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French Onion Chicken Bake

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The French Onion Chicken Bake combines the iconic flavors of French onion soup with tender, juicy chicken breasts. This one-skillet recipe features caramelized onions, melted Gruyère cheese, and a savory broth, all baked to perfection. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Pair it with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad for a complete dining experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs) 🍗
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
  • 2 tablespoons butter 🧈
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced 🧅
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) 🌿
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 🍇
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth 🥣
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese 🧀
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 🧂
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 🌿

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 🔥

2️⃣ Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. 🍗

3️⃣ Caramelize Onions: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until the onions are caramelized and golden brown. 🧅

4️⃣ Add Garlic and Thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and thyme leaves. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. 🧄🌿

5️⃣ Deglaze Pan: Pour in the balsamic vinegar, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits. Let it cook for about 1 minute. 🍇

6️⃣ Add Broth: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. 🥣

7️⃣ Combine Chicken and Onions: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the onion mixture. Spoon some of the onions over the chicken. 🍗🧅

8️⃣ Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the chicken and onions. 🧀

9️⃣ Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly. 🔥🧀

🔟 Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your French Onion Chicken Bake! 🌿🍽️

Notes

Key Tips:

  • For perfect caramelization, cook onions slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Freshly grated Gruyère cheese melts more evenly and adds a richer flavor than pre-shredded options.
  • Deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar to enhance the depth of flavor.

Substitutions:

  • Swap yellow onions with Vidalia onions for a sweeter taste.
  • Replace Gruyère cheese with Swiss or mozzarella for a different texture and flavor.
  • Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version.

Storage:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in the oven for best results or use the microwave with caution to preserve texture.

Find it online: https://claradelish.com/french-onion-chicken-bake/