If you love the rich, savory flavor of classic French onion soup, you’re going to fall in love with this French Onion Smothered Chicken Bake. Juicy, seasoned chicken breasts are baked in a sweet and savory caramelized onion sauce, then topped with melted, golden cheese for the ultimate comfort food dinner.
This easy baked chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights but elegant enough for guests. With tender chicken, rich onion gravy, and bubbly cheese, every bite is packed with flavor.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy one-pan dinner
- Rich, savory caramelized onion flavor
- Family-friendly comfort food
- Low-carb and high-protein
- Perfect for meal prep
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, add butter and olive oil.
Add sliced onions and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft, golden, and caramelized.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Prepare the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Optional: Sear chicken in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side for extra flavor.
Step 5: Assemble
Place chicken in a greased baking dish.
Pour caramelized onion sauce evenly over the chicken.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Add Cheese & Broil
Top each chicken breast with shredded cheese.
Broil for 2–4 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown.
Step 8: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve this French Onion Chicken with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice or buttered noodles
- Roasted vegetables
- Crusty bread to soak up the onion gravy
🔥 Tips for Perfect French Onion Chicken
- Slice onions thinly for even caramelization.
- Don’t rush the onions — slow cooking builds deep flavor.
- Use Swiss cheese for authentic French onion flavor.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
🧊 Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in oven at 350°F until warmed through.
❓ FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless thighs work great and stay extra juicy.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes — assemble everything (without cheese), refrigerate, then bake when ready.
📌 Final Thoughts
This French Onion Smothered Chicken Bake is rich, cheesy, and packed with deep caramelized onion flavor. It’s the perfect easy dinner recipe when you want something cozy, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress.