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Irresistible French Onion Chicken Casserole

french onion chicken casserole - featured image

A comforting casserole combining caramelized onions, tender chicken, and melted cheese for a hearty and easy dinner perfect for busy nights and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) low sodium beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (about 100 g)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 100 g)
  • 1 cup French fried onions (about 30 g), optional
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat in a large skillet. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring often, for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown and soft. Add a splash of water or broth if onions start sticking.
  3. While onions cook, pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in another pan over medium-high heat. Brown chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden but not cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and beef broth to the caramelized onions. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  5. Spread half of the onion mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the browned chicken breasts on top, then cover with the remaining onions. Sprinkle shredded Swiss and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
  6. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and cheese is bubbly and golden. If using, add French fried onions during the last 5 minutes for a crunchy topping.
  7. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to settle.

Notes

Caramelize onions slowly over low heat to avoid bitterness. Browning chicken before baking locks in moisture and adds flavor. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F. French fried onions topping is optional but adds crunch. Variations include using chicken thighs, Gruyère cheese, or dairy-free substitutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion chicken casserole, caramelized onions, baked chicken, cheesy casserole, easy dinner, comfort food