Description
Comfort meets elegance in this French onion chicken bake, where caramelized onions and melted gruyère create a luxurious symphony of flavors. Golden chicken nestled in rich, savory sauce promises a delightful dinner that will transport you straight to the French countryside.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 3 large onions
- 1 cup chicken broth
Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Seasoning and Herbs:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
- Slice onions into thin, uniform rings and sauté in olive oil over medium heat until deeply caramelized and golden brown, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and rosemary, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- Whisk together chicken broth, worcestershire sauce, dijon mustard, and minced garlic to create a robust flavor base.
- Layer caramelized onions across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even foundation.
- Arrange seasoned chicken breasts directly on top of the onion layer, maintaining a single layer without overcrowding.
- Pour the prepared flavor base evenly over the chicken and onions, allowing the liquid to distribute throughout the dish.
- Generously sprinkle shredded gruyère and mozzarella cheeses over the chicken, covering each piece completely.
- Combine breadcrumbs with chopped fresh parsley and distribute evenly across the cheese layer for a crispy, herbal topping.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Caramelize onions slowly and patiently to develop deep, rich flavor without burning, which requires constant gentle stirring and low-medium heat.
- Create dairy-free version by replacing cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.
- Prevent chicken from drying out by using bone-in chicken thighs or pounding breasts to uniform thickness, ensuring even and juicy cooking throughout the dish.
- Enhance herb profile by experimenting with fresh thyme or rosemary instead of dried herbs, which can provide more vibrant and intense aromatics to the overall flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg