Description
Simmering with French culinary charm, this French Onion Chicken Bake melds caramelized onions and tender chicken into a comforting masterpiece. Savory flavors dance across your palate, inviting you to savor each delectable, golden-crusted bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 lb bacon, chopped
Onion and Seasonings:
- 3 large yellow onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet french onion soup mix
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Cheese and Liquid Ingredients:
- 2 cups gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1 cup swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- Crisp the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and rendered, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon fat.
- In the same skillet with bacon drippings, sauté sliced onions with olive oil over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until caramelized and deeply golden, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Season the chicken breasts with french onion soup mix, thyme, black pepper, and salt, ensuring even coating on all sides.
- Layer the caramelized onions across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even foundation.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts directly on top of the onion layer.
- Combine minced garlic, butter, heavy cream, and chicken broth in a small bowl, then pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and onions.
- Sprinkle the shredded gruyère and swiss cheeses generously over the chicken, covering the entire surface.
- Scatter the crispy bacon pieces across the cheese layer for added texture and flavor.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- Caramelize onions slowly to develop deep, rich flavor without burning, which brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the overall dish complexity.
- Use thick-cut bacon for maximum crispiness and reserve the rendered fat to add extra depth and richness to the caramelized onions.
- Choose bone-in chicken breasts for juicier meat, ensuring they’re not overcooked by checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter version that still maintains creamy texture and reduces overall calorie content.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 721
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1220 mg
- Fat: 47 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 56 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg