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French Onion Chicken is a dish that brings comfort and rich flavors to your table with minimal effort. I remember the first time I tried making it; the combination of tender chicken and savory onion sauce was a revelation.

This recipe is perfect for cozy evenings when you want something hearty yet straightforward.

Skillet French Onion Chicken is both quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal, offering a delightful mix of juicy chicken and creamy cheese. Using just one pan, this dish reduces cleanup time, making it even more appealing.

The onions, caramelized to perfection, add a deep and satisfying flavor that lingers.

What really makes French Onion Chicken stand out is its versatility. It pairs exceptionally well with sides like rice, salad, or roasted veggies, providing a balanced and fulfilling meal.

With easy-to-find ingredients and a simple cooking process, it’s no wonder this dish has become a go-to favorite in many kitchens, including my own.

Table of Contents

Why You Will Love French Onion Chicken

French Onion Chicken is my go-to when I crave comfort food. The combination of juicy chicken and rich, savory flavors creates a delightful meal that never disappoints.

I appreciate that it’s a simple one-pan dinner. The ease of using just a single skillet makes cleanup quick, so I can spend more time enjoying the evening.

This dish is perfect as a main course. The caramelized onions give it a sweet and savory profile, reminiscent of the beloved French onion soup. I love how the melty cheese adds a decadent touch.

Whenever I serve it to family or friends, it impresses with its rich flavor. It’s filling and satisfying, making it a top choice for dinner events or just a cozy night in.

How To Make French Onion Chicken

I’m here to guide you through making flavorful French Onion Chicken. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with rich caramelized onions and a savory French onion sauce finished with melted cheese.

Ingredients

To make this delicious dish, you will need:

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: 4 pieces
Salt and pepper: To taste
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons

Yellow onions: 2 large, thinly sliced
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Beef broth: 1 cup

Chicken broth: 1 cup
Fresh thyme: A few sprigs
French onion soup mix: 1 packet (optional)

Melted cheese: 1 cup, preferably Gruyère or Swiss

Instruments

Having the right tools makes the cooking process easier:

Large oven-safe skillet: For cooking and rendering the ingredients

Wooden spoon: Helps with stirring and caramelizing onions
Measuring cups: For accurate measurements
Knife: To slice the onions and other ingredients

Cutting board: For prepping ingredients
Oven mitts: To handle the hot skillet

Step By Step Instruction

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

In the skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side. Once done, remove from the skillet.

Caramelize Onions: Add more olive oil if needed, then the sliced yellow onions. Stir regularly until the onions soften and turn golden. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Make the Sauce: Stir in the beef broth and chicken broth with French onion soup mix, if using. Let it reduce slightly, then return the chicken to the skillet. Add fresh thyme.

Finish in the Oven: Sprinkle melted cheese on top of the chicken. Place the skillet under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve: Remove from the oven. Let it rest briefly, then serve hot with the savory caramelized onion sauce.

Ingredient Substitute

When making French Onion Chicken, sometimes I need to improvise with what’s in my kitchen. Here are some ideas for substituting common ingredients in the recipe.

Salt and Pepper: If I run out of kosher salt, table salt can work. For black pepper, a small pinch of cayenne adds heat.

Oil and Butter: I use unsalted butter to control the saltiness, but if that’s unavailable, any neutral oil works. Avocado oil is a favorite of mine for its mild flavor.

Herbs and Spices: Don’t have thyme or dried thyme? Italian seasoning or a bit of dried oregano adds a similar herbal note. Garlic powder is another staple that can replace fresh garlic.

Vinegar and Wine: When I’m out of balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar provides a similar tang. For white wine, a splash of chicken broth with a few drops of lemon adds complexity.

Thickening Agents: If I’m low on all-purpose flour, cornstarch can help thicken the sauce with a smaller amount.

What To Serve With French Onion Chicken

When I cook French Onion Chicken, I love finding the perfect side dishes to make the meal special. There are so many options that can really complement the flavors.

One of my go-to sides is a creamy batch of mashed potatoes. They balance out the rich onion and cheese flavors.

I also enjoy serving a vibrant salad with mixed greens and maybe some walnuts or cranberries for a bit of texture.

For those who love greens, broccolini or asparagus are excellent choices. They add a fresh crunch to the meal.

Cheese lovers might appreciate pairing the chicken with a cheese plate. I often include Gruyère, Swiss cheese, or even Parmesan cheese for an extra rich touch.

For a more cheesy experience, I like to top the chicken with mozzarella cheese or provolone cheese until it’s warm and bubbly.

A baked or roasted vegetable, like radishes, works well too. They bring a subtle sweetness that complements the dish.

To make the meal unforgettable, why not try some Lyonnaise potatoes? They’re buttery and delicious alongside the chicken.

Another tip is to serve with Air Fryer Green Beans. Their crisp texture is a nice contrast to the softness of the chicken dish.

How To Store French Onion Chicken

When it comes to storing French Onion Chicken, I always aim to keep it fresh and flavorful.

To start, make sure the leftovers are cooled completely before you store them. This helps prevent any condensation in the storage container, which can affect texture.

Use an airtight container to keep the chicken moist and preserve its rich flavors. This helps lock in the sauce and keeps the cheese from drying out.

Freezing is also an option if you’re planning to store it for more than a few days. Wrap the chicken tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.

When reheating, I suggest using the oven. Preheat to 325°F, and cover the dish with foil to maintain moisture. If you want a crisp finish, you can broil it at the end for a few minutes.

For the best taste, try to eat the leftovers within three days if stored in the fridge. Freezing allows you to extend shelf life up to three months.

Following these steps ensures your French Onion Chicken remains delicious and enjoyable even after storage.

Is French Onion Chicken Healthy

When I think about French Onion Chicken, a few key ingredients stand out: chicken, onions, and often cheese. The type of ingredients and the way I prepare them can affect the dish’s healthiness.

Chicken is a great source of lean protein. By using skinless chicken breasts, I can keep the calorie count low while maintaining a good amount of protein. It’s important to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat.

Onions have numerous health benefits; they are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Caramelized onions add flavor without the need for too much added fat or sugar.

For the fat used in cooking, I try to choose healthier oils like olive oil or avocado oil. These add important nutrients and keep the dish from becoming too greasy.

Cheese is where I need to be careful. Some recipes call for melted cheese on top, like gruyère or mozzarella. While they add taste, it’s vital to use moderate amounts to keep saturated fat and calorie levels in check.

If I’m serving French Onion Chicken with a side, opting for a vegetable mash, like cauliflower, can add nutrients and fiber without the extra carbs that come from potatoes.

Overall, French Onion Chicken can be a nutritious choice if I pay attention to the ingredients and preparation methods used.

Nutrition Fact

When I look at the nutrition facts for French Onion Chicken, I notice a variety of values. Here’s a simple breakdown that might help.

Calories: Around 440 to 510 calories per serving, depending on the recipe and serving size.
Carbohydrates: About 15% to 37% of the meal comes from carbohydrates.

Protein: A good source, with 30% to 36% of the meal being protein. It provides approximately 80% of your daily value.

For fats, French Onion Chicken can have between 29% to 55% of calories from fat.

This meal is also a source of fiber and potassium, with roughly 14% to 18% of the daily values for these nutrients.

Serving sizes play a role in nutritional values. They often range from half a meal to a full container or cup.

This meal provides a balanced mix of macronutrients, making it a hearty and flavorful option. It offers essential nutrients that contribute to a well-rounded diet.