French Onion Chicken Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Chicken is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken breast with rich caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese. This flavorful meal brings the classic French onion soup elements to your skillet, making it an irresistible option for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 2 tsp freshly chopped coriander
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 3/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 tsp dried peppermint
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• Freshly chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and jammy, about 25 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute longer until fragrant. Remove the onion mixture from the skillet and wipe the skillet clean.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, freshly ground black pepper, coriander, and dried peppermint. Toss the chicken with the all-purpose flour until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and mostly cooked through, about 8 minutes.
4. Step 4: Pour in the beef broth and return the caramelized onions to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the broth reduces slightly, about 10 minutes or more.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the chicken and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the cheese melt for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use yellow or sweet onions for a sweeter caramelized flavor.
• To add extra depth, finish with a splash of white wine before adding the beef broth.
• Substitute chicken thighs for more moisture and richness.
• For a low-carb option, serve with steamed vegetables instead of bread or rice.

Storage

Store leftover French Onion Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through. To prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery, add a small sprinkle of fresh Gruyère when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicier. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese?

Swiss cheese or mozzarella can be used as alternatives, though Gruyère has a unique nutty flavor that best complements the dish.

French Onion Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 62 reviews

French Onion Chicken is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender pieces of chicken breast cooked in a savory caramelized onion and beef broth sauce, topped with melted Gruyère cheese. This skillet-cooked recipe combines the deep flavors of classic French onion soup with succulent chicken, making a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and flavorful.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken and Sauce

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 2 tsp freshly chopped coriander
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 3/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 tsp dried peppermint
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth

For Topping and Garnish

• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over moderate heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the onions become caramelized and jammy, about 25 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Turn off the heat, remove the onion mixture, and wipe the skillet clean.
2. Prepare and Cook the Chicken: In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried peppermint. Toss the chicken well with the all-purpose flour until evenly coated. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on both sides and mostly cooked through, about 8 minutes.
3. Simmer with Broth and Onions: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and return the caramelized onion mixture to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked through and the broth has reduced slightly, about 10 minutes or more.
4. Add Cheese and Finish: Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the chicken and onion mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, approximately 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the rich and savory flavors of French Onion Chicken.

Notes

• For best results, use low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Be patient while caramelizing the onions; this step is crucial for developing deep, sweet flavors.
• Gruyère cheese melts beautifully and adds a nutty, creamy finish, but you can substitute with Swiss cheese if needed.
• This skillet recipe can be served with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over rice for a complete meal.
• If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can be used as a substitute, about 1/2 teaspoon.

Keywords: French onion chicken, caramelized onion chicken, Gruyère chicken, skillet chicken recipe, comforting chicken dish