Savory, cheesy, and oh-so-tender… this cheesy French onion chicken recipe combines all the rich flavor of French onion soup and turns it into a comfort food chicken meal for all to love! Learn how to make French onion baked chicken (with the best caramelized onions and no canned or boxed mixes needed), in just 30 minutes.
What Is French Onion Chicken?
Baked French onion chicken re-creates all the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup in a complete main dish. Caramelized onions create a golden brown sauce that coats tender chicken, and it all gets topped with gooey cheese.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for French onion soup chicken, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – You can also make oven baked French onion chicken thighs if you prefer, but cook times will vary.Olive Oil – For searing. I used extra virgin olive oil here, but use whatever neutral cooking oil you like.Butter – For caramelizing onions and creating a mouthwatering onion gravy. Choose an unsalted variety.Onion – While I selected a white onion for this easy French onion chicken skillet, a yellow onion or sweet onion would work nicely as well. You can use 3 small onions, 2 medium ones, or 1 1/2 large ones.Fresh Thyme – Adds aroma and flavor to the sauce. Poultry seasoning would also make an excellent substitute.White Wine – Use your favorite white variety, or substitute with added chicken broth if you prefer.Chicken Broth – I used a reduced sodium broth, as the cheese is a bit salty, but use your favorite brand (or make homemade chicken bone broth). Beef broth is also delicious here!Cheeses – A blend of Swiss cheese and parmesan. You can swap with a slice of provolone for each chicken breast, or use other varieties like gruyere cheese or mozzarella cheese.Sea Salt & Black Pepper – For easy seasoning.
How To Make French Onion Chicken
This section shows how to make French onion chicken baked, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below. You can add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic toward the end of the caramelized onion cooking time.
Cooking Method Variations
Crock Pot French Onion Chicken – Omit butter and oil. Add onions to the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by wine, broth, and thyme. Season chicken breasts and place on top of onions. Cook on high for 3 hours or low for up to 6 hours. Add cheeses to the top of the chicken and cover until cheese melted.Instant Pot French Onion Chicken – Heat pot in Saute mode. Add oil and sear chicken using the inner pot, working in batches if needed, and set aside. Caramelize onions, adding a splash of the wine as needed to deglaze the pan. Nestle chicken into the onions, getting as much of them over the top of the meat as possible. Add broth and close the lid. Set to High pressure and cook for 15 minutes. Do a quick release. Place pot in saute mode to reduce moisture and thicken sauce, if desired. Top with cheese and close the lid to melt.
Storage Instructions
Store: Cover the French onion skillet chicken tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.Meal prep: Slice onions and store in the refrigerator until ready to cook. You can also cook the entire dish ahead of time, or just caramelize the onions ahead.Reheat: Warm chicken in a 325 degree oven or microwave at low power until heated through.Freeze: Cover tightly and freeze in an airtight container for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
What To Serve With A French Onion Chicken Bake
It’s easy to turn this chicken into a complete dinner! Try serving it with these sides:
Simple Salads – A grated carrot salad, strawberry spinach salad, or cold roast vegetable salad would pair nicely with this dish.Potatoes – Plate this meal with traditional mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes. For lighter options, try it with mashed cauliflower (shown in the photo above!), roasted rutabaga, or pan fried radishes.Roasted Vegetables – Oven roasted green beans, roasted zucchini, or roasted brussels sprouts would taste great with this chicken!
More Healthy Baked Chicken Recipes
These easy, elegant chicken dishes come together quick with a little help from your oven. Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too – I’d love to see it!
