If you love the rich and savory flavors of French onion soup, you’ll adore this French Onion Chicken Bake. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a decadent mixture of caramelized onions, beefy au jus, and melted Swiss cheese. It’s a comforting and elegant dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken:
- In a large ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Caramelize the Onions:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are deeply caramelized and browned.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Create the Sauce:
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the caramelized onions and stir to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth and continue stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes a flavorful sauce.
5. Add Chicken and Cheese:
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the onion sauce.
- Sprinkle the top of each chicken breast with shredded Swiss cheese.
6. Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165Β°F or 74Β°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- If desired, garnish your French Onion Chicken Bake with fresh thyme leaves for a touch of herbaceous flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the chicken hot with plenty of the caramelized onion sauce spooned over the top.
The flavors of French onion soup are transformed into a satisfying and elegant chicken dish in this French Onion Chicken Bake. It’s a delectable blend of tender chicken, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey Swiss cheese. This recipe is sure to impress your taste buds whether you serve it for a family dinner or a special occasion.