French Onion Chicken (1 Hr, 5 Mins)

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French onion chicken marries the heartwarming flavors of a classic French onion soup with the satisfying substance of a chicken entrée.

This dish features tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, caramelized onion sauce, topped with melted cheese and aromatic herbs. The onions are slowly cooked to bring out their natural sweetness, perfectly complementing the savory chicken.

Topped with a layer of melted cheese, this dish offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. It’s an ideal recipe for a cozy dinner, combining the comfort of a traditional soup with the heartiness of a chicken dish.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
  • 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown Chicken (10 minutes): Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown the chicken on both sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. Caramelize Onions (20 minutes): In the same skillet, add onions and cook on low heat until caramelized, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Add Broth and Herbs (5 minutes): Pour in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in thyme and rosemary.
  4. Cook Chicken in Sauce (15 minutes): Return the chicken to the skillet with the onions. Cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Add Cheese and Broil (5 minutes): Top each chicken breast with grated cheese. Place under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  6. Serve (2 minutes): Serve hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired.

Notes

For an authentic French onion flavor, take your time caramelizing the onions as they are the star of this dish. The longer they cook, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be. Using a combination of Gruyère and Swiss cheese adds a nice depth of flavor, but you can also use just one type.

Serve this dish with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad to soak up the delicious sauce. A glass of red wine would complement the rich flavors perfectly.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Pair this with...

Fresh Spinach Salad

Start by washing and drying fresh spinach leaves, which will serve as the vibrant base of your salad. Hull and slice some ripe strawberries, their juicy sweetness a perfect contrast to the spinach. Crumble in some creamy feta cheese, which adds a delightful salty tang. For that crunch, toss in a handful of your favorite nuts—be it toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans. When it comes to dressing, a simple balsamic vinaigrette works wonders. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle it over the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Start by heating your trusty cast iron skillet or pan over medium heat, adding a generous pat of butter. As the butter melts and begins to sizzle, toss in finely minced garlic and let it infuse its aromatic essence. Before the garlic browns, introduce the whole mushrooms, making sure they've been cleaned and patted dry. The key is to give them space, so they brown nicely rather than steam. As they cook, turn them occasionally so they get a beautiful sear on all sides. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the mushrooms are golden and tender, finish off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Easy Dinner Rolls

Start by combining warm water, yeast, and a bit of sugar in a bowl, letting it sit until it's frothy. In a larger bowl, mix together softened butter, salt, the rest of your sugar, and some milk. Slowly add in flour, mixing until you have a soft dough. Knead this dough on a floured surface until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size. Once risen, divide the dough into small balls and arrange them on a baking tray. Let them rise again briefly. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown. Brush with melted butter right out of the oven for a glossy finish.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

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