French Onion Baked Chicken

This French Onion Baked Chicken combines the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions with tender chicken breasts and a cheesy, creamy topping. Inspired by classic French onion soup, this dish is comforting, elegant, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it with crusty bread or roasted vegetables for a complete meal!

📋 Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 sweet yellow or white onions , sliced into thin rounds
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme , leaves removed (plus more for garnish)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1–2 cloves garlic , minced
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc, optional)
• 1 cup beef stock
• ¼ pound provolone cheese , grated (about 1 cup)
• ¼ pound Swiss cheese , grated (about 1 cup)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat .
2. Add the sliced onions and sauté for about 10 minutes , stirring occasionally, until they soften.
3. Stir in the sugar , sea salt , thyme leaves , and bay leaf . Continue cooking for 15–20 minutes , stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. If the onions start to darken too quickly, add a splash of wine or beef broth to deglaze the pan.
4. In the last few minutes of caramelizing, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes , being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. While the onions caramelize, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Pound them to an even thickness of ½ to ¾ inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season both sides with black pepper .

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

1. Remove the caramelized onions from the skillet and set aside. Increase the heat to medium-high .
2. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 3–4 minutes per side , until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish baking in the oven.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Return the caramelized onions to the skillet with the chicken. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for 1–2 minutes , stirring to combine.
3. Deglaze the skillet with the white wine , scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Stir in the beef stock and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes .

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

1. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the onions and sauce. Top each chicken breast evenly with the grated provolone and Swiss cheeses .
2. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes , or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve the chicken hot, spooning the caramelized onions and sauce over the top. Pair with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Onion Tips: Use a mix of yellow and red onions for a slightly sweeter flavor and beautiful color contrast.
• Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with an additional ½ cup beef stock or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
• Cheese Variations: Swap provolone and Swiss for Gruyère, mozzarella, or fontina for a different flavor profile.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French Onion Baked Chicken brings the comforting flavors of French onion soup to a hearty, protein-packed dish. The caramelized onions add sweetness and depth, while the creamy, cheesy topping makes it indulgent and satisfying. With tender chicken breasts bathed in a rich, savory sauce, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare yet feels restaurant-worthy. Dive into this cozy, flavorful dish and let it become a family favorite!

⏱ Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 5 minutes

🍽 Servings:

4 servings

🔥 Calories (Approximate):

~450 kcal per serving (varies based on portion size and optional ingredients)