French Onion Chicken is a mouth-watering fusion of the classic French onion soup and succulent chicken breasts. This dish combines tender chicken with caramelized onions, melted Gruyère cheese, and a savory sauce for a comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Let’s dive into this flavorful recipe and create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Use either ½ teaspoon of dried thyme or 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves.
- 3 ounces Gruyère cheese, coarsely grated
- Use ½ cup of all-purpose flour or a gluten-free flour mix if preferred.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Pepper (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Preheat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn a rich, golden brown. This process should take around 20-25 minutes. If the onions start to stick, deglaze the pan with a splash of water.
- Step 2: Enhance the Onions’ Flavor
After the onions are caramelized, mix in the balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the liquids have slightly reduced. Transfer the onions from the skillet and set them aside.
- Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
In a shallow dish, blend the flour, kosher salt, pepper, and paprika. Coat each chicken breast evenly with the flour mixture on both sides.
- Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat the same skillet over medium heat and add the unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt and begin to sizzle before adding the chicken breasts. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, ensuring they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Step 5: Make the Sauce
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, ensuring you scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the caramelized onions back into the skillet and stir to combine with the broth, creating a rich sauce.
- Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the cooked chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish. Pour the onion and broth mixture over the chicken, ensuring they are well covered. Evenly sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese on top.
- Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
After baking, take the dish out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.Serve the French Onion Chicken warm, accompanied by your favorite vegetables or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
French Onion Chicken is a delectable dish that brings together the rich flavors of caramelized onions, savory chicken, and melted Gruyère cheese. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this dish is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy the delightful combination of tastes and textures, and savor every bite!
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