Indulge your taste buds with this mouthwatering French Onion Chicken recipe. It combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions, tender chicken, and melted cheese to create a truly satisfying dish. The dish takes inspiration from the classic French onion soup and transforms it into a hearty chicken entree. Whether you’re a fan of French cuisine or simply looking to add some excitement to your weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680g)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions to the skillet and sauté until they turn golden brown and caramelized, stirring occasionally. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and thyme leaves to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute.
- Push the onions to the side of the skillet and place the chicken breasts in the center. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned.
- Pour beef broth into the skillet, making sure it covers the bottom.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese over each chicken breast.
- Return the skillet to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the French Onion Chicken with a spoonful of the caramelized onions and some of the flavorful juices from the skillet.
Notes:
- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken breasts with portobello mushrooms and follow the same cooking instructions.
- Feel free to customize the cheese based on your preference. Gruyere or Swiss cheese work exceptionally well, but you can experiment with other melty cheeses like provolone or mozzarella.
- This recipe pairs beautifully with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.