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French Onion Chicken Bake

A delightful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, sweet caramelized onions, and rich Gruyere cheese for a cozy meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, French
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Caramelized Onions
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp butter room temperature for easier melting
  • 4 large onions sliced thinly for optimal caramelization
  • 1/2 cup low sodium beef broth to control sodium intake
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar adds a tangy depth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce for umami flavor
  • 1 tsp garlic powder to infuse a garlicky aroma
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme for convenience
For the Main Dish
  • 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to uniform thickness
  • 2 cups Gruyere cheese grated for easy melting

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by peeling 4 large onions. Cut each onion in half and slice them into thin half-moons.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of butter. Heat until the butter is foamy.
  3. Add your sliced onions to the skillet. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they turn a beautiful golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Once golden, stir in 1/2 cup low sodium beef broth, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Continue to cook until the liquid is reduced, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme. Mix well and set aside.
  6. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease a 9"x13" baking dish with a bit of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
  7. Spread half of the caramelized onions on the bottom of the baking dish. Place the 4 chicken breasts evenly over the onions, seasoning them with additional salt and pepper for flavor.
  8. Top the chicken breasts with the remaining caramelized onions, ensuring each piece is well covered.
  9. Generously sprinkle 2 cups of grated Gruyere cheese over the chicken and onions.
  10. Bake in your preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Optionally, broil for a minute or two for a golden cheese topping.

Notes

Avoid overcrowding the skillet when caramelizing the onions for even browning. Use a meat thermometer for consistent results on chicken doneness. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.