French Onion Chicken Recipe (Easy 30-Minute Meal!)

This French Onion Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in sweet caramelized onions, a rich sauce, and melted cheese. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a cozy dinner with friends and family. It’s easy to make and delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in a flash with just a few simple steps.
• Flavorful and Aromatic: The combination of caramelized onions, rich sauce, and melted cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile: Serve this chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or steamed vegetables. It’s also great for meal prepping or using in sandwiches and salads.
• Elegant and Satisfying: This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Use high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
• Sea salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
• Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
• Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken and create a flavorful base for the sauce.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• White onions: Sliced and caramelized for a sweet and savory flavor.
• Fresh thyme: Adds a fragrant and earthy touch to the dish.
• White wine: Adds depth of flavor and acidity to the sauce.
• Chicken broth: Creates a rich and flavorful sauce.
• Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the dish.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make French Onion Chicken

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and sliced onions to the skillet. Stir and let the butter melt. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the lid and stir in the fresh thyme. Continue cooking for 10-15 minutes, uncovered, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour the white wine and chicken broth into the skillet, scraping the bottom with a spoon to deglaze and incorporate all the flavorful browned bits into the sauce. Stir and increase the heat to bring the sauce to a simmer.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and turn to coat them in the sauce. Remove the pan from the heat. Top each chicken breast with a slice of Swiss cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven and serve the French Onion Chicken immediately with the caramelized onions and sauce spooned over the top.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use high-quality chicken: For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality chicken breasts.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken in a single layer ensures even browning and prevents steaming.
• Caramelize the onions slowly: Low and slow is the key to perfectly caramelized onions. Be patient and don’t rush the process.
• Deglaze the pan: Deglazing the pan with wine and broth adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Use an oven-safe skillet: Make sure your skillet is oven-safe before transferring it to the oven.

How to Serve

This French Onion Chicken is delicious with a variety of sides:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for this dish.
• Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf complements the richness of the sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced and nutritious meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

This French Onion Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken breasts for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts? Yes, you can! However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts will take longer to cook.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as Gruyère, provolone, or mozzarella.

3. Can I make this recipe without wine? Yes, you can! You can substitute the white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth or water.

4. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Sear the chicken first, then transfer it to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.

This French Onion Chicken Recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful and comforting meal. With its simple preparation, versatile serving options, and elegant presentation, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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