Description
This French Onion Chicken Bake offers the comforting, savory flavors of classic French onion soup in a hearty, easy-to-make chicken dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are baked with sweet caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and a generous topping of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, creating a restaurant-quality meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs / 900 g)
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (115 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richer onions)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes until golden and caramelized. Add 1 tbsp butter halfway through cooking for richer flavor, if desired.
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme on both sides.
- Push the onions to the side of the skillet and add the chicken breasts. Sear each side for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned.
- Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine with the onions.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the chicken.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Cook onions low and slow for optimal caramelization and sweetness.
- Using beef broth enhances the rich, French onion soup-like flavor.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to ensure juiciness.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts; they will remain juicier.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the ingredients to a baking dish before baking.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Yellow onions caramelize well, but sweet onions are also a good choice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with onions and cheese