French Onion Chicken is a recipe that combines the rich, sweet flavour of caramelized onions with juicy, tender chicken and a layer of gooey, melted cheese. Inspired by the classic French Onion Soup, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying, perfect for a cosy family dinner or when you want to impress guests.
I love how this French Onion Chicken transforms simple ingredients into something so flavorful. The slow-cooked onions, deglazed with beef stock and lemon juice, pair beautifully with the seasoned chicken. Topped with cheese and baked to perfection, it’s a meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. For more chicken-inspired dishes, try these delicious Tuscan Chicken Thighs. Every time I serve them, they’re a hit at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need For French Onion Chicken
To make French Onion Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
- Brown or Yellow Onions (4 large): The star of the dish, these onions are caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness. Their golden, slow-cooked richness is what gives French Onion Chicken its signature flavor.
- Chicken Breasts (3 pieces): Juicy and tender, chicken breasts form the perfect base for this recipe. When seasoned and seared, they add a savory contrast to the sweet caramelized onions.
- Garlic (3 cloves): Fresh garlic enhances the dish with a subtle aromatic kick. Two cloves are used for the caramelized onions, while one clove adds flavor to the optional side dish.
- Paprika: Provides a smoky and slightly sweet undertone to the chicken for French Onion Chicken.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- 35 grams of unsalted butter: A key ingredient for caramelizing the onions to a golden perfection.
- 80 milliliters of lemon juice: Balances the richness with a hint of acidity.
- 125 milliliters of beef stock: Adds depth and savory notes to the caramelized onions.
- 5 dried bay leaves and 5 thyme sprigs: Infuse the dish with aromatic and earthy flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions For French Onion Chicken
Step 1: Prepping the Onions
Start with the onions. Take four large brown or yellow onions, remove the tips and roots, slice them in half, and peel off the skin. You can save the scraps to make stock later. For another recipe that uses caramelized onions creatively, check out this Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger.
There are two ways to slice the onions:
- Half-Moon Slices: Great for smaller pieces and faster cooking.
- Straight Slices: Ideal for longer strands, giving a better texture for caramelization.
Choose your preferred method and set the sliced onions aside.
Step 2: Preparing Garlic and Chicken
Grate three cloves of garlic using a microplane. Keep one clove separate for the green beans (if using) and the other for the caramelized onions. For the French Onion chicken, take three chicken breasts and butterfly them by slicing horizontally through the centre to create even fillets. Place them in a large mixing bowl and season with:
- 2.5 grams each of onion and garlic powder
- 2.5 grams of smoked paprika
- 5 milliliters of olive oil
Generously sprinkle salt and 20 cracks of black pepper. Mix everything with tongs until evenly coated. Set the chicken aside. If you’re a fan of chicken recipes, try this flavorful Peri-Peri Chicken for another unique option.
Step 3: Making Caramelized Onions
Heat 35 grams of unsalted butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the onions and season them with salt. Stir constantly for 10 minutes to prevent burning and to achieve a golden-brown colour. For a unique way to use caramelized onions, check out this recipe for Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls.
After 10 minutes, deglaze the pan with 80 millilitres of lemon juice. Add 125 millilitres of beef stock, 10 millilitres of Worcestershire sauce, 10 millilitres of balsamic vinegar, five dried bay leaves, five thyme sprigs, and the grated garlic cloves. Stir well.
Bring the mixture to a boil, lower the heat and let it simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. By the end, the onions should become soft, syrupy, and richly caramelized.
Step 4: Searing and Baking the Chicken
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add 10 millilitres of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken fillets into the pan. Sear each side for about 2.5 to 3 minutes until golden brown and a beautiful crust forms. For a variation, you might enjoy this Air Fryer Chicken Kyiv, which also achieves a golden, crispy finish.
Note: The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage for French Onion Chicken, as it will finish cooking in the oven. To minimize cleanup, transfer the seared chicken fillets onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Set them aside while preparing the final layers.
Top each chicken fillet with a generous amount of caramelized onions. Then, grate over your favourite melting cheese, such as Parmesan, Gruyère, or mozzarella. Ensure the cheese covers the onions for a gooey and golden finish.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) on the grill or broil setting. Place the tray in the oven and cook for about 5–6 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and forms a beautiful golden crust.
Step 5: Preparing the Green Beans
For the green beans, start by blanching them. Boil a pot of salted water, and once it’s at a rolling boil, add the beans and cook for about 3–4 minutes until they’re slightly tender yet crisp. Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice-cold water to stop cooking and lock in their vibrant green color.
In another pan, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Drain the green beans and pat them dry to avoid oil spatter. Add the beans to the pan, season with salt, and crack about 10 turns of black pepper over them.
Sauté the beans for 2 minutes, occasionally stirring to ensure even color and flavor. Add the reserved grated garlic clove and cook for another minute, stirring continuously to prevent the garlic from burning.
The result will be tender, slightly caramelized green beans infused with garlic flavor—perfect as a side dish for your French Onion Chicken.
Serving Suggestions for French Onion Chicken
To serve, plate the garlic green beans first, creating a vibrant, fresh base. Carefully place a fillet of French Onion Chicken on top, ensuring the caramelized onions and melted cheese remain intact. Garnish with a sprig of thyme or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of colour.
