Introduction to French Onion Chicken
French Onion Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the rich flavors of French Onion Soup with the simplicity of a skillet meal. This recipe features herb-crusted chicken, pan-seared and simmered in a caramelized onion sauce, and smothered with creamy Gruyere cheese.
Ingredients for French Onion Chicken
To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Chicken: boneless, skinless chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs
- Spices: Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
- Onion: large white onions or a mixture of white and sweet yellow onions
- Garlic: freshly minced garlic
- Beef Broth: used to add depth to the sauce
- Red wine: any dry red wine, or additional beef broth as a substitute
- Gruyere: creamy, smooth Gruyere cheese, or mozzarella or provolone as alternatives
How to Make French Onion Chicken
Making French Onion Chicken is a straightforward process that requires some patience, especially when caramelizing the onions. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Thinly Slice Onions and Melt Butter
Start by heating a large skillet to medium heat. Melt the butter, then add the thinly sliced onions. Reduce the heat to medium-low to prevent burning.
Caramelize the Onions
Add a pinch of salt to the onions and stir occasionally. This step can take about 10 minutes, during which the onions will soften, reduce, and turn golden brown. Be careful not to let them burn.
Cut and Season the Chicken
While the onions are caramelizing, cut the chicken breast into small cubes. Season the chicken with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Sear the Chicken
Remove the caramelized onions from the skillet and set them aside. Add the seasoned chicken to the same skillet (adding a bit of olive oil if necessary) and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until it has a good color. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Add the Onions, Broth, and Wine
Add the cooked onions back into the skillet with the chicken. Pour in the beef broth and red wine, then increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced by half and thickened slightly.
Add the Cheese
Finally, add the shredded Gruyere cheese to the skillet, cover it, and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for another 4-5 minutes, until the cheese has melted completely. For an extra touch, you can place the skillet under the broiler to brown the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet. For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, consider serving it with Garlic Butter Cauliflower Mash or Air Fryer Cauliflower. If you’re not concerned about carbs, it pairs well with Mashed Potatoes or rice.
Storage and Reheating
French Onion Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When reheating, you can use the microwave in 30-second increments until warm, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 325°F for 30 minutes, covered.
French Onion FAQ
- Do I have to use the wine? No, you can substitute it with additional beef broth.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, grain-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly.
- Why use beef broth? The combination of beef broth and red wine gives the dish a rich, intense flavor reminiscent of French Onion Soup.
- What to serve with French Onion Chicken? Suggestions include low-carb options like cauliflower mash or air fryer cauliflower, or higher-carb options like mashed potatoes or rice.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (1/4 of the skillet):
- Calories: 457 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 9.8 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Fat: 19.2 g
- Cholesterol: 169 mg
- Sodium: 667 mg
- Fiber: 1.6 g
- Sugar: 3.7 g
Note: Net carbs are approximately 8.2 g per serving.
