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Irresistible French Onion Chicken Bake

French Onion Chicken Bake - featured image

A hearty and comforting baked chicken dish layered with caramelized onions and melted Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth (240 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (about 100 grams)
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (50 grams)
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them in butter. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar over the onions (optional) to help caramelize them faster. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes until the onions turn a deep golden brown and smell sweet.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then pour in 1 cup beef broth and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the broth reduces slightly and the onions are glossy and flavorful.
  4. While the onions cook, pat dry the chicken breasts and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a separate pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, just until golden brown.
  5. Transfer the seared chicken breasts to your baking dish. Spoon the caramelized onion mixture evenly over each piece. Then sprinkle the shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses on top.
  6. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove from oven and let the bake rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
  8. Serve hot with caramelized onions and melted cheese on top.

Notes

Be patient when caramelizing onions to develop deep sweetness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety and juiciness. Searing chicken before baking locks in moisture and adds flavor. If onions stick or brown too fast, reduce heat and stir more frequently. Leftovers store well up to 3 days in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion chicken bake, baked chicken, caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal