French Onion Chicken Bake

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This French Onion Chicken Bake is the perfect marriage of two comfort food classics. Based on the details provided, here is the full, comprehensive recipe along with the best tips for perfecting those onions and making the dish work for your lifestyle.

French Onion Chicken Bake

Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 50 mins | Total time: 1 hour Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • The Onions:

    • 4 large onions, peeled and sliced (Sweet onions like Vidalia are preferred)

    • 4 tbsp unsalted butter

    • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

    • 1 tsp fresh thyme

    • 2/3 cup low-sodium beef broth

    • 2 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar

  • The Chicken & Cheese:

    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

    • 1/2 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)

    • 1/2 tsp black pepper

    • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

  2. Sauté the Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften.

  3. Infuse Flavors: Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the chopped garlic, black pepper, and fresh thyme. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

  4. Create the Jam: Pour in the beef broth and balsamic vinegar. Continue to simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes. The liquid will reduce, and the onions will become dark, tender, and “jam-like” in consistency.

  5. Assemble: Spread about one-third of the caramelized onion mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Place the chicken breasts on top of the onions and season them lightly with sea salt.

  6. Layer and Cheese: Top each chicken breast evenly with the remaining caramelized onions. Generously sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.

  7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Tips for Success

  • The Cheese Swap: For a more traditional French flavor, replace the mozzarella and Parmesan with Gruyere. If you want a sharper kick, mix in a little blue cheese with a mild melter like Fontina.

  • Keto Modification: To lower the carb count further, swap the balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar and a pinch of stevia. Serve with cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.

  • Make-Ahead Instructions: You can assemble the dish (onions and chicken) up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Add the cheese just before baking, and add 5–10 minutes to the cook time since the dish is starting cold.

  • Wine Pairing: A Chardonnay with light oak notes or a crisp Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the savory-sweet profile of the caramelized onions.

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