A rich, comforting dish that blends the essence of French onion soup with tender, cheesy baked chicken.
If you’re a fan of deep, savory flavors and crave a cozy dinner with minimal effort, this French Onion Chicken Bake will hit the spot. It delivers all the flavor of classic French onion soup—sweet caramelized onions, rich broth, and melty cheese—served over juicy chicken breasts baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. - Caramelize the Onions:
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to brown.
Lower the heat to medium, add garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant. - Build the Flavor:
Pour in the beef broth and balsamic vinegar. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and the liquid reduces into a jammy consistency. - Assemble the Dish:
Spread one-third of the caramelized onions in the base of the baking dish. Place chicken breasts over the onions and season lightly with sea salt. Spoon the remaining onion mixture over the chicken. - Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. - Bake:
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C) and the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Pro Tips
- For even cooking, use chicken breasts of similar size or slice thick ones in half.
- Don’t rush the onion caramelization—that’s where the flavor lives.
- Pair it with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe combines simplicity and indulgence in one dish. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests, the savory depth of flavor and gooey cheese topping make this French Onion Chicken Bake an instant classic.
