Description
A comforting and flavorful French Onion Smothered Chicken recipe featuring tender thin-cut chicken breasts simmered in a rich caramelized onion, mushroom, and herb sauce, topped with toasted French bread and melted Gruyere cheese for an irresistible baked finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 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
Bread & Cheese
- 6 slices French bread
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Season the thin-cut chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper.
- Caramelize Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and add the thinly sliced yellow onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and caramelize, about 10 minutes. Slowly add the apple cider in 1/4 cup increments, allowing each addition to cook into the onions before adding more.
- Add Aromatics and Mushrooms: Stir in the chopped garlic, sliced cremini mushrooms, fresh thyme leaves, and chopped fresh sage. Continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Cook Chicken and Reduce Sauce: Nestle the seasoned chicken breasts into the onion mixture and season again with salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized. Pour in the dry white wine and broth, increasing the heat to high to bring to a low boil. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly. Stir in the heavy cream to finish the sauce.
- Toast Bread: Arrange the French bread slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 minutes until very dry and crisp.
- Assemble and Bake: Place the toasted bread on and around the chicken in the skillet. Evenly sprinkle shredded Gruyere cheese over the top. Bake in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with extra fresh thyme if desired.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the rich French onion smothered chicken hot. Enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, savory flavors!
Notes
- Use thin-cut chicken breasts for faster cooking and better flavor absorption.
- Adding apple cider slowly allows the onions to caramelize without burning.
- Using an oven-safe skillet eliminates the need to transfer the dish before baking.
- Gruyere cheese adds a delicious, nutty flavor perfect for melting over this dish.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute white wine with extra broth and a splash of white grape juice.
- Fresh herbs like thyme and sage complement the sweetness of the caramelized onions beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: French Onion Chicken, Caramelized Onion Chicken, Gruyere Chicken Recipe, Oven-Baked Chicken, Comfort Food
