French Onion Chicken Bake Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Chicken Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with savory caramelized onions and rich French onion soup. Topped with melted mozzarella, this easy-to-make meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 6 (4oz) raw chicken breasts
• ¼ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp Land o’ Lakes light butter made with canola oil
• 1 small yellow onion, peeled and sliced
• 1 (10oz) can French onion soup (Campbell’s recommended)
• ½ cup fat-free or light mozzarella cheese (Market Pantry reduced-fat recommended)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent. Remove the onions from the pan and set aside.
3. Step 3: Season the chicken breasts evenly with paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
4. Step 4: Increase heat to medium-high, spray the skillet with cooking spray, and brown the chicken breasts on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
5. Step 5: Return the sautéed onions to the skillet with the browned chicken.
6. Step 6: Pour the French onion soup over the chicken and onions. Cook for about 5 minutes until the soup thickens slightly and coats the chicken well.
7. Step 7: If using a cast-iron skillet, sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over each chicken breast and place the skillet directly in the oven.
8. Step 8: If not using a cast-iron pan, transfer the chicken, onions, and sauce to a baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella, and then place the dish in the oven.
9. Step 9: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is boiling.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of dry white wine to the French onion soup sauce before baking.
• Substitute mozzarella with Gruyère or Swiss cheese for a more traditional French onion flavor.
• Serve with toasted French bread or over cooked rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftover French Onion Chicken Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, thaw completely before seasoning and cooking.

What can I substitute for French onion soup if I don’t have any?

You can use beef broth mixed with caramelized onions and a splash of Worcestershire sauce as a homemade alternative to French onion soup.

French Onion Chicken Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 103 reviews

A comforting and flavorful French Onion Chicken Bake featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in rich French onion soup, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, and baked to perfection. This one-pan dish combines classic French onion flavors with juicy chicken for an easy and delicious meal.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 6 (4 oz) chicken breasts, raw
• ¼ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Sauté and Sauce

• 2 Tbsp Land o’ Lakes light butter made with canola oil
• 1 small yellow onion, peeled and sliced
• 1 (10 oz) can French onion soup (e.g., Campbell’s)

Topping

• ½ cup fat-free or light mozzarella cheese (e.g., Market Pantry reduced-fat mozzarella)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken dish.
2. Sauté Onions: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté them until they become translucent, which brings out their sweetness and enhances the flavor. Once done, remove the onions from the pan and set them aside.
3. Season and Brown Chicken: Season the raw chicken breasts evenly with paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Increase the skillet heat to medium-high, spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking, and brown the chicken on both sides for about 5 minutes each. This step locks in flavor and creates a nice crust on the chicken.
4. Add Onions and Soup: Return the sautéed onions to the skillet with the chicken. Open the can of French onion soup and pour it over the chicken and onions. Let it cook together for about 5 minutes until the soup thickens slightly and coats the chicken well.
5. Prepare for Baking: If using a cast-iron skillet, evenly sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over each piece of chicken directly in the skillet. If not using cast iron, transfer the chicken, onions, and sauce into a baking dish before adding the cheese.
6. Bake the Chicken: Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is boiling around the chicken. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld perfectly.

Notes

• You can use a cast-iron skillet for direct oven use, or transfer to a baking dish if your skillet is not oven-safe.
• Use fat-free or light mozzarella to keep the dish lighter but still flavorful.
• Cooking times may vary slightly depending on chicken breast size; ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
• For extra flavor, consider adding fresh thyme or a splash of white wine to the sauce before baking.

Keywords: French onion chicken, baked chicken, easy chicken dinner, French onion soup recipe, mozzarella chicken bake