French Onion Chicken Bake: A Flavorful Delight

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 375°F (190°C).
  • Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°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.