Savory French Onion Chicken Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Savory French Onion Chicken Casserole brings the rich, comforting flavors of classic French onion soup right into a hearty chicken dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it combines caramelized onions, creamy sauce, and melted cheese for a meal that's as indulgent as it is easy to prepare.

Ingredients for Savory French Onion Chicken Casserole

Chicken breasts serve as the protein foundation, absorbing the rich flavors of the sauce. Onions are the star, caramelized to bring sweetness and depth. A mix of olive oil and butter provides a rich base for cooking. Chicken broth and heavy cream create a luscious sauce, while Gruyere and Parmesan cheese add a creamy, nutty finish. All-purpose flour thickens the sauce, and seasoning with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme enhances the overall flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make sure your onions are sliced evenly to ensure they caramelize properly.
  • If you prefer, use a mix of Gruyere and Swiss cheese for a milder flavor.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to let the juices redistribute.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce, and a crisp white wine like Chardonnay complements the flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, Swiss or mozzarella can be used if you don’t have Gruyere on hand.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the onion mixture and sear the chicken ahead of time, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Savory French Onion Chicken Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, grab a large skillet and add in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter, letting them melt together over medium heat. Once they're ready, toss in your thinly sliced onions. You’ll want to stir these occasionally over about 20 minutes until they turn a beautiful deep golden brown. This caramelization is key to the dish’s flavor.

After the onions are caramelized, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, place your chicken breasts. Sear them on each side until they’re golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Once done, set the chicken aside as well.

Keep the skillet going and sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour, whisking it for a minute. This will help thicken your sauce. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. Add the caramelized onions back to the skillet, giving everything a good stir to combine.

Next, arrange your seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the onion and cream mixture over the chicken, ensuring everything is nicely covered. Sprinkle the Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the robust flavors of French onion soup with tender chicken.
  • A perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory elements.
  • Great for a family dinner or to impress guests.
  • Simple enough for weeknight cooking but special enough for a weekend treat.

Ingredients

4 boneless chicken breasts
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
3. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized, about 20 minutes.
4. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add chicken breasts and sear on both sides until golden, about 5 minutes per side.
6. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
7. In the same skillet, whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
8. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture thickens.
9. Return the caramelized onions to the skillet, stirring to combine.
10. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the onion mixture over the top.
11. Sprinkle Gruyere and Parmesan cheese over the chicken.
12. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

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