French Onion Chicken

This is the best French onion chicken recipe you will ever try!

From the flavorful onions to the tender, juicy chicken, this dish has all the flavor to elevate even the most boring side dishes.

Some plain jasmine rice can be instantly infused with flavor when served alongside this savory dish. A cozy, fancy-feeling dinner ready in under an hour!

So if you love French onion soup and want a fresh way to make chicken breast, this recipe totally hits the mark 🙂

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This French onion chicken recipe works because of its simple, flavorful ingredients, versatile nature, and customizable options.

Caramelized onions and melted cheese elevate these basic chicken breasts, in this rich, comforting dish. Using little more than what you have in your pantry already, this dish comes together with ease.

Additionally, this easy French onion chicken can be served alongside a variety of sides that complement its rich, savory flavors. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or a light salad, this dish can elevate a meal, any night of the week.

Plus, this French onion chicken recipe is highly customizable—swap chicken for pork chops or eggplant for a vegetarian twist. Customizing the flavor is easy with different cheese, seasoning, or broth choices allowing you to cater your recipe to your personal taste and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Chicken Breast:

This recipe for French onion chicken uses chicken breast meat as it is a leaner, healthier option that is also easy to cook. However, chicken thighs can be used to create a more flavorful dish. Whatever cut of chicken you use, ensure it is boneless, skinless, and prepared by pounding it to even thickness with a meat mallet. If you'd like to opt for something other than chicken, you can replicate this dish using pork, turkey, or veal cutlets. Alternatively, you can create a vegetarian or vegan French onion chicken variation using eggplant or tofu.

Chicken Seasoning:

This recipe embraces simplicity by using Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt to season the chicken but you can experiment with the flavors by using your favorite seasonings. Fresh thyme, rosemary, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, parsley, chili powder, cumin, and lemon zest can all contribute to the overall flavor of your French onion chicken.

Chicken Coating:

The chicken coating is also very simple, made of flour and freshly grated parmesan cheese. However you can use a variety of different ingredients to create your coating. Flour can be substituted for cornstarch or your favorite gluten-free alternative, while you can swap the parmesan cheese for another favorite like asiago, romano, or grana padano. You can even mix things up with your own additions, egg wash for moisture, breadcrumbs for texture, or seasonings for flavor.

Butter:

Unsalted butter is an important addition to this French onion chicken. It adds the rich, indulgent nature that this dish is known for. However, if you want to omit the butter, you can use olive, canola, avocado, grapeseed oil, or ghee to saute your onions.

Onions:

While some would say that the star of this recipe is the chicken, others would argue that the real star of this French onion chicken recipe is the onions. Yellow and sweet onion varieties are the best to use in this recipe as they lend their mildly sweet flavor to the chicken. Red and white varieties will work in a pinch but will add a sharper flavor. To be successful in this recipe, it's important to saute your onions low and slow for 15 to 20 minutes. This will ensure that your onions achieve peak caramelization and infuse the sauce with their flavor.

Mixed Spices:

This French onion chicken recipe uses traditional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, thyme, coriander, and rosemary to season the onions and add flavor to the sauce. For a bolder flavor, mix the dry seasonings in with the onions and allow them to toast for 30 seconds to 1 minute until aromatic before stirring in the wet ingredients.

Chicken Broth:

You can really use any kind of broth in this recipe, whether it be chicken, vegetable, or beef broth. For a creamy twist, you can also use coconut milk.

Wine:

Red or white wine works equally well in this recipe, but it depends on what stock you are using. Red wine will help bring out the bold flavors of a beef broth, while white wine pairs better with the milder flavors in a chicken broth. Alternative to wine, you can use more broth, water, or Worcestershire sauce.

Flour:

Flour is used to thicken the French onion chicken sauce, but you can use cornstarch or your favorite gluten-free flour as a thickening agent instead.

Mozzarella:

Mozzarella is melted on top of the chicken to finish the dish because of its mild flavor and excellent melting properties. However, you can also use gruyere or Swiss to give your French onion chicken a rich, creamy topping.

How to Make French Onion Chicken

Step One: 

Season your chicken breasts with salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.

Step Two: 

Combine ¼ cup of flour and parmesan cheese in a small bowl.

Step Three: 

Coat the chicken in the flour and parmesan mixture and set aside.

Step Four:

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

Step Five: 

Once the butter and olive oil are hot, add the chicken to the pan and brown on each side. Remove and set aside.

Step Six: 

Using a wok, add 2 tablespoons of butter to melt over low heat and add the onions. Saute until softened.

Step Seven: 

Increase the heat to medium, add the mixed spices and wine to your onions, and stir to incorporate.

Step Eight: 

Stir in the chicken broth and 2 tablespoons of flour

Step Nine: 

Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the chicken to the wok.

Step Ten: 

Top the chicken with mozzarella cheese, cover with a lid, and allow the cheese to melt.

Step Eleven: 

Top your homemade French onion chicken with some fresh herbs, and enjoy!

Tips

• For a deep, rich flavor, cook the onions over low heat. This enhances the savory-sweet taste that makes French onion chicken so special.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce before baking. This option is great for a creamy French onion chicken variation.

What to Serve With French Onion Chicken

When serving French onion chicken, consider pairing it with comforting sides that complement its rich, savory flavors. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice are excellent choices, as they soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, roasted, grilled, or steamed vegetables add freshness and color to the plate.

Low-carb alternatives like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles are also great for keeping the meal healthy, while a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish.

FAQs

Is this a gluten-free French onion chicken recipe?

Yes, this is a naturally gluten-free French onion chicken recipe. However, it's important to check that some ingredients, like broth and seasonings, are labeled gluten-free.

How do I know when the French onion chicken is fully cooked?

To check the chicken for doneness, use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165F to ensure it is safe to eat.

What's the best way to store leftover French onion chicken?

You can store leftover French onion chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer-term storage, it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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