Name: French Onion Smothered Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds thin cut chicken breasts; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 6 tablespoons salted butter; 3 cloves garlic, chopped; 2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage; 1 cup broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup dry white wine; 1/2 cup apple cider; 6 slices French bread; 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese

Introduction

French Onion Smothered Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with rich caramelized onions, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy sauce. Topped with toasted French bread and melted Gruyère cheese, this meal feels indulgent yet is simple enough for weeknight dinners.

A black cast iron skillet filled with a rich French onion soup topped with a thick layer of melted golden-brown cheese that is bubbly and slightly crispy in some spots. The cheese covers several slices of toasted baguette, each slice browned around the edges and soaking up the creamy soup beneath. The soup itself is a warm brown color with visible cooked onions peeking through the cheese and bread layers. Fresh green thyme sprigs are scattered on top, adding contrast to the melted cheese. Two silver spoons rest inside the skillet, one lifting a piece of the cheesy bread. The skillet sits on a worn black tray on a white marbled surface with part of a brown cloth napkin visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds thin cut chicken breasts

Salt and black pepper

6 tablespoons salted butter

3 yellow onions, thinly sliced

1/2 cup apple cider

3/4 cup dry white wine

3 cloves garlic, chopped

2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced

2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage

1 cup broth

3/4 cup heavy cream

6 slices French bread

1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425° F. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Step 2: In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to caramelize, about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Slowly add the apple cider, about 1/4 cup at a time, allowing it to cook into the onions before adding more.

Step 4: Stir in the chopped garlic, sliced mushrooms, fresh thyme, and sage. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the mushrooms begin to soften.

Step 5: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes, letting the onions brown deeply and the chicken start to cook through.

Step 6: Pour in the white wine and broth. Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a low boil. Let it simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces.

Step 7: Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another minute to combine everything well.

Step 8: Arrange the French bread slices on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes until they are dry and lightly crisp.

Step 9: Place the toasted bread on top and around the chicken in the skillet. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the bread.

Step 10: Bake in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with extra fresh thyme if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use thinly sliced onions and cook them slowly for the best caramelization and flavor depth.

Substitute cremini mushrooms with shiitake or button mushrooms depending on availability.

For a richer dish, swap out the heavy cream with half-and-half, but reduce simmering time to prevent curdling.

Gluten-free bread can be used to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.

What type of white wine is best for this recipe?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is ideal, as it adds acidity without sweetness to balance the richness of the sauce.

Dinner

French Onion Smothered Chicken Recipe