Dinner

French Onion Chicken with Baguette Toasts Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan December 20, 2025December 20, 2025

Introduction

French Onion Chicken is a comforting twist on the classic French onion soup, featuring tender chicken smothered in caramelized onions and a rich beef gravy topped with melted Swiss cheese. This hearty dish pairs perfectly with crusty baguette slices for a cozy meal everyone will enjoy.

The image shows a cooked dish in a pale yellow pan filled with pieces of browned chicken covered in melted, gooey cheese. The cheese is stringy as a wooden spoon lifts a portion of chicken with a woman's hand holding it above the pan. The dish has a rich, golden-brown layer of cooked onions mixed with sauce beneath the cheese-covered chicken pieces that fill the pan. The pan sits on a soft brown cloth with slices of bread blurred in the background on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds Vidalia onions, peeled and sliced
1/3 cup olive oil

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

1 baguette, sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them with the oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

Step 3: Cook the onions, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until they are tender and slightly caramelized, about 20 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside in a small dish.
Step 5: Return the skillet to medium heat and add the remaining olive oil.

Step 6: Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
Step 7: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
Step 8: Increase the heat to high and pour in the beef broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits.

Step 9: Reduce the heat to medium. Gradually whisk in the flour to thicken the broth. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and thyme.
Step 10: Stir the cooked chicken and caramelized onions back into the skillet, combining them with the beef gravy.
Step 11: Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the chicken mixture. Place the skillet in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 12: Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of thyme over the top for garnish.
Step 13: To serve, place a few baguette slices in shallow bowls and spoon the chicken and gravy over them. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of sweet and yellow onions for deeper flavor.

For a richer gravy, substitute part of the beef broth with a splash of dry white wine when deglazing.
Try Gruyère cheese instead of Swiss for a more traditional French onion taste.
Serve with toasted baguette slices rubbed with garlic for added aroma and flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the chicken. For best results, reheat covered to retain moisture.

How to Serve

The image shows a white skillet filled with a layered chicken dish placed on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth under one side. The first layer at the bottom consists of a brown, rich sauce mixed with sautéed onions and herbs, creating a textured base. On top, there are evenly spaced chunks of cooked, light brown chicken pieces with a slightly crispy look. The final layer is a generous amount of melted white cheese spread unevenly over the chicken, with some parts browned and others still creamy. Near the skillet, there are a few slices of crusty white bread placed on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless thighs or even pre-cooked chicken can be used. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe without an oven-safe skillet?

Absolutely. You can transfer the chicken mixture to a baking dish before adding the cheese and baking. Just make sure the dish can withstand oven temperatures.