French Onion Chicken Bake: A Savory, Comforting Classic
This French Onion Chicken Bake combines the rich, soulful flavors of French onion soup with tender, juicy chicken breasts for a dish that is both hearty and elegant.
Caramelized onions, infused with garlic, thyme, and a splash of balsamic vinegar, create a deeply flavorful base, while a golden blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese melts into irresistible perfection.
Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe is pure comfort on a plate.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions, peeled and sliced | 4 |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves, finely chopped | 4 |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Fresh thyme | 1 tsp |
| Low-sodium beef broth | ⅔ cup |
| Aged balsamic vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 |
| Sea salt | ½ tsp |
| Shredded mozzarella | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan | ½ cup |
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
- Infuse the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic, black pepper, and thyme, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Create a Jammy Texture: Pour in the beef broth and balsamic vinegar. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, caramelized, and jam-like in texture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread one-third of the caramelized onions evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Place the chicken breasts on top and season them with sea salt. Spoon the remaining onions over the chicken.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top, covering the chicken completely.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is golden, melted, and bubbly.
Notes:
- For even cooking, choose chicken breasts of similar size, or slice thicker ones in half.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste—more pepper for spice, or extra thyme for herbal depth.
