Description
This French Onion Chicken Bake is a deliciously comforting main course featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts topped with deeply caramelized onions and melted Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses. The savory beef broth and Worcestershire sauce create a rich sauce that enhances the classic French onion flavors, making this dish a perfect weeknight dinner or special meal. Garnished with fresh parsley, it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Toppings
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
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
Broth Mixture
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Onions: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and sugar. Cook, stirring often, for 20 to 25 minutes until onions are deeply caramelized.
- Add Thyme and Season Chicken: Stir in thyme into the caramelized onions and remove the skillet from heat. Season chicken breasts on both sides with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Assemble the Bake: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a lightly greased baking dish. Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce around the chicken. Spoon the caramelized onions evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Continue Baking: Remove the foil carefully. Sprinkle shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the chicken. Return the dish uncovered to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm. Pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to enjoy the sauce.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter when caramelizing the onions.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Use fresh thyme for a more vibrant flavor or dried thyme for convenience.
- Ensure chicken breasts are cooked through by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
