French Onion Chicken

This French Onion Chicken features tender chicken, caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, and a delectable blend of spices. Elevate your dinner with this flavorful fusion that is perfect for busy weeknights or any special occasion.

French Onion Chicken: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with our delectable French Onion Chicken recipe! This dish brings together juicy chicken breasts, caramelized onions, savory sauce, and a cheesy topping for a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds singing. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

Perfect for a family dinner or an impressive date night, this recipe is sure to leave a lasting impression.Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breast: Tender and succulent, chicken breasts serve as the canvas for this flavorful masterpiece.
• Kosher or Coarse Sea Salt: Enhance the natural taste of the chicken with a pinch of high-quality salt.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Add a dash of peppery goodness to elevate the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Infuse a subtle garlic kick for an extra layer of complexity.
• Dried Thyme: Aromatic thyme brings a touch of earthiness to balance the dish.
• Dairy-Free Butter: For a luscious base, opt for a high-quality vegan butter. Avocado oil, ghee, or unsalted butter are great alternatives.
• Onions: Thinly sliced onions caramelize to perfection, offering sweetness and depth.
• Coconut Aminos: Create a savory umami kick with coconut aminos. Tamari or low-sodium soy sauce works as well.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Add a hint of acidity to cut through the richness of the dish.
• Chicken Broth: A key component for the delectable sauce, chicken broth provides a savory base.
• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Coat the chicken with gluten-free flour for a crisp texture. Cassava flour is an excellent Whole30 or paleo substitute.
• Arrowroot Starch/Flour: Thicken the sauce to perfection with arrowroot starch. Tapioca starch or cornstarch are suitable alternatives.
• Dairy-Free Melty Cheese: Top off the dish with a high quality dairy-free melty cheese or if you’re not dairy-free, include the nutty goodness of Gruyère cheese, creating a gooey and flavorful crust. Omit for paleo or Whole30.

For garnish/serving:

• Chopped Fresh Thyme: A sprinkle of fresh thyme adds a burst of herbaceous aroma.
• Cauliflower Mash or Mashed Potatoes: Pair the dish with your preferred side – cauliflower mash or classic mashed potatoes.
• Roasted Broccoli: Complement the richness of the chicken with the freshness of roasted broccoli or your favorite greens.

Instructions: How to make French Onion Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
2. Caramelize the Onions: Sauté sliced onions until golden brown, adding coconut aminos, vinegar, and chicken broth for depth of flavor.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dredge the seasoned chicken in gluten-free flour for a crispy exterior.
4. Sear the Chicken: Brown the chicken in a pan with butter until golden-brown on both sides.
5. Create the Sauce: Whisk arrowroot starch into reserved chicken broth, creating a thick and luscious sauce.
6. Assemble and Bake: Nestle the chicken in the skillet, cover with onions, and generously sprinkle Gruyère cheese. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Add a touch of fresh herbs for a burst of color and aroma. Serve with your preferred sides.

Tips for Success

• Uniform Thickness: Ensure even cooking by pounding chicken breasts to a uniform 1/2” thickness.
• Perfectly Caramelized Onions: Take the time to brown onions thoroughly for rich, sweet flavors.
• Marination Time: Allow the seasoned chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes for enhanced flavor absorption.
• Even Browning: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a more even browning during the searing process.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Serving Suggestions

• Cauliflower Mash or Mashed Potatoes: Cauliflower mash or mashed potatoes are the ideal accompaniment to soak up the luscious sauce.
• Roasted Broccoli: Add a healthy touch with roasted broccoli or your favorite roasted vegetables.
• Quinoa or Rice: Serve over a bed of quinoa or rice for a hearty meal.
• Garlic Bread: Enjoy with a side of garlic bread for a comforting and satisfying dinner.
• Mixed Greens Salad: Accompany with a mixed greens salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss or mozzarella for a unique twist.
• Flour Alternatives: Explore alternative flours like cassava or almond flour for a different texture.
• Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with portobello mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Herb Infusion: Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the caramelized onions for an extra layer of fragrance.