For a complete meal, consider pairing this dish with Smoked Mississippi Pot Roast for a hearty addition or a warm Air Fryer Apple Crisp for dessert. If you’re looking for another side dish idea, this Lebanese Rice perfectly complements the flavors. For a refreshing drink pairing, try it with a summery beverage like what you might enjoy alongside a Summer Chicken Salad.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
- Don’t Rush the Onions: Caramelization takes time but is crucial for achieving deep, rich flavour.
- Choose High-Quality Cheese: Gruyère or mozzarella work best for a melty, gooey texture.
- Blanching for Green Beans: This step is essential for retaining colour and crunch.
- Deglazing is Key: Using lemon juice and beef stock prevents sticking and enhances the onions’ flavour.
Conclusion
French Onion Chicken is a delightful blend of comfort and sophistication. French Onion Chicken combines tender chicken, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey cheese for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. This recipe is perfect for any occasion and will impress your family or guests.
Don’t forget to share your experience with this recipe in the comments or tag us on social media with your version of French Onion Chicken. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely! Pork chops or turkey cutlets are great alternatives that pair well with caramelized onions and cheese.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F).
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! The caramelized onions can be made a day before and reheated when needed. The chicken can also be prepped and seared, ready for baking when you’re ready to serve.
French Onion Chicken
Equipment
- A large mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Two large pans
- A knife for slicing onions and chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large brown or yellow onions
- 3 chicken breasts
- 3 cloves of garlic
Seasonings
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
Other Essentials
- 35 grams of unsalted butter
- 80 milliliters of lemon juice
- 125 millilitres of beef stock
- 5 dried bay leaves
- 5 thyme sprigs
For Cooking
- Olive oil 10 millilitres for cooking chicken and beans
Instructions
- Prepare Onions: Slice 4 large onions (choose half-moon for faster cooking or straight slices for better caramelization texture). Save scraps for making stock.
- Season Chicken: Butterfly 3 chicken breasts for even cooking. In a bowl, coat with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, olive oil, salt, and cracked black pepper. Mix well for full seasoning coverage.
- Caramelize Onions: In a large pan, melt butter and add onions. Stir constantly for 10 minutes. Deglaze with beef stock, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Add thyme, bay leaves, and garlic. Simmer for 30–40 minutes until onions become soft, syrupy, and golden brown.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan and sear seasoned chicken fillets for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a parchment-lined tray for minimal cleanup.
- Assemble & Bake: Top chicken with caramelized onions. Grate over your favorite melting cheese (Gruyère, Parmesan, or mozzarella). Broil in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 5–6 minutes until the cheese melts and forms a golden crust.
- Prepare Green Beans: Blanch green beans in salted boiling water for 3–4 minutes, then transfer to ice water to lock in color. Sauté with olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper for added flavor.
- Serve: Plate the green beans as a base, add the chicken on top, and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for presentation. Pair with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate):
Calories: 485 | Protein: 40g | Carbohydrates: 15g | Fat: 28g | Sodium: 650mg | Fiber: 2g Nutritional values may vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used. Always adjust based on your dietary needs.WP Recipe Maker #7002remove
French Onion Chicken French Onion Chicken is a rich, comforting dish featuring tender chicken topped with caramelized onions and gooey melted cheese. Inspired by French Onion Soup, it’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests. Serve with green beans or mashed potatoes for a complete meal! Course: Dinner, Main Course Cuisine: American Prep Time: 15m Cook Time: 45m Total Time: 65m Resting time: 3m Servings: 3 people – A large mixing bowl – Tongs – Two large pans – A knife for slicing onions and chicken Main Ingredients – 4 large brown or yellow onions – 3 chicken breasts – 3 cloves of garlic Seasonings – Paprika – Salt – Black pepper Other Essentials – 35 grams of unsalted butter – 80 milliliters of lemon juice – 125 millilitres of beef stock – 5 dried bay leaves – 5 thyme sprigs For Cooking – Olive oil 10 millilitres for cooking chicken and beans 1) Prepare Onions: Slice 4 large onions (choose half-moon for faster cooking or straight slices for better caramelization texture). Save scraps for making stock. 2) Season Chicken: Butterfly 3 chicken breasts for even cooking. In a bowl, coat with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, olive oil, salt, and cracked black pepper. Mix well for full seasoning coverage. 3) Caramelize Onions: In a large pan, melt butter and add onions. Stir constantly for 10 minutes. Deglaze with beef stock, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Add thyme, bay leaves, and garlic. Simmer for 30–40 minutes until onions become soft, syrupy, and golden brown. 4) Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan and sear seasoned chicken fillets for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a parchment-lined tray for minimal cleanup. 5) Assemble & Bake: Top chicken with caramelized onions. Grate over your favorite melting cheese (Gruyère, Parmesan, or mozzarella). Broil in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 5–6 minutes until the cheese melts and forms a golden crust. 6) Prepare Green Beans: Blanch green beans in salted boiling water for 3–4 minutes, then transfer to ice water to lock in color. Sauté with olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper for added flavor. 7) Serve: Plate the green beans as a base, add the chicken on top, and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for presentation. Pair with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate): Calories: 485 | Protein: 40g | Carbohydrates: 15g | Fat: 28g | Sodium: 650mg | Fiber: 2g Nutritional values may vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used. Always adjust based on your dietary needs. calories 485