French Onion Chicken combines everything you love about the classic French onion soup — caramelized onions, melty cheese, and rich broth — with tender, juicy chicken breasts. It’s a hearty, savory dish that turns simple ingredients into something deeply flavorful and comforting. The onions cook down until golden and sweet, creating a base that pairs perfectly with seared chicken and gooey melted cheese. Served with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a light salad, this dish brings bistro-style comfort right to your kitchen.
2. Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons butter
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3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon sugar (to help caramelize)
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½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves)
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1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter version)
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1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for flavor balance)
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1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss or mozzarella)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thicker sauce)
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Fresh parsley, for garnish
3. Instructions
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Prepare the chicken:
Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Set aside. -
Caramelize the onions:
In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sprinkle with sugar. Cook slowly, stirring every few minutes, for 20–25 minutes until the onions turn soft and golden brown. Lower the heat if needed to prevent burning. -
Add garlic and deglaze:
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add balsamic vinegar and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan — this adds incredible flavor. Sprinkle in thyme. -
Make the sauce:
Stir in the flour (if using) and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring, then mix in the Dijon mustard. Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. -
Sear the chicken:
In a separate skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Remove and set aside. -
Combine and bake (optional for extra melt):
Transfer the caramelized onion mixture to the skillet with the chicken or pour the sauce over the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Top each breast with a generous spoonful of onions and a layer of shredded cheese. Broil on high for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. -
Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or toasted baguette slices to soak up the sauce.
4. Preparation Time
Total: 45 minutes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
5. Serving
Serves 4 people
6. Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 435 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Fat: 23 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 520 mg
7. Tips
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Take your time with the onions: Low and slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness — rushing this step will affect the flavor.
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Use Gruyère cheese: Its nutty flavor complements the caramelized onions beautifully, but Swiss or provolone work well too.
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Add a splash of wine: Deglaze the pan with a bit of dry white wine before adding broth for an elegant flavor boost.
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For a richer sauce: Stir in a tablespoon of cream or sour cream at the end.
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Meal prep friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it great for next-day lunches or dinners.
8. Final Thought
French Onion Chicken takes a simple weeknight chicken dinner and transforms it into something restaurant-worthy. The combination of caramelized onions, savory sauce, and melted cheese creates a dish that feels indulgent but is easy to make at home. Whether you serve it on a cozy night in or at a family dinner, it’s the kind of comfort food that’s guaranteed to impress.