Storage, Make-Ahead, and Freezer Suggestions

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make-Ahead Assembly: Prepare and assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
• Freezer-Friendly Sauce: Freeze the caramelized onions and sauce separately for quick future use. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Individual Portions: Consider freezing individual portions for convenient single servings.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free flour? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute regular all-purpose flour if you don’t have dietary restrictions.
2. Is Gruyère cheese essential, or can I use a different cheese? Gruyère adds a distinct flavor, but you can experiment with cheeses like Swiss, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar for a unique twist.
3. What’s the purpose of coconut aminos, and can I use soy sauce instead? Coconut aminos provide a gluten-free and slightly sweet alternative. If not gluten-sensitive, soy sauce or tamari works perfectly.
4. Can I prepare the onions in advance? Certainly! You can caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes the final assembly quicker for busy days.
5. Is there a dairy-free alternative to Gruyère cheese? Absolutely! Explore dairy-free cheese options such as vegan Gruyère or nutritional yeast for a suitable alternative.
6. How can I prevent the chicken from drying out during baking? Basting the chicken with the sauce while baking helps keep it moist and flavorful. Ensure not to overcook the chicken for the best results.
7. Can I make this recipe in advance for a dinner party? Certainly! You can prepare the caramelized onions and dredge the chicken in flour ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, sear the chicken and assemble the dish for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
8. Can I use different herbs for garnish? Yes, feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs. Fresh parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of rosemary also make excellent alternatives for a burst of freshness.

More one pan skillet chicken recipes you will love:

• Mediterranean Chicken
• Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

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French Onion Chicken

This French Onion Chicken features tender chicken, caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, and a delectable blend of spices. Elevate your dinner with this flavorful fusion that is perfect for busy weeknights or any special occasion.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: french onion chicken, skillet chicken recipe

Servings: 4 servings

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

• 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts , pounded to a uniform 1/2” thickness)
• kosher or coarse sea salt to taste
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 3 tbsp dairy-free butter , divided (you can also sub with avocado oil or even ghee or unsalted butter if you're not dairy-free)
• 2 medium onions , yellow or white, thinly sliced
• 1/2 tbsp coconut aminos , you can also use gluten-free tamari or low sodium soy sauce if you're not gluten-free
• 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 2/3 cup chicken broth , divided
• 3 tbsp gluten-free all purpose flour or cassava flour (for a paleo / Whole30 alternative)
• 1 1/2 tbsp arrowroot starch / flour , (tapioca starch / flour or cornstarch will work too)
• 2.5 ounces Gruyère cheese , grated (about 2/3 cup). Omit for paleo / Whole30.

For garnish / serving:

• Chopped fresh thyme , for garnish
• Cauliflower mash or mashed potatoes , for serving
• Roasted broccoli , (or roasted greens of choice), for serving

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder and thyme. Set aside.
2. In a large oven-safe pan / skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they start to brown around the edges. Add the coconut aminos, vinegar and 3 tbsp of the chicken broth (reserving the rest for later) and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the onions are soft and browned. Transfer the onions to a plate / bowl and wipe down the pan.
3. Add the gluten-free flour (or cassava flour) to a wide, shallow bowl. Dredge the chicken into the flour on both sides, until evenly coated. Shake off excess.
4. Preheat the oven to 400F.
5. Heat the remaining butter in the wiped down pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3 minutes, or until golden-brown, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until golden-brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
6. Add the arrowroot starch to a bowl and very slowly pour and whisk in the reserved chicken broth to the skillet, heat on medium-low heat, whisking periodically as needed, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Stir in the onions then nestle the chicken back into the skillet. Use a spoon to cover and baste the chicken with some sauce, then spoon each piece with some onions and sprinkle an even amount of cheese on each piece.
8. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through, and the cheese is lightly browned and bubbly, about 8-12 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven and garnish with a tiny bit of fresh herbs. Serve with sides.

Recipe Notes

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make-Ahead Assembly: Prepare and assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
• Freezer-Friendly Sauce: Freeze the caramelized onions and sauce separately for quick future use. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Individual Portions: Consider freezing individual portions for convenient single servings