One-Pan Cheesy French Onion Chicken Skillet [+Video]

One-Pan Cheesy French Onion Chicken Skillet [+Video]

The best One-Pan Cheesy French Onion Chicken Skillet delivers all the joy of French onion soup without the hassle or long hours. With the addition of tender chicken, it’s packed with protein, making it a family-friendly dinner that even picky eaters will love.

This French onion chicken recipe is a spin-off of our beloved French Onion Soup recipe, inspired by the cozy flavors we fell in love with last year. After craving it for weeks, Cade suggested turning it into something new, and voilà—French onion chicken was born!

It’s the same comforting flavors, simplified, and served with chicken. Serve it on its own, over rich and creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside a fiber-packed veggie like roasted green beans, brussels sprouts, or broccoli for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients for French Onion Chicken

The ingredients for this dish are straightforward and likely already in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Onions

• Butter – you can also use olive oil if you prefer
• Yellow Onions – not too sweet and caramelize beautifully, but you can use white onions in a pinch
• Water – helps cook and soften the onions
• Brown Sugar – used for caramelization
• Garlic – flavor baby!
• Fresh Thyme – I love the pop of fresh herbs in caramelized onions!

For the Dish

• Chicken Breasts – you could also use chicken thighs or tenders
• Flour – helps create a golden sear on the chicken pieces
• Olive Oil – used to sear the chicken, adds incredible flavor
• Beef Broth – base of the sauce for simmering the chicken
• Chicken Broth – the other half of the base for simmering the chicken
• Worcestershire Sauce – flavor, richness
• Bay Leaf – flavor, will be discarded after simmering
• Gruyere Cheese – melts so well and is so creamy, the flavor pairs amazingly with the caramelized onions
• Parmesan Cheese – I never say no to more cheese!

The measurements of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

What to Serve with French Onion Chicken?

This One-Pan Cheesy French Onion Chicken is the ultimate cozy dinner! Think creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up all that dreamy caramelized onion sauce. Want to add some greens to the mix? Roasted or steamed veggies bring just the right amount of freshness. And let’s not forget a crusty baguette or a slice of sourdough—because scooping up that cheesy, oniony goodness is non-negotiable. Whether you’re going for a fancy spread or a no-fuss dinner, this dish is guaranteed to have your family coming back for seconds (and thirds)!

How to Make French Onion Chicken

The process is simple and the end product is outrageous! Here are the steps for this kid-friendly chicken dinner:

1. You start by caramelizing the onions. See the section below for how to caramelize onions. Remove the onions from the skillet to a plate to use later.
2. Add the chicken pieces, salt, pepper, and flour to a large bowl and toss them to coat.
   • PRO TIP: The sauce-to-chicken ratio is perfect in this recipe, so if you want to add more chicken, be sure to make more sauce!
3. Heat some olive oil in a skillet and brown the chicken in batches. Cook them until they are golden on all sides.
4. Add the broths, Worcestershire, bay leaf, and caramelized onions to the skillet with the chicken. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.
5. When the broth has reduced slightly and the chicken is cooked through, add the gruyere cheese all over the chicken and add a lid for a few minutes until the cheese has melted.
6. Remove from the stove and top with parmesan and parsley. Serve!

These instructions in full detail can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post. You can also save or print the recipe from there.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will last in the fridge for 3-4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Just be mindful that the texture of the cheese might change slightly after freezing, but the flavors will still be delicious!

Can You Use Other Types of Onions?

Absolutely! While you can experiment with different onions, some are definitely better suited for this dish than others:

• Red Onions: red onions might look pretty, but we don’t recommend them here. They have a milder flavor that lacks the depth you want in a caramelized onion dish, and they can lose their vibrant color during cooking.
• White Onions: If you’re in a pinch, white onions can work. They’re sharper and more pungent than yellow onions, but they soften beautifully as they cook. Just be prepared for a bolder onion flavor!
• Vidalia Onions: These sweet gems are known for their natural sweetness and caramelize like a dream. They’ll add a lovely richness to the dish if you’re looking to amp up the sweetness.

Yellow onions remain my favorite choice for this recipe because they balance sweetness and savory depth perfectly, making them ideal for caramelizing.

How to Caramelize Onions

I like to use a cast iron skillet for caramelizing onions. I start by melting the butter in the skillet over medium heat. Then add the onions with a pinch or two of salt. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for about 5 minutes.

Next, add the brown sugar and water. This is when the caramelization really begins. Stir the onions occasionally, but let the process unfold naturally. Continue cooking until the onions reach a rich, deep golden color, which should take about 20-25 minutes.

Stir in the garlic and thyme and cook until you can start to smell them (yum!!). Then the onions are done and you can remove them to a plate for later.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this easy chicken dish, but here are just a few highlights:

• It’s total comfort food and flavors.
• Only one pan gets dirty. Easy cleanup!
• Kid-approved – Since it’s chicken, the kids might actually eat it!
• That caramelized onion sauce is divine! I’m such a sauce lover!
• Gruyere!! Why is that cheese so dang good?

Substitutes for Gruyere Cheese

While a generous sprinkle of gruyere cheese is classic in this recipe, you can also use provolone, mozzarella, or even Swiss cheese for that creamy, cheesy finish.

Can I Bake This Dish?

Absolutely! If you’re a fan of that crispy, golden cheese topping that typically accompanies French onion soup, baking is the way to go. After you’ve added the cheese, just pop that finished cheesy French onion chicken skillet in the oven at 350°F (175°C) and let it bake for a few minutes until the cheese is beautifully bubbly and golden brown—just make sure you’re using an oven-safe skillet! This method not only intensifies the flavors but also creates a delightful crust that adds a fantastic texture to every bite.

Oh, French onion soup, how I adore you! And now, with the addition of tender chicken breasts and that ooey-gooey Gruyère cheese, my love for you has expanded! This really is the best one-pan comforting cheesy French onion skillet! It is an absolute must-add to your list of chicken dinner ideas.

If You Love This Chicken Dinner Recipe, You Should Also Try…

• Creamy Herb Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
• Citrus Greek Chicken
• Braised Dijon Chicken and Potatoes
• Creamy Chicken Stroganoff
• Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
• Stuffed Mediterranean Chicken

READ: One-Pan Cheesy French Onion Chicken Skillet [+Video]