Golden chicken breasts bubbling under a blanket of caramelized onions and melted cheese — this French Onion Chicken Bake brings all the cozy comfort of a classic soup into a hearty weeknight dinner. With just one baking dish, you get juicy chicken, a savory onion gravy, and gooey Gruyère or mozzarella that crisps at the edges. It’s a one-pan wonder that smells like home and tastes like indulgence.

Perfect for cooler nights or when you’re craving something rich yet unfussy, this dish delivers robust flavor with pantry staples. French onion soup lovers will rejoice in every bite as the sweet caramelized onions soak into tender, oven-roasted chicken, creating the ultimate savory-sweet balance.

Ingredients for this French Onion Chicken Bake

3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¾ cup beef broth (low sodium)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese (or a mix)
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, for about 25-30 minutes or until golden and caramelized. Add balsamic vinegar in the final 5 minutes and stir until absorbed.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the onions cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove from heat and transfer to the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

To the caramelized onions, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then simmer for 3-4 minutes to deepen the flavors.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the onion mixture evenly over the chicken. Top each breast with a generous amount of shredded cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is golden and bubbling.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top and serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great option and tend to stay juicier. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

What cheese is best for this recipe?

Gruyère is traditional and melts beautifully, but mozzarella, provolone, or Swiss are great alternatives. You can also blend a couple for a richer taste.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can caramelize the onions and sear the chicken up to 2 days in advance. Assemble and refrigerate the dish, then bake when ready to serve.

What can I serve with French Onion Chicken Bake?

Crusty bread, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad complement it well. It also pairs nicely with buttered noodles or rice.

Is it gluten-free?

It can be. Just ensure your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free. Always check labels to confirm.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

While you could use pre-cooked chicken, the flavor from searing adds a lot. If using rotisserie or leftover chicken, reduce baking time since it only needs heating through.

French Onion Chicken Bake

Author: Sophia Langley
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Juicy, golden-baked chicken breasts smothered in rich caramelized onions and melty cheese—this French Onion Chicken Bake is everything comfort food should be. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary weeknight into something cozy and satisfying. With a savory onion gravy and bubbly cheese topping, it captures all the magic of French onion soup in a hearty, easy recipe.

If you’re looking for easy dinner ideas that pack in both comfort and flavor, this one-pan chicken bake is perfect. It’s a great go-to for quick dinner solutions, hearty family meals, or when you need food ideas for something that feels special without requiring extra effort. From its garlicky aroma to its melty topping, it’s an easy recipe that checks all the boxes.

Instructions

Caramelize the onions: In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium. Add onions and cook 25–30 mins, stirring often. Stir in balsamic vinegar in the last 5 mins.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme on both sides.
Sear chicken: In a separate skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil. Sear chicken 2–3 mins per side until golden.
Prepare sauce: Add garlic to onions, cook 1 min. Stir in broth and Worcestershire. Simmer 3–4 mins.
Assemble and bake: Place chicken in dish, pour onion sauce over, top with cheese. Bake 20–25 mins until bubbly and cooked through.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dinner