This Savory French Onion Chicken Bake is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that combines the rich, caramelized essence of French onion soup with juicy, tender chicken breasts. Every bite is loaded with golden onions, melty cheese, and savory herbs—perfect for a cozy dinner that feels both rustic and elegant.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe takes the classic taste of French onion soup and transforms it into a hearty, protein-rich main course. The chicken stays juicy and flavorful while soaking up the rich onion and broth base. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s easy to prepare, and it pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. Plus, I don’t need fancy ingredients—just a few pantry staples and patience while those onions caramelize.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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Yellow onions, thinly sliced
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Olive oil or butter
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Garlic, minced
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Beef broth (or chicken broth)
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Balsamic vinegar
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Fresh thyme (or dried thyme)
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Mozzarella or Gruyère cheese, shredded
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Salt and pepper
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Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
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I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil and slowly sauté the onions over medium-low heat for about 25–30 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized, stirring often.
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I add the garlic, balsamic vinegar, and thyme, cooking for another minute, then pour in the broth and let it simmer for 5 minutes to deglaze the pan.
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I season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in a baking dish.
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I spoon the caramelized onion mixture over the chicken and top each piece with shredded cheese.
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I bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
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I let it rest a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. The total time is about 1 hour, with 30 minutes for caramelizing onions, 10 minutes for prep, and 25–30 minutes of baking time.
Variations
Sometimes I swap the chicken breasts for boneless thighs for extra tenderness. For a richer flavor, I use Gruyère cheese instead of mozzarella. If I want to lighten it up, I use less cheese and serve it with a fresh green salad. Adding mushrooms to the onion mix gives it an extra savory touch.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or microwave it in short intervals until heated through. I avoid overheating to keep the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
I prefer raw chicken for this recipe because it absorbs more flavor as it bakes, but I’ve used shredded rotisserie chicken in a pinch—just reduce the baking time.
What’s the best cheese for this dish?
Gruyère is the most authentic and flavorful, but mozzarella, provolone, or even Swiss work great depending on what I have on hand.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge. That way, I just assemble and bake when I’m ready.
Is it okay to use chicken thighs?
Definitely. Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully in this recipe and tend to stay juicy even if slightly overcooked.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
I check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s safely cooked.
Conclusion
This Savory French Onion Chicken Bake is one of my go-to meals when I want something hearty, flavorful, and comforting without a lot of fuss. The caramelized onions and melted cheese give it an indulgent feel, while the simple ingredients keep it accessible. It’s a perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
PrintSavory French Onion Chicken Bake
This Savory French Onion Chicken Bake is a hearty, one-pan dinner that combines caramelized onions, juicy chicken breasts, melted cheese, and fragrant herbs. Inspired by classic French onion soup, this gluten-free and low-carb friendly dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat and sauté the sliced onions for 25–30 minutes until golden and caramelized.
- Add garlic, balsamic vinegar, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place in a baking dish.
- Spoon the caramelized onion mixture evenly over the chicken, then top with shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve.
Notes
- Gruyère offers an authentic French onion flavor, but mozzarella or provolone work well too.
- Boneless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier texture.
- Caramelize onions ahead of time and refrigerate for quicker prep.
- Optional: add mushrooms to the onion mixture for more umami.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with onions and cheese
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
