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French Onion Chicken

French Onion Chicken Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 4
Calories 385 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken:
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 1¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast tenderloins
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt divided
  • 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper divided (plus more for garnish)
  • For the Onion Sauce:
  • 1 large sweet onion thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme plus more for garnish
  • For Topping:
  • 4 ounces Swiss cheese shredded (about 1 cup)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Chicken
  • In a medium (10-inch) oven-safe skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the unsalted butter over medium heat. Season the chicken tenderloins on all sides with 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet in a single layer and cook for about 6 minutes, turning as needed, until lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Note that it’s okay if the chicken isn’t fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish cooking later. Do not clean the skillet as the browned bits will add flavor to your sauce.
  • Preheat the Broiler
  • Preheat your oven’s broiler, positioning a rack about 6 inches from the heat source. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden, bubbly cheese topping that makes this french onion chicken so irresistible.
  • Cook the Onions
  • In the same skillet, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are softened and lightly golden, about 10 minutes. The brown sugar helps accelerate the caramelization process, creating those beautiful golden-brown onions that are the hallmark of French onion flavors.
  • Make the Sauce
  • Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the onions and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of beef broth and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce until the mixture is smooth. Stir in 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh thyme, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. This creates a rich, savory sauce that captures the essence of traditional French onion soup.
  • Finish Cooking the Chicken
  • Return the browned chicken tenderloins to the skillet, arranging them in an even layer over the onions and sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring and turning the chicken often, until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the skillet from the heat once the chicken is perfectly tender and the sauce has reached your desired consistency.
  • Broil and Serve
  • Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the chicken and onions, ensuring good coverage for maximum melted cheese goodness. Place the skillet under the preheated broiler and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots. Carefully remove from the oven using oven mitts, as the handle will be extremely hot. Garnish with additional freshly ground black pepper and chopped fresh thyme, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting french onion chicken masterpiece!