Savory French Onion Chicken Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delectable French Onion Chicken recipe. A delightful twist on the classic soup, this dish features juicy chicken breasts smothered in sweet caramelized onions and topped with a heavenly blend of provolone and gruyere cheese. The result? A rich and hearty meal that’s bound to become a family favorite.

The beauty of this French Onion Chicken lies in its simplicity and depth of flavors. The onions, cooked down until they are irresistibly sweet, pair perfectly with the tender chicken and gooey melted cheese. Served over a creamy cauliflower and potato mash, this dish captures all the cozy essence of French onion soup while offering a satisfying and wholesome dinner option. Whether you’re cooking for a picky eater or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to please.

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this French Onion Chicken that not only tastes divine but also reheats like a dream, making it a convenient option for busy days. The combination of savory chicken, caramelized onions, and cheesy goodness will fill your home with irresistible aromas and your taste buds with pure delight. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself to a cozy and delicious dining experience that’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Benefits

• Protein-packed dinner that feels like comfort food
• Reheats beautifully for busy weeknight meals
• Cauliflower lightens up mashed potatoes while adding nutrients
• Thinner chicken slices ensure even cooking and more surface area for toppings

Why You’ll Love This Savory French Onion Chicken Bake Recipe

• This recipe is a delicious twist on classic French onion soup, creating a heartier and more satisfying meal with juicy chicken, caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese.
• The combination of provolone and gruyere cheese adds a rich and flavorful element to the dish, making it a comforting and indulgent dinner option.
• The creamy cauliflower and potato mash serves as the perfect base for the French onion chicken, soaking up all the delicious flavors and creating a well-rounded meal.
• This dish is ideal for chilly nights when you crave something cozy and filling, providing all the comfort of a soup but with added protein to keep you satisfied.
• The recipe is versatile and can be easily reheated, making it a great option for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners when you’re short on time.
• By incorporating cauliflower into the mashed potatoes, you add nutrients and lighten up the dish without sacrificing the creamy texture, making it a healthier alternative.
• Caramelizing the onions to a golden brown adds depth and sweetness to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile and creating a truly satisfying meal experience.
• The recipe offers flexibility with cheese options, allowing you to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand, such as Swiss or mozzarella.
• Slicing the chicken breasts thinly ensures even cooking and allows for more surface area to absorb the flavors of the onions and cheese, resulting in a beautifully balanced dish.

Ingredients for Savory French Onion Chicken Bake

• 1 tablespoon salted butter.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch.
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Fresh thyme for garnish.
• 1/2 cup grated gruyere cheese.
• 2 chicken breasts (1 lb), halved lengthwise.
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
• 4 slices provolone cheese.
• 1/2 pound cauliflower florets.
• 2 medium yellow onions, sliced.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
• Garlic powder to taste.
• 1.5 cups beef broth.
• 1/2 pound yellow potatoes, peeled.
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil.

Pro Tips for Savory French Onion Chicken Bake

To ensure even cooking, slice the chicken breasts thin or halve them lengthwise. Thinner pieces will cook more evenly and provide more surface area for the onions and cheese to adhere to.

For beautifully caramelized onions, be patient and let them cook down until they are a deep golden brown. While 20 minutes is sufficient, allowing them to cook longer will develop even more rich flavor.

Feel free to customize the cheese selection to your preference. While provolone and gruyere are traditional choices, Swiss or mozzarella can be great alternatives for that perfect melty topping.

How to Make Savory French Onion Chicken Bake

Step 1: Step 01

Season chicken with a mixture of herbs, salt, garlic powder, and pepper.

Step 2: Step 02

Saute onions in oil with broth, covered, for 8 minutes.

Step 3: Step 03

Remove the cover and cook for 20 minutes until caramelized.

Step 4: Step 04

Take out the onions and sear the chicken for 2 minutes on each side until browned.

Step 5: Step 05

Combine the cornstarch with the remaining broth.

Step 6: Step 06

Thicken in pan for 3 minutes.

Step 7: Step 07

Place the chicken back into the skillet and sprinkle onions and cheese on top. Cover and cook until the cheese is melted, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 8: Step 08

Cook potatoes and cauliflower in boiling water until soft.

Step 9: Step 09

Blend butter, yogurt, and seasonings until creamy.

Storage Tips

After preparing French Onion Chicken, store any leftovers properly to maintain freshness and flavor. Place the dish in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. French Onion Chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, making it a convenient option for make-ahead meals or quick dinners during busy weekdays.

When reheating the French Onion Chicken, it is best to use an oven or toaster oven to ensure that the chicken remains juicy and the cheese on top gets bubbly and brown again. Simply place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish and reheat at a low temperature to prevent drying out the chicken.

For a convenient meal prep option, consider storing individual portions of the French Onion Chicken in separate containers. This way, you can easily grab a single serving to reheat for a quick and delicious meal. Enjoy the flavorful combination of caramelized onions, melted cheese, and juicy chicken even when enjoying leftovers!

Ingredient Substitutions

For potential ingredient substitutions in this French onion chicken recipe, you can swap the chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat or have them on hand. This substitution will still provide a juicy and flavorful result.

If you don’t have provolone or gruyere cheese, you can use Swiss or mozzarella as alternative options. These cheeses will still melt beautifully and add a creamy texture to the dish, complementing the caramelized onions and chicken well.

In place of avocado oil, you can use olive oil or any other neutral cooking oil that you have available. The oil is mainly used for sautéing the onions and chicken, so any oil with a high smoke point will work equally well. Just ensure the oil you choose does not overpower the other flavors in the dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative twist on traditional French onion soup, try serving the French onion chicken over a bed of creamy mashed cauliflower and potatoes. The mash will soak up all the delicious flavors from the chicken, onions, and cheese, creating a cozy and satisfying meal.

To enhance the presentation of the French onion chicken, consider topping each serving with a sprig of fresh thyme for a pop of color and a touch of herbaceous freshness. This simple garnish not only adds a beautiful finishing touch but also complements the rich and savory flavors of the dish.

FAQs for Savory French Onion Chicken Bake

Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, while provolone and gruyere are traditional choices, you can use any good melting cheese like Swiss or mozzarella as alternatives.

How thin should I slice the chicken breasts?

Slice the chicken breasts thin to ensure even cooking, quicker cooking time, and more surface area for the onions and cheese to adhere to.

How do I know when the onions are caramelized enough?

The onions should be golden brown and very soft when caramelized. While 20 minutes of cooking works, longer cooking will develop even more flavor.

Can I caramelize the onions ahead of time?

Yes, you can caramelize the onions ahead of time. Complete the final assembly and cheese melting just before serving to ensure the best taste and texture.

Conclusion

I hope this French onion chicken recipe brings you as much joy and comfort as it does for me and my family. The blend of sweet caramelized onions, savory chicken, and gooey melted cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t forget to pair it with the creamy cauliflower potato mash to complete the meal and savor every delicious bite.

So next time you’re craving the coziness of French onion soup but want something heartier, give this French onion chicken a try. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that is sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation. Enjoy the process of cooking this meal and relish the moment when you sit down to savor the fruits of your labor. Bon appétit!