Description

This French Onion Chicken Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with deeply caramelized onions and a rich blend of Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses. Infused with fresh thyme and enhanced by a savory beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, this easy-to-make casserole brings the classic French onion soup flavors to a wholesome baked chicken dinner perfect for any weeknight or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Caramelized Onions

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon salt, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Chicken Bake

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
Caramelize Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and the granulated sugar. Cook the onions, stirring frequently, for 20 to 25 minutes until they become deeply caramelized and golden brown. Stir in the fresh or dried thyme, then remove from heat.
Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
Assemble Bake: Place the chicken breasts in a lightly greased baking dish. Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce evenly around the chicken. Spoon the caramelized onions over each chicken breast, distributing them evenly.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This helps the chicken cook through and retain moisture.
Add Cheese & Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses over the top of the chicken and onions. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the chicken is fully cooked.
Garnish & Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Notes

For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter while caramelizing the onions.
This dish pairs excellently with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred, adjusting bake time accordingly.
Make sure not to rush caramelizing onions; slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French-Inspired