French Onion Chicken Bake – Savory, Cheesy, and Comforting

French Onion Chicken Bake combines tender chicken breasts with caramelized onions, rich broth, and gooey melted cheese for a dish that’s bursting with flavor.

This one-pan wonder is perfect for a cozy family dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Baking dish (9×13-inch recommended)
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
1 tsp sugar
2 cups beef broth
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.
3. Add Broth and Seasoning: Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a bit of olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden (but not fully cooked).
5. Assemble the Bake: Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish. Pour the caramelized onions and broth mixture over the chicken, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish and Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

45 minutes

Total Time

1 hour

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 320
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 14g
Sugar: 6g

Expert Tips

Caramelizing Onions: Be patient and cook the onions over medium heat for the best flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Cheese Variations: Gruyère or Swiss cheese can be substituted for mozzarella for a more traditional French onion flavor.

Broil for Extra Color: For a golden, bubbly cheese topping, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time slightly as needed.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready.

What should I serve with this dish?
French Onion Chicken Bake pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Storing & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze the baked dish (without cheese topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals.

Substitutions & Variations

Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower mash or steamed vegetables instead of potatoes or rice.

Herb Addition: Add fresh rosemary or oregano to the broth for extra depth of flavor.

Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for large portobello mushroom caps or tofu and use vegetable broth.

French Onion Chicken Bake – Savory, Cheesy, and Comforting

French Onion Chicken Bake combines tender chicken breasts with caramelized onions, rich broth, and gooey melted cheese for a dish that’s bursting with flavor.

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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 large onions thinly sliced
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley optional, for garnish

Equipment

• - Large skillet
• - Baking dish (9x13-inch recommended)
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Caramelize the Onions:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.
3. **Add Broth and Seasoning:** Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. **Sear the Chicken:** Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a bit of olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden (but not fully cooked).
5. **Assemble the Bake:** Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish. Pour the caramelized onions and broth mixture over the chicken, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
6. **Add Cheese:** Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
7. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. **Garnish and Serve:** Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.