Description

This French Onion Chicken recipe combines tender, caramelized Vidalia onions with juicy, seasoned chicken breast in a rich beef gravy, topped with melted Swiss cheese and served over crusty baguette slices. A comforting, savory dish inspired by classic French onion flavors with a hearty protein twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Onions

2 pounds Vidalia onions (peeled and sliced)
1/3 cup olive oil (divided)
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon salt (for onions)

Chicken and Seasoning

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
½ teaspoon salt (for chicken)
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Topping

2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 baguette (sliced)

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions: Heat ¼ cup olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, and stir to coat with the oil. Cook, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until the onions are tender and slightly caramelized, about 20 minutes. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside in a small dish.
Cook the Chicken: Return the skillet to medium heat and add the remaining 1/12 cup olive oil. Season the cubed chicken with ½ teaspoon salt, dried thyme, and pepper to taste. Add the chicken to the skillet and brown on all sides, cooking thoroughly. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: Increase heat to high and pour in the beef broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Reduce heat to medium. Gradually whisk in the flour until the broth thickens into a gravy. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and thyme.
Combine and Bake: Stir the cooked chicken and caramelized onions into the beef gravy. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top. Place the skillet in a 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Remove from oven and optionally sprinkle with a pinch of thyme. Serve warm by placing a few baguette slices in a shallow bowl, then topping with the chicken and onion gravy mixture.

Notes

Use Vidalia onions for their natural sweetness which enhances caramelization.
Cooking onions low and slow ensures rich flavor without burning.
Ensure the skillet used is oven safe to allow seamless transfer from stovetop to oven.
Baguette slices add perfect texture and soak up the flavorful gravy.
Swiss cheese melts well and gives a mild, nutty flavor that complements the dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop and Baking
Cuisine: French-American

Keywords: French onion chicken, caramelized onions, Swiss cheese chicken, beef gravy chicken, comfort food, skillet dinner, chicken with onions