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French Onion Chicken Recipe featuring golden-browned chicken breasts smothered in caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a savory pan sauce, garnished with fresh thyme, served in a cast-iron skillet.

Easy French Onion Chicken Recipe

5 from 1 vote
A cozy twist on French Onion Chicken Recipe - chicken breasts nestled in caramelized onions and rich broth, topped with melted Gruyere cheese. This one-pan French Onion Chicken recipe delivers all the classic flavors in a satisfying main dish that's both elegant and easy to prepare.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French
Calories: 425
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

the Chicken:
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
the Onion Sauce:
  • 3 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup white wine optional
Topping:
  • 1½ cups Gruyere cheese grated
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • Fresh thyme for garnish

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan (12-inch recommended)
  • Sharp knife for slicing onions
  • Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Prepare Chicken:
  1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and thyme
  2. Pound to even thickness if needed
Caramelize Onions:
  1. Heat butter and oil in large skillet over medium heat
  2. Add onions, salt, and sugar
  3. Cook 25-30 minutes until golden brown
  4. Add garlic, cook 1-2 minutes more
  5. Remove from pan
Cook Chicken:
  1. Heat oil in same skillet
  2. Cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side
  3. Remove and set aside
Make Sauce:
  1. Return onions to pan
  2. Add broths and wine
  3. Simmer 5 minutes
  4. Return chicken to pan
Finish:
  1. Top chicken with cheeses
  2. Broil 2-3 minutes until cheese melts
  3. Garnish with fresh thyme

Nutrition

Calories: 425kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 39gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 980mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 520IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 380mgIron: 2.2mg

Notes

  • Temperature: Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C)
  • Storage: Keeps in refrigerator up to 3 days
  • Cheese Substitution: Swiss cheese can replace Gruyere
  • Wine Substitution: Use additional broth if omitting wine

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