French Onion Chicken Bake Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Chicken Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with rich French onion soup and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a simple yet delicious meal perfect for weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

• 6 (4oz) chicken breasts, raw
• 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 (such as Market Pantry reduced-fat mozzarella)

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 the heat to medium-high, spray the skillet with cooking spray, and brown the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side until golden.
5. Step 5: Return the sautéed onions to the skillet with the chicken.
6. Step 6: Pour the can of French onion soup over the chicken and onions. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly and fully coat the chicken.
7. Step 7: If you are using a cast-iron skillet, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over each chicken breast and place the skillet directly in the oven. If not, transfer the chicken, onions, and sauce to a baking dish before adding the cheese.
8. Step 8: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is boiling.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, sprinkle fresh thyme or parsley on top before serving.
• Swap mozzarella for Gruyère cheese for a richer, nuttier taste.
• Use bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier results, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• Caramelize the onions longer for deeper sweetness and flavor complexity.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through, taking care not to overcook the chicken. This dish is best enjoyed freshly made but keeps well for a quick meal.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade French onion soup instead of canned?

Yes, homemade French onion soup works wonderfully and adds extra depth of flavor. Just ensure it is thick enough to coat the chicken nicely.

Is it necessary to brown the chicken first?

Browning the chicken adds a delicious caramelized flavor and helps seal in juices. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step, though the dish might be less rich.

French Onion Chicken Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 70 reviews

This French Onion Chicken Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich French onion soup sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe combines simple seasoning, sautéed onions, and a creamy soup base for an easy yet impressive meal.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop and Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

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

Other Ingredients

• 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 suggested)
• ½ cup fat-free or light mozzarella cheese (Market Pantry reduced-fat mozzarella recommended)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the chicken dish.
2. Sauté Onions: Melt the butter in a skillet and add the sliced onions. Sauté them until they become translucent, which will take several minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Season Chicken: Season each chicken breast evenly with paprika, garlic powder, and salt to build flavor.
4. Brown Chicken: Turn the skillet heat to medium-high and spray the pan with cooking spray. Add the chicken breasts and brown them on both sides, about 5 minutes per side, to develop a golden crust.
5. Add Onions and Soup: Return the sautéed onions to the skillet with the browned chicken. Open the can of French onion soup and pour it over the chicken and onions. Cook on the stovetop for about 5 minutes until the soup thickens slightly and the chicken is well coated with the sauce.
6. Prepare for Baking: If using a cast-iron skillet, evenly spread the mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast and place the skillet directly in the preheated oven. If you do not have a cast-iron skillet, transfer the chicken, onions, and sauce into a baking dish and then distribute the cheese evenly on top.
7. Bake: Bake the dish for 15 to 20 minutes in the oven, or until the mozzarella cheese melts completely and the sauce is bubbly and boiling.

Notes

• Use a cast-iron skillet if available for even heat distribution and fewer dishes to clean.
• Choosing fat-free or light mozzarella helps reduce the fat content without compromising melting quality.
• To add more depth of flavor, consider adding freshly cracked black pepper or fresh thyme with the onions.
• Ensure chicken breasts are about 4 ounces each for consistent cooking times.
• For a lower sodium option, use a reduced-sodium French onion soup or make your own.

Keywords: French onion chicken bake, chicken breast recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, baked chicken with cheese, French onion soup