French Onion Chicken Recipe
This French Onion Chicken Recipe combines tender chicken breasts with sweet caramelized onions, melted Gruyère cheese, and savory broth for a comforting, flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a hearty family dinner, it features simple ingredients and easy preparation with rich, cozy flavors reminiscent of French onion soup.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing, Simmering, Broiling
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Onions & Aromatics
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids & Seasonings
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme sprigs or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until golden brown and sweetly soft, about 15-20 minutes. Patience is essential to develop the perfect caramelized flavor.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the onions cook, season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. In a separate pan or the same skillet after removing the onions, sear the chicken over medium-high heat until golden on both sides but not fully cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the caramelized onions to the pan with the chicken. Add minced garlic and thyme, then pour in the broth. Reduce heat and simmer gently for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld.
- Add Cheese and Broil: Top each chicken breast with shredded Gruyère cheese. Place the pan under a broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve Hot and Enjoy: Remove from the oven carefully, garnish if desired with fresh herbs or cracked black pepper, and serve immediately for the best gooey, savory flavor experience.
Notes
- Low and slow onions: Don’t rush caramelizing onions—slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness and deeply rich flavor.
- Use room temperature chicken: Helps the chicken cook more evenly and prevents dryness.
- Broil with care: Keep an eye on your chicken under the broiler—it can go from golden to burnt quickly.
- Rest before serving: Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- Double the onions: If you love onion flavor, add extra caramelized onions as a topping or garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: French onion chicken, caramelized onion chicken, Gruyère chicken, quick dinner, comfort food, one-pan chicken