Description

French Onion Chicken Bake is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with rich, caramelized onions and a blend of melted Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses. Inspired by the classic French onion soup, this hearty bake combines savory, sweet, and cheesy elements baked to perfection for an easy yet elegant main course suitable for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Caramelized Onion Mixture

2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup beef broth

Cheese Topping

1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish (Optional)

Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat and caramelize onions: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until they are deeply golden and caramelized, developing a sweet and rich flavor.
Add flavorings and deglaze: Stir in the balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking another 2 minutes to meld the flavors. Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes to deglaze the pan, loosening any browned bits for added depth. Remove from heat once done.
Prepare chicken for baking: Place the chicken breasts in a lightly greased baking dish. Season them lightly with salt and pepper for added taste.
Top chicken with onion mixture and cheese: Evenly spoon the caramelized onion mixture over each chicken breast. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese and mozzarella cheese on top, creating a cheesy layer that will melt beautifully during baking.
Bake until cooked through: Bake the dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and golden.
Rest and garnish: Allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes out of the oven to let the juices redistribute. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, sear the chicken breasts in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side before baking to develop a golden crust.
This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.
If Gruyère or Swiss cheese is unavailable, provolone or fontina can be used as excellent substitutes for a similar creamy melt and taste.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping
Calories: 390
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 120mg