French Onion Chicken Recipe
French Onion Chicken combines the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions and melted Gruyere cheese with tender, juicy chicken breasts baked to a golden perfection. Inspired by classic French onion soup, this comforting and protein-packed dish is easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
Onion Mixture
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
Cheese Topping
- 6 ounces Gruyere cheese, sliced
- Caramelize the onions: Slowly cook the sliced yellow onions in butter over low heat until they become soft, golden brown, and sweet, about 25 to 30 minutes. This step develops the signature rich sweetness essential for the dish.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until browned but not fully cooked to help seal in the juices.
- Add garlic and deglaze: Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté briefly until fragrant. Pour in beef broth and Dijon mustard, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift the flavorful browned bits, creating a savory sauce base.
- Combine and assemble: Place the browned chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spoon generous caramelized onions on top of each breast and pour some of the broth mixture over everything. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and cover with slices of Gruyere cheese.
- Bake until bubbly and golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Notes
- Don’t rush caramelizing the onions; cooking them low and slow develops their full sweetness.
- Sear chicken breasts evenly on both sides for a beautiful crust and juicy interior.
- Use good-quality, low-sodium beef broth for deeper flavor.
- For extra gooey cheese, add slices both under and over the onions before baking.
- Let the baked chicken rest a few minutes before serving to redistribute juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: French Onion Chicken, caramelized onions, Gruyere cheese, baked chicken, comfort food, gluten free dinner