French Onion Chicken is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
French Onion Chicken captures the essence of healthy & special diet|gluten-free while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, French Onion Chicken becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or more as needed)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
3 ounces Gruyère cheese, coarsely grated (about 1 cup)
½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour mix*)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Pepper (to taste)
½ teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup chicken broth
PREPARATION STEPS
Prepare Onions:
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
Add the onions and 1/4 teaspoon salt, increase to medium-high, and cook, stirring frequently, until they start to brown around the edges.
Turn the heat to medium-low and add the balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme
Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the onions are very tender
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to deglaze
Set aside and wipe out the skillet.
Prepare Chicken:
Season to taste with 1 teaspoon salt and black pepper and set aside.
In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, pinch of salt, and paprika.
Set a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and melt 1 teaspoon butter.
Dredge two of the chicken cutlets in the seasoned flour, then shake off the excess and lay them side by side in the pan.
Cook the chicken for 3 minutes, or until lightly browned, then flip and cook for 3 more minutes. Set aside on a dish and repeat with the remaining butter and chicken. Set aside.
Assemble and Cook:
Combine the broth and 1 tablespoon of the flour mixture and mix, add it to the skillet and whisk on low heat, 1 minute, until it thickens. Toss the rest of the flour out.
Return the chicken to the skillet, top with onions and cheese and cover. Cook low 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Enjoy your delicious French Onion Chicken!
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~300 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.