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How to Make Creamy French Onion Chicken: Skillet, Slow Cooker, and Baked Variations
Indulge in the creamy, savory goodness of French Onion Chicken with this easy skillet or slow cooker recipe.
Caramelized onions, juicy chicken breast, and a rich onion cream sauce make this a favorite! (No actual french onion soup or beef broth required!)
This is a great recipe you'll want to make again and again!
How to make French Onion Chicken
This dish is a symphony of flavors. The onions are the star here; stir them until they are caramelized to a deep golden brown, which unlocks their natural sweetness and gives the dish its signature French onion flavor.
You'll want thinly sliced onions so they will caramelize evenly. You can use yellow onions or Vidalia onions for an even sweeter flavor.
Preparing the chicken
Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) for ease and quick cooking.
Season them liberally with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary for a herby note. For best results, ensure they're at room temperature for even cooking.
Add chicken to the skillet and saute for a few moments over medium-high heat until the chicken is browned a bit on both sides, then set the chicken aside.
Caramelizing the onions for french onion chicken recipe
Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to caramelizing onions.
Slice them thinly and then add onions to the prepared skillet. Cook them over low heat in a mix of butter and oil, stirring occasionally.
Patience is key; they should become deeply golden, sweet, and soft.
I love using my rapid prep mandoline to easily slice onions thinly for caramelizing.
After the onions are caramelized, add the chicken back to the skillet and pour the prepared creamy sauce with parmesan over the chicken.
Choosing the right cooking Method: Slow cooker, skillet, or oven
This particular recipe calls for using a skillet both on the stovetop and in the oven. I recommend this enameled cast iron skillet! It's both beautiful and functional!
The skillet method is quick and gives a nice sear to the chicken.
The slow cooker or crock pot method is hands-off, perfect for a busy day when you want to make this chicken dish.
Baking is ideal for a one-dish meal and is great for meal prep.
So choose the style that fits you for the day—whether it's chicken with mozzarella, Parmesan, or Swiss cheese—this is an easy skillet meal that your whole family will enjoy! (See full cooking instructions for each method below.)
Advantages of using a skillet
The skillet method is great for a quick meal. It gives the chicken a beautiful crust and allows you to cook the onions in the same pan, enhancing the flavor. Plus, it's fewer dishes for cleanup!
The convenience of slow cooker french onion chicken
The slow cooker is all about convenience. It's a set-it-and-forget-it method that allows the chicken and onions to cook slowly, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
You'll still need to sear the chicken and caramelize the onions before you add the onions and chicken to the crockpot, so it's not entirely hands-off.
After the chicken has been seared, and the onions caramelized, add them all to the slow-cooker, and then pour the prepared creamy sauce over the top.
Cook on low for 2-3 hours or until chicken is cooked through.
Serving suggestions for creamy french onion chicken
Pair it with light sides to balance the richness of the creamy sauce.
A crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or a fluffy quinoa pilaf are excellent choices.
Enhancing the recipe with additional ingredients
Cheese, like Gruyère or Swiss, melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture.
Add some vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms, to add nutrition and variety.
For a flavor kick, add some finely chopped garlic or a sprinkle of dried herbs, such as thyme or rosemary.
Storing and reheating leftover french onion chicken
Store in an airtight container and reheat gently to maintain moisture. Add a touch of chicken broth if needed. It's perfect for meal prep or a quick next-day meal. (Try the leftover chicken sliced over salad!)
This delicious French Onion Chicken Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, caramelized onions, and a rich, creamy sauce. This version of the casserole is a great gluten-free option, too! Serve it with mashed potatoes or a side salad for a satisfying meal.
More chicken recipes to try:
Low-Carb Chicken Fajita Casserole
Low-Carb Chicken Alfredo Pizza
23 Low-Carb Chicken Recipes for Dinner
French Onion Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
For the Onion Mixture:
- 3 Large Onions thinly sliced
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 Cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Teaspoon fresh Thyme Leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1 cup Shredded Gruyere Cheese or Swiss cheese
- ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh Thyme Leaves
- Chopped Parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they are browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sugar (if using). Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to the caramelized onions. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Spread the caramelized onion mixture evenly in the pan. Place the cooked chicken breasts on top of the onions.
- In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it's warm but not boiling. Gradually add the shredded Gruyere cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken and onions in the pan.
- Transfer the skillet or pan to the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese sauce is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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