French Onion Chicken Bake Recipe

This French Onion Chicken Bake is a delicious and elegant dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are topped with sweet and savory caramelized onions, then baked with a blend of Gruyère and mozzarella cheese for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. It’s a simple yet sophisticated recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful: The combination of caramelized onions, melted cheese, and tender chicken is a classic flavor combination that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to make: This recipe is surprisingly simple to put together, even though it looks impressive.
• Elegant presentation: The dish looks beautiful and is perfect for a special occasion or a dinner party.
• Versatile: You can easily customize the recipe with different types of cheese or herbs.

this Recipe

Ingredients for French Onion Chicken Bake

This recipe uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
• Yellow Onions: Thinly sliced for caramelizing.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent flavor to the dish.
• Olive Oil and Butter: Used for cooking the onions and searing the chicken.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Dry White Wine: Used to deglaze the pan and add complexity to the sauce.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a touch of sweetness and acidity.
• Sugar: Helps caramelize the onions and balance the flavors.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances the overall taste.
• Shredded Gruyère Cheese: Adds a nutty and savory flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: For garnish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

How to Make French Onion Chicken Bake

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, or until deeply caramelized. If the onions start to stick, add a splash of water or beef broth.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics and Deglaze

Add the minced garlic, sugar, and balsamic vinegar to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Pour in the white wine and beef broth. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until half of the liquid is absorbed. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Preheat and Sear the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the onion mixture from the skillet and set aside. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Add the olive oil to the same skillet and sear the chicken breasts over medium-high heat until golden brown on each side.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the seared chicken breasts. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the onions and chicken. Transfer the skillet (if oven-safe) or the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Caramelizing onions: Caramelizing onions takes time and patience. Cook them slowly over medium heat to bring out their natural sweetness and flavor.
• Wine substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with additional beef broth.
• Oven-safe skillet: If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the chicken, onions, and cheese to an oven-safe baking dish before baking.

How to Serve French Onion Chicken Bake

• Weeknight dinner: This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
• Special occasion: The elegant presentation makes it suitable for a special occasion or a dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover French Onion Chicken Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use other types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or Fontina.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can caramelize the onions and sear the chicken ahead of time. Assemble the dish and bake it just before serving.

Can I freeze this recipe?
It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, as freezing and thawing can affect the texture of the chicken and onions.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
While you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, the onions won’t caramelize as well. It’s best to caramelize the onions separately on the stovetop before adding them to the slow cooker.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for French Onion Chicken Bake. I hope you enjoy it!

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