French Onion Chicken Bake recipe
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a dish that brings together tender chicken breasts, rich French onion flavors, and a bubbling layer of melted mozzarella.
This French Onion Chicken Bake is exactly that – a savory and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Seasoned chicken breasts are gently simmered in a rich, homemade French onion soup, absorbing all those wonderful flavors before being topped with a light layer of cheese and baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a dish that’s not only easy to make but also guaranteed to please.
Key Ingredients That Make This French Onion Chicken Bake Irresistible
Chicken Breasts – Skinless, boneless, and perfectly seasoned, these form the hearty base of the dish.
Paprika, Garlic Powder, and Seasoned Salt – These simple seasonings enhance the flavor of the chicken without overpowering it.
Butter (Made with Canola Oil) – Used to sauté the onions, adding a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory ingredients.
Yellow Onion – Sliced thin and sautéed until soft and caramelized, the onions add a sweet, earthy depth to the dish.
French Onion Soup – The key to achieving that classic French onion flavor; this soup forms the base of the sauce that coats the chicken.
Low Sodium Beef Broth – Enhances the savory flavor of the dish while keeping it moist and delicious.
Light Mozzarella Cheese – A light, melted layer of mozzarella gives the dish its irresistible finish, bubbling and golden after baking.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and onions ahead of time, then store them in a baking dish. When ready to serve, sprinkle the cheese on top and bake in the oven. If making ahead, it may require a bit more baking time to heat through.
Quick and Easy Steps to Make French Onion Chicken Bake
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare a skillet or cast iron pan.
Melt butter in the skillet and sauté the sliced onions until they’re softened and caramelized, then set them aside.
Season the chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, and seasoned salt, and sear them in the skillet until they are golden brown on both sides.
Add the onions back into the skillet, then pour in the French onion soup and beef broth, allowing the flavors to simmer together for a few minutes.
Top the chicken with mozzarella cheese. If using a cast iron skillet, you can place it directly in the oven; otherwise, transfer the mixture to a baking dish first.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
FAQ
Can I use chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts. Commenters mentioned using them with great success, noting that it still came out delicious and tender.
Can I use a different cheese besides mozzarella?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with cheeses like Swiss, provolone, or even fat-free mozzarella. Some users found Swiss cheese to work very well, as it pairs nicely with the French onion flavor.
Can I use dry onion soup mix for this recipe?
While the recipe doesn’t specifically call for dry onion soup mix, you can try using it as an alternative to the canned French onion soup. Just be mindful of the seasoning and salt content.
French Onion Chicken Bake Recipe
Zutaten
- 6 raw boneless skinless chicken breasts (4 oz. each)
- 1 yellow onion peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons light butter made with canola oil such as Land o’Lakes
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 10 oz. can of French onion soup (e.g., Campbell’s)
- 1/2 cup fat-free or light mozzarella cheese e.g., Market Pantry reduced-fat mozzarella
Anleitungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet or cast iron grill pan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the sliced onions. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, then remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Spray the skillet with non-stick cooking spray. Season each chicken breast with paprika, garlic powder, and seasoned salt. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet.
- Cook the chicken on medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown.
- Return the sautéed onions to the skillet with the chicken.
- Pour in the French onion soup and beef broth. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to let the soup caramelize the chicken.
- If using a cast iron skillet, top each chicken breast with mozzarella cheese. If not, transfer the chicken, onions, and sauce to an oven-safe baking dish and top with the cheese.
- Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
GREEN: 4 SmartPoints per serving
BLUE: 2 SmartPoints per serving
PURPLE: 2 SmartPoints per serving
What side dishes go well with this recipe?
Popular sides include mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. The sauce works wonderfully as a gravy for these sides.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Some users mentioned adding the ingredients to the crockpot and cooking on low. You may need to add some water or extra broth to prevent it from drying out.
Tips for the Perfect French Onion Chicken Bake
Sear the Chicken: Make sure to brown the chicken breasts well before adding them to the oven. This step locks in flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: If possible, use a cast iron skillet to make transferring the dish to the oven easier.
Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving; this keeps the meat juicy and the flavors well-blended.
Storing Leftovers of Your French Onion Chicken Bake
To store any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days.
When reheating, bake at 350 degrees in the oven until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.
This dish also freezes well – just ensure it’s cooled completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
