French onion chicken bake is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken breasts, savory French onion flavors, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Imagine biting into juicy chicken topped with caramelized onions, enveloped in a warm, comforting broth. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want to impress your family during dinner. Plus, it’s simple to make in just a few easy steps!
What You’ll Need for French Onion Chicken Bake
Gather these ingredients for a delicious meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds:
- 6 (4 oz.) skinless, boneless chicken breasts, raw
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp seasoned salt
- 2 Tbsp Land O’Lakes light butter made with canola oil
- 1 yellow onion, peeled & sliced
- 1 (10 oz.) can of French onion soup (I use Campbell’s)
- 1 cup low sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup fat-free or light mozzarella (I use Market Pantry reduced-fat mozzarella)
How to Make French Onion Chicken Bake
Follow these simple steps to create your own savory French onion chicken bake:
-
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) so it’s ready for baking.
-
Sauté the Onions: In a skillet (or a cast iron grill skillet), melt the butter over medium heat and add sliced onions. Sauté until the onions are softened and translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Once done, remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
-
Prep the Chicken: Using the same skillet, spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Season each chicken breast evenly with paprika, garlic powder, and seasoned salt.
-
Cook Chicken Breasts: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook them for about 5-7 minutes on medium-high heat. Flip the chicken breasts, cooking until both sides are golden brown.
-
Combine Ingredients: Return the sautéed onions to the skillet with the chicken. Now, pour in the can of French onion soup and 1 cup of beef broth. Let everything simmer for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
-
Add Cheese: If you are using a cast iron skillet, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese directly on top of each chicken breast. If not, transfer the chicken, onions, and sauce into an oven-safe baking dish and then top with the cheese.
-
Bake: Place the skillet or baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until everything is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
How to Serve French Onion Chicken Bake
Once your French onion chicken bake is ready, it’s time to serve! For a beautiful presentation, carefully lift each chicken breast onto a plate along with a generous spoonful of the rich onion sauce. This dish pairs wonderfully with some steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top can add a touch of color and freshness!
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Add More Flavor: For a bit of a kick, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when seasoning the chicken.
- Mushrooms: Want to incorporate more ingredients? Sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the onions for an earthy flavor.
- Cheese Lovers: If you love cheese, feel free to mix in some grated Parmesan with the mozzarella for an extra cheesy topping.
French Onion Chicken Bake FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and are delicious in this recipe.
How long do leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and onion mixture and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply add the cheese and bake!
This French onion chicken bake is not only comforting and flavorful, but it’s also easy to make. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the joy of this delightful dish! Enjoy your meal!
French Onion Chicken Bake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the sliced onions. Sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes, then remove from skillet.
- Spray the skillet with non-stick cooking spray. Season each chicken breast with paprika, garlic powder, and seasoned salt.
- Cook the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes on medium-high heat until both sides are golden brown.
- Return the sautéed onions to the skillet and pour in the French onion soup and beef broth. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast.
- Place the skillet or transfer to an oven-safe baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Serve by lifting each chicken breast onto a plate along with a spoonful of the onion sauce. Pair with steamed vegetables, salad, or crusty bread.