French Onion Soup Chicken Bake Recipe

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick prep time: This French Onion Soup Chicken requires just 10 minutes of prep before it simmers to perfection, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal without hours in the kitchen.
• One-pan wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, from searing the chicken to caramelizing the onions and melting the cheese, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
• Rich, savory flavor: The combination of sweet caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and melty cheese creates a depth of flavor that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile main dish: This chicken dish pairs beautifully with so many sides, from mashed potatoes to green beans, making it easy to create a complete meal your whole family will love.

Recipe Ingredients

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Ingredient Notes:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts – Medium-sized chicken breasts work best for this recipe as they cook evenly. If you have larger pieces, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets about 1.5 inches thick.
• Avocado oil – Used for searing the chicken and cooking the onions, avocado oil has a high smoke point that’s perfect for this recipe. You can substitute olive oil if that’s what you have on hand.
• Sweet onions – These are the star of French onion soup chicken! Sweet onions like Vidalia caramelize beautifully and add a natural sweetness. Yellow or white onions will also work well.
• Garlic cloves – Fresh garlic adds essential flavor to the sauce. Mince it finely so it incorporates well into the onion mixture.
• Fresh thyme – This herb complements the sweet onions and savory chicken perfectly. The fresh version adds bright flavor, but you could substitute 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme in a pinch.
• Beef broth – Gives the sauce its rich, classic French onion flavor. This creates the base for the delicious onion gravy that coats the chicken.
• Balsamic vinegar – Adds depth and a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness of the caramelized onions. Don’t skip this ingredient!
• Salt and pepper – Season to taste to enhance all the flavors. Kosher salt works great in this recipe.
• Gruyere cheese – This cheese melts beautifully and has the perfect flavor for French onion recipes. Shredding your own from a block will give you the best melting results.

Substitutions and Additions

• Cheese options – While gruyere is traditional for French onion flavor, you can substitute Swiss cheese or mozzarella for a different but still delicious outcome.
• Protein swap – Boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and stay even more tender than breasts.
• Broth alternatives – While beef broth gives the most authentic French onion flavor, chicken broth or bone broth can be used if needed.
• Add mushrooms – Sliced mushrooms sautéed with the onions add extra umami flavor and texture to this dish.
• Wine enhancement – Add 1/4 cup of dry white wine when you deglaze the pan for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make French Onion Soup Chicken (step-by-step directions)

STEP 1. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon oil. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil. (Photo 1)

STEP 2. Reduce to medium heat and add the remaining oil if needed. Add the sliced onions and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until they’re soft and caramelized to a golden brown. (Photos 2 & 3)

STEP 3. Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme to the caramelized onions. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. (Photo 4)

STEP 4. Pour in the beef broth and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine and scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. (Photo 5)

STEP 5. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some sauce over each piece, and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through for even cooking and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. (Photo 6)

STEP 6. Top the chicken with the caramelized onion sauce and sprinkle with shredded gruyere. Broil for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. (Photos 7, 8 & 9)

STEP 7. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired and serve hot. (Photo 10)

Recipe Tips

• Even-sized chicken – Use chicken breasts that are similar in size to ensure even cooking. For larger pieces, slice horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
• Patience with onions – The key to perfect caramelized onions is cooking them slowly. Don’t rush this step—those 15-20 minutes create the sweet flavor foundation of this dish.
• Cheese grating – Shred your cheese from a block rather than using pre-packaged shredded cheese. Pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can prevent proper melting.
• Stovetop alternative – No broiler or oven-safe skillet? Simply cover the skillet with a lid after adding the cheese and let it melt on the stovetop for about 5 minutes.
• Temperature check – Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for food safety without overcooking.

Storing Tips

• Storage: Allow the French onion soup chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. The flavors often get even better after a day!
• Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the onions and sauce may change slightly. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth if the sauce needs thinning. Alternatively, microwave at 50% power for gentler reheating.

Serving Suggestions

This French onion soup chicken pairs perfectly with creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream to soak up all that delicious onion gravy. Add a side of Zucchini Noodles with an Arrabbiata Sauce or Cold Broccoli Salad for a complete meal that feels like restaurant dining at home.

For a lighter option, serve with an Easy Black Bean and Corn Mexican Salad, or try my How to Cook Sweet Potatoes guide for a perfect side dish. If you’re looking for more chicken recipes, try my Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Breasts with Creamy Sauce or Air Fryer Greek Chicken Kabobs With Tzatziki next!

Recipe FAQs

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