Looking for a new way to serve up chicken? This one-pan french onion chicken recipe is a must-try! Learn how to make this simple dinner dish, and you'll have a warm, filling meal on the table in no time.

a plate of homemade french onion chicken, from Shelf Cooking

We love to stock up on chicken when it goes on sale because it's such a versatile, affordable way to feed a family. But to be totally honest, eating chicken all the time can get boring. Fast!

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If you're tired of making the same chicken dishes, again and again, we've got a treat for you! While there are thousands of ways to cook chicken, this french onion chicken recipe just might be our new dinner fave. Are you ready for a flavorful, juicy batch of chicken that your whole family will love? Keep on reading!



WHAT TO SERVE WITH FRENCH ONION CHICKEN

This cheesy, dreamy, juicy chicken is a dream! Not only is it tasty, but it takes just one pan to make, only five minutes of prep, and it is SO versatile. The flavors in this chicken will pair well with just about any side you have on hand, but we suggest trying one of these:

Come to think of it, why not serve a couple of those side dishes? Your family will be super impressed with the feast!


FRENCH ONION CHICKEN RECIPE MODIFICATIONS

fresh baked french onion chicken in the pan, from Shelf Cooking

Good news, you guys! This recipe is so simple and affordable to make because you probably already have everything you need to cook it. But if you find yourself without an ingredient or two, don't run to the store! Try one of these recipe substitutions:

  • Swiss Cheese Substitute – Swiss happens to be our fave for this recipe, but just about any cheese will do! Try provolone or mozzarella instead.
  • Flour Substitute – All out of flour? Need to swap for dietary needs? Don't worry! You can use almond flour.
  • Butter Substitute – Any imitation butter will work well here. Or, if you happen to have ghee on hand, that's okay, too!
  • Beef Broth Substitute – No beef broth? You can use vegetable broth in its place. You can also make your own broth.
  • Thyme Substitute – If you don't have thyme in the pantry, don't panic! Try using oregano, basil, or poultry seasoning.

Hopefully, we just helped you save a few bucks and a whole lot of time! Now, because we're all for using what you've got, let's chat about some things you can add to this recipe.


RECIPE ADD-INS TO TRY

closeup of baked onion chicken coming out of oven, from Shelf Cooking

Look, you can't go wrong if you make this recipe exactly as it's written. But, if you need to clear out the fridge, let's experiment a bit! Here are a few french onion chicken add-ins to consider:

  • Mushrooms – Some fresh sliced mushrooms would pair nicely with the savory gravy in this dish!
  • Peas – Sneak in those greens whenever you can, and in this case, the kids might not even notice.
  • Spinach – We love pairing spinach with a good chicken dish, but kale could work, too!
  • Fresh Herbs – If you have any fresh herbs on hand, mix them in or sprinkle them on top! (By the way, learn how to extend the shelf life of herbs.)
  • Stuffing – Whip up some homemade stuffing or reach for the store-bought boxed mix. It's a dream with this cheesy chicken!

Feel free to get creative and toss in any other produce you need to use! We think sliced asparagus might be mighty nice here.


STORING & USING LEFTOVERS

a fork digging into leftover french onion chicken, from Shelf Cooking

If you end up with leftovers, then consider us jealous! Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven.

Want to make two batches and freeze one for later? Good idea! Place your leftovers in an airtight bag or container, label, and use within three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then heat in the oven at 350°F for around 30 minutes, or until warmed through.

And if you're thinking of making something brand new with those leftovers, we've got you covered, there, too! Try one of these ideas:

  • Omelet – Slice or shred that leftover chicken and add it to an omelet! Hello, flavorful breakfast.
  • Soup – Next up, we have classic comfort food! All you need to do is dice the leftovers and add them to chicken broth for a quick and easy soup! Feel free to add in some sour cream, too.
  • French Onion Chicken Dip – Shred your leftovers, then place in the crockpot with a block of cream cheese. Cook on low for 1-2 hours, or until cream cheese melts. Serve with pita bread, tortilla chips, or crackers.
  • Panini – Make some rustic bread, then thinly slice the leftover chicken and make one mean sandwich! Add an extra slice if you'd like.
  • Pizza – Shred your chicken and add it to a pizza crust with some of our Alfredo sauce! Toss some mushrooms and spinach on there, too. Super easy and oh-so-delish!

Can we come over to your house for pizza night?! We're hungry now! But we know why you're really here, and the wait is over. Recipe time, you guys!


EASY FRENCH ONION CHICKEN

You've been so patient, and now the time is here. We'd like to introduce your new favorite chicken dinner! You ready?

a plate of homemade french onion chicken, from Shelf Cooking

French Onion Chicken

This one is going to be a regular in your rotation. It is perfect for using up extra onions, goes well with just about any side, and the result is jammy caramelized onions and beefy gravy on top of juicy chicken covered in cheese. It is a dream!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • ¼ cup butter, divided
  • 2 tbsp EVOO
  • ¼ tsp thyme
  • 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded

Instructions
 

  • Over medium-low heat, melt 2 tbsp of butter and 2 tbsp of EVOO. Cook the onions for 15-20 minutes, or until caramelized and jammy. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute longer. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
  • Season chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme. Increase the heat to medium and drizzle EVOO in the pan if needed. Brown chicken on both sides. Set aside.
  • Melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter and whisk in 2 tbsp of flour. Once smooth, slowly stir in beef broth. Bring mixture to a simmer and return onion mixture and chicken to the pan. Allow the chicken to simmer until fully cooked, flipping once, 5-8 minutes total. Check the sauce to see if it needs seasoning. Top the chicken with swiss cheese, cover with a lid to allow it to melt, and turn off the heat.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Keyword french onion chicken

If you're not drooling over this recipe, then we can't be friends! Seriously, this one is SO good, you guys.


TELL US WHAT YOU THINK!

We hope you love this recipe as much as our family does! No more boring chicken dinners in your house. This is a dish we guarantee your family will ask for again and again.

Tell us, what's your favorite way to make chicken? Drop us a note in the comments, or connect with us in our Shelf Cooking Facebook group. We'd love to hear from you!

an easy recipe for french onion chicken, from Shelf Cooking

Looking for more chicken dinner ideas?

Winner, winner, chicken dinner! Enjoy!