French Onion Chicken Bake

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A cozy, heartwarming twist on a beloved classic, French Onion Chicken Bake brings the savory sweetness of caramelized onions and the richness of melted cheese to juicy, seasoned chicken breasts. It captures all the magic of French onion soup in a hearty, comforting main dish that begs for crusty bread to soak up every drop of the delicious gravy.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or an elevated Sunday meal, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that feels gourmet but comes together easily. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe that brings French bistro vibes right into your home kitchen.

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What Kind of Cheese Should I Use for French Onion Chicken Bake?

The most traditional and delicious option is a combo of provolone and mozzarella, which melts beautifully and gives a stretchy, golden top. Gruyère is another excellent choice if you want a more nutty, authentic French onion soup flavor. A touch of Parmesan can also boost the savoriness without overpowering the balance.

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Ingredients for the French Onion Chicken Bake

Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for soaking up all the oniony, cheesy goodness. Their mild flavor makes the perfect base for this bold dish.

Onions
Thinly sliced yellow onions are the star of the show. When slowly caramelized, they turn sweet and add a deep, savory layer.

Beef Broth
A rich, reduced-sodium beef broth enhances the dish with a hearty umami flavor that mimics the classic soup base.

Butter and Olive Oil
These work together to caramelize the onions perfectly, giving them depth without burning.

Garlic
Freshly minced garlic adds a wonderful aromatic component to the onion mix.

Mozzarella and Provolone Cheese
These cheeses provide the gooey melt and golden top that makes the dish irresistible.

Fresh Parsley
Used as a garnish, parsley adds a pop of freshness and color.

Salt, Pepper, Thyme
Simple seasoning goes a long way here. A pinch of thyme enhances the French flavor profile.

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How To Make the French Onion Chicken Bake

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until deep golden brown and fragrant—about 25–30 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook another minute.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While onions cook, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme. In another skillet (or the same one, once onions are done), sear the chicken over medium-high heat until golden on each side, about 3–4 minutes per side. It doesn’t need to be cooked through yet.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a baking dish, pour a bit of beef broth to cover the base. Arrange the seared chicken, top with caramelized onions, and pour remaining broth around (not on top of) the chicken. Layer each piece with a slice of provolone and a sprinkle of mozzarella.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and cheese is melted and golden. For a browner top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving. Serve with toasted baguette slices or mashed potatoes to soak up the rich sauce.

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How to Serve and Store French Onion Chicken Bake

Serve French Onion Chicken Bake hot out of the oven with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles. It’s also excellent paired with a crisp green salad to balance the richness. For wine lovers, a glass of dry white or a light red like Pinot Noir complements the dish beautifully.

To store leftovers, transfer cooled chicken and sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work well and bring extra juiciness to the dish. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

What if I don’t have provolone?

You can substitute with Swiss, mozzarella, or even Gruyère. Any good melting cheese will do the job.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the entire bake a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, just bake as directed.

How do I know the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I freeze French Onion Chicken Bake?

While it’s best fresh, you can freeze it after baking. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What sides pair best with this bake?

Garlic mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a crusty artisan roll all complement the richness perfectly.

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Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this savory French Onion Chicken Bake, you’ll probably enjoy these other delicious options:

• Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
• One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
• Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
• Tasty Pineapple Chicken and Rice
• Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use provolone or switch it up with Gruyère? Did you serve it with mashed potatoes or noodles?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

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