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Crispy French Onion Chicken Bake with Gruyère Cheese

crispy french onion chicken bake - featured image
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A quick and easy weeknight chicken bake featuring caramelized onions, melted Gruyère cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)
  • 3 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (about 150 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup low sodium chicken broth (120 ml)
  • 1 cup French fried onions (about 50 grams)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (50 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried, optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat 3 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat in a skillet. Add thinly sliced yellow onions and a pinch of salt. Stir frequently for 25-30 minutes until onions are soft, deeply golden, and caramelized. Add minced garlic in the last 2 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  3. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a light brush of olive oil. Sear each breast in a separate pan over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to an oven-safe baking dish.
  4. In a bowl, mix shredded Gruyère cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and French fried onions. Add Dijon mustard and thyme if using. Stir until combined.
  5. Spoon caramelized onions evenly over the chicken breasts. Pour ½ cup chicken broth around the edges of the dish. Sprinkle the cheese and breadcrumb mixture on top evenly.
  6. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Caramelize onions low and slow to avoid bitterness. Use freshly grated Gruyère for best melting. Searing chicken is optional but adds flavor and texture. For extra crispy topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully. Can caramelize onions ahead and refrigerate. Substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and fried onions for gluten-free version. Plant-based cheese and oil can replace dairy and butter for dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken bake, French onion chicken, Gruyère cheese, caramelized onions, crispy topping, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/crispy-french-onion-chicken-bake-with-gruy-e-re-cheese-easy-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/