Save to Pinterest French Onion Chicken Bake with Melted Gruyere is a comforting dish inspired by classic French onion soup. It features tender chicken breasts smothered in sweet caramelized onions and topped with bubbling Gruyere cheese, blending the best of French-American flavors into a satisfying meal.
Save to Pinterest What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
This medium-difficulty recipe yields 4 servings and is naturally gluten-free when prepared with gluten-free broth, making it a versatile option for diverse dietary needs.
Ingredients
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Onions: 3 large yellow onions (thinly sliced), 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, 2 cloves garlic (minced), ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ¼ cup dry white wine (optional), ½ cup beef or chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
- Topping: 1½ cups (about 150 g) Gruyere cheese (shredded), 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.
- Step 2: Sear Chicken
- In a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sear chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: Sauté Onions
- In the same skillet, melt butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add sliced onions and ½ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring often, until onions soften and turn golden, about 15–20 minutes.
- Step 4: Caramelize
- Sprinkle sugar over onions and continue to cook, stirring, until deeply caramelized, about 10 minutes more. Add minced garlic and thyme; cook for 1 minute.
- Step 5: Deglaze
- Deglaze the pan with white wine (if using), scraping up browned bits, then simmer until liquid reduces by half, about 2 minutes. Stir in broth and simmer for 2 minutes more.
- Step 6: Assemble and Bake
- Nestle seared chicken breasts into the onion mixture in the skillet. Spoon some onions over the chicken. Sprinkle shredded Gruyere evenly over the chicken and onions. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Step 7: Serve
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure success, use a large ovenproof skillet and have a meat thermometer ready. A cheese grater is essential for shredding the Gruyere to ensure it melts evenly over the chicken and onions.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If Gruyere is unavailable, Swiss or Emmental cheese can be used as a substitute. For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce with the broth. This dish contains dairy (butter, cheese) and may contain sulfites if using wine; always check labels to ensure ingredients like broth are gluten-free if needed.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish with crusty bread to soak up the rich onion sauce, or over creamy mashed potatoes for a heartier meal. Each serving provides approximately 430 calories and 49g of protein.
Save to Pinterest The combination of golden-baked chicken smothered in rich caramelized onions and bubbling Gruyere makes this French-inspired dish a comforting and impressive choice for any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes the onions in this dish special?
The onions are slowly caramelized with butter, sugar, and thyme until deeply golden and sweet, which adds rich flavor complexity to the dish.
- → Can I substitute Gruyere cheese?
Yes, Swiss or Emmental cheese work well as alternatives, offering a similar creamy texture and mild nutty flavor.
- → Is white wine necessary in the cooking process?
White wine is optional but helps deglaze the pan and enhances the depth of flavors with a subtle acidity.
- → How can I ensure the chicken stays moist?
Searing the chicken before baking seals in juices; cooking it covered with onions and cheese also helps retain moisture.
- → What side dishes pair well with this meal?
Crusty bread or mashed potatoes complement the rich flavors and soak up the savory onion sauce beautifully.
- → Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free broth and ensuring other ingredients are gluten-free, this dish can suit gluten-free diets.
