onion Chicken

• Keep things nice and thin. Slice the onions as thinly as possible so they caramelize evenly and quickly.
  
• Choose the right cheese. Opt for cheeses that melt well and complement the savory flavors of the dish. I like Gruyère, Swiss, or Mozzarella.
  
• Swap out the onions. Yellow onions are typically used for their balance of sweet and savory. But sweet onions like Vidalia can also be used for a milder, sweeter result.
  
• Amp up the seasoning. For extra flavor, mix dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into flour, then dredge the chicken before cooking.
  
• Don’t overcrowd! Be sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken and don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until deep golden brown.
  
• Make fun swaps. Experiment with different proteins like pork chops or steak. Or, adjust the type of onions and cheese.

How to Store

Here’s how to keep leftover chicken fresh to enjoy again.

To Store: Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To Freeze: Cool completely before transferring it to an air-tight, freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until warmed through, typically about 15 minutes. Or, microwave in intervals until heated thoroughly.

French Onion Chicken

Course: Main CourseCuisine: American

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

478

kcal

This tempting French onion chicken is the ultimate comfort food! It has all of the flavors of the classic soup in a convenient, one-skillet meal.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 cup beef broth

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
• Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
• Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Add the onions, salt, and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
• Add the balsamic vinegar and beef broth to the onions. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the onions. Top each piece with shredded Gruyère.
• Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil on high for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve the chicken topped with the caramelized onions and pan sauce, alongside mashed potatoes or rice if desired.

Related posts

Julia Child’s French Onion Soup One-Pot French Onion Pasta French Onion Beef and Noodles French Onion Rice 13 Best French Chicken Recipes (+ Easy Dinner Ideas) Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy