French Onion Chicken Bake — A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Dinner

Meta Title: French Onion Chicken Bake — Juicy Chicken with Caramelized Onions & Cheese
Meta Description: Juicy chicken breasts baked with sweet caramelized onions, balsamic vinegar, and melted mozzarella + parmesan. Step-by-step recipe for the perfect French Onion Chicken Bake.

If you love the cozy flavors of French onion soup but crave something heartier, this French Onion Chicken Bake is the perfect recipe. Tender chicken breasts are topped with deeply caramelized onions, infused with balsamic vinegar and thyme, then finished with gooey mozzarella and nutty parmesan cheese. It’s a family-friendly dinner that looks elegant but is surprisingly easy to make!

Quick Recipe Overview

• Serves: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 40–45 minutes

• Total Time: ~1 hour

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate (caramelizing onions takes patience)

• Flavor profile: Savory, cheesy, sweet-and-tangy

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 4 large onions, peeled and sliced thinly

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)

• ⅔ cup low-sodium beef broth

• 2 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (even-sized)

• ½ tsp sea salt

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best for caramelizing onions)

• 9×13 inch baking dish (or similar oven-safe dish)

• Wooden spoon for stirring onions

• Meat thermometer (for checking chicken doneness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

• In a large skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.

• Add the sliced onions and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin turning golden.

Step 3: Infuse with Garlic & Herbs

• Reduce heat to medium.

• Stir in garlic, thyme, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Liquids & Create “Jammy” Onions

• Pour in beef broth and balsamic vinegar.

• Continue cooking for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft, sticky, and caramelized.

Step 5: Assemble the Chicken Bake

• Spread ⅓ of the caramelized onions across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

• Place the chicken breasts on top. Season with sea salt.

• Spoon the remaining onions over the chicken breasts.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

• Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken and onions.

• Top with parmesan cheese for extra flavor and a golden crust.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

• Bake uncovered in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

• If desired, broil for an extra 2–3 minutes at the end to brown the cheese.

Notes & Pro Tips

• Even cooking: Pound chicken breasts or slice them in half lengthwise if very thick.

• Onion patience: Caramelization takes time — don’t rush it, that’s where the flavor comes from!

• Extra depth: For a richer dish, use gruyère cheese instead of mozzarella.

• Make-ahead: Caramelize onions up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate; assemble and bake when ready.

Variations to Try

• French Onion Chicken Thighs: Use boneless thighs for juicier meat.

• Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower mash instead of rice or pasta.

• French Onion Chicken Pasta Bake: Toss cooked penne pasta into the onions before layering with chicken and cheese.

• Wine lovers: Replace half of the beef broth with dry white wine for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with:

• Buttery mashed potatoes

• Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables

• A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Crusty bread to soak up the cheesy onion juices

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

• Reheat: Warm in oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short bursts.

Approximate Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: ~420 kcal

• Protein: 42 g

• Fat: 20 g

• Carbs: 15 g
  (varies depending on cheese and chicken size)

enjoy!