Name: French Onion Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Melted Gruyère Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tsp garlic, minced; 1 3/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 tsp dried peppermint; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth; 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese; Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Introduction

French Onion Chicken is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken pieces with rich caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese. Inspired by classic French onion soup, it’s an easy one-pan meal that delivers deep, savory flavors perfect for any night of the week.

The image shows a white frying pan with eight pieces of browned chicken topped with melted cheese and herbs. The chicken is golden brown and crispy in texture, sitting in a shallow pool of light brown sauce with some oil shine. The cheese is creamy white and slightly browned from melting, loosely covering each piece of chicken. The surface under the pan is a white marbled texture, with a light cloth visible near the base of the pan. The photo looks close up and bright, capturing the juicy and cheesy details of the chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 tsp freshly chopped coriander
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tsp garlic, minced
1 3/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 tsp dried peppermint
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and soft, about 25 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove the onion mixture from the skillet and wipe the skillet clean.
Step 2: In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, coriander, and dried peppermint. Toss the chicken with the flour until coated evenly.
Step 3: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides and mostly cooked through, about 8 minutes.
Step 4: Pour in the beef broth and return the caramelized onions to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the broth has reduced slightly, about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère evenly over the chicken and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook until the cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth or a good-quality store-bought broth.
Swap the chicken breasts for thighs for juicier meat, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Add a splash of white wine to the broth for an extra layer of flavor.
If you don’t have Gruyère, Swiss or mozzarella cheese can be used as substitutes.
Caramelizing the onions slowly over low heat ensures they become sweet and jammy without burning.

Storage

Store leftover French Onion Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave until warmed through. To maintain the best texture, add a splash of broth or water when reheating if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white skillet containing four pieces of cooked chicken breasts covered with melted cheese. The chicken is sitting in a dark, rich sauce that looks thick and glossy, with small green herb sprigs sprinkled on top of the cheese. A wooden spoon is partially resting inside the skillet on the left side. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface with a light cloth partially visible beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the caramelized onions and chicken separately in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator and combine with broth and cheese when ready to finish cooking.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for coating the chicken. Make sure to also verify that your beef broth is gluten-free.