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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

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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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French
Keyword: French Onion Chicken Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Calories: 425kcal
Cost: $30

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

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

Instructions

Prepare Chicken:

  • Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and thyme
  • Pound to even thickness if needed

Caramelize Onions:

  • Heat butter and oil in large skillet over medium heat
  • Add onions, salt, and sugar
  • Cook 25-30 minutes until golden brown
  • Add garlic, cook 1-2 minutes more
  • Remove from pan

Cook Chicken:

  • Heat oil in same skillet
  • Cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side
  • Remove and set aside

Make Sauce:

  • Return onions to pan
  • Add broths and wine
  • Simmer 5 minutes
  • Return chicken to pan

Finish:

  • Top chicken with cheeses
  • Broil 2-3 minutes until cheese melts
  • Garnish with fresh thyme

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

Nutrition

Calories: 425kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 125mg | Sodium: 980mg | Potassium: 580mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 520IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 380mg | Iron: 2.2mg