Name: French Onion Chicken Skillet Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt & pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; ½ tablespoon garlic powder; ½ cup flour; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter (salted or unsalted); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 yellow onions (about 1.5 lbs), sliced; 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ¼ teaspoon ground sage; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup broth (any type); 2 tablespoons flour; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 beef bouillon cube; 2 cups mozzarella cheese (provolone or Gruyère can be used as alternatives)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender chicken with the deep, savory flavors of caramelized onions and melted cheese, this French Onion Chicken Skillet Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish takes the soul-soothing essence of French onion soup and transforms it into a satisfying baked chicken skillet, where each bite is bursting with rich, buttery onion goodness, herb-infused sauce, and a blanket of gooey, golden cheese on top. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, and guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five thin, light pink pieces of raw chicken placed on a white plate, scattered with black pepper seasoning on top. Each piece is flat and smooth, slightly different in size and curved edges. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this French Onion Chicken Skillet Bake Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component works in harmony to build layers of flavor — from the crispy, seasoned chicken to the sweetly caramelized onions and the luscious sauce that ties everything together.

Chicken breasts: Pounded thin for even cooking and tender bites every time.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the dish’s flavors.
Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant mix of herbs to the chicken for an extra punch.
Garlic powder: Brings subtle warmth and depth to the seasoning blend.
Flour: Coats the chicken to create a lightly crispy exterior.
Parmesan cheese: Infuses the coating with a nutty, savory touch.
Olive oil and butter: The perfect combo for searing chicken and caramelizing onions.
Yellow onions: The heart of this recipe, slowly caramelized to sweet perfection.
Soy sauce: Enhances the onions’ umami for a rich, savory base.
Dried rosemary, thyme, and sage: Herbal aromatics that elevate the sauce with complexity.
Fresh garlic: Adds brightness and a delightful punch to the sauce.
Bread and chicken broth plus beef bouillon cube: Creates a flavorful, thickened sauce that wraps the chicken in warmth.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, forming that irresistible golden crust.

How to Make French Onion Chicken Skillet Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts to a uniform thinness, about a quarter-inch thick, which ensures quick, even cooking while keeping the meat juicy. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then give each piece a coating of a flour and Parmesan mix — this combo creates a light crust that crisps up during searing. Heat olive oil and butter in your skillet until shimmering before browning the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side, just until beautifully golden. Remember, the chicken finishes baking later, so don’t worry about cooking it through at this stage.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

Using the same skillet, melt butter and olive oil, scraping up those delicious browned bits left from the chicken — they’re little flavor bombs! Toss in your sliced yellow onions and let them soften gently for 5 minutes. Add the soy sauce and dried herbs — rosemary, thyme, and sage — which complement the sweet onions by adding savory depth. Cover the pan and let the onions cook slowly on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Afterward, uncover and cook on medium heat for another 10 minutes, stirring more frequently, to get that deep caramelized color and rich flavor that makes this recipe sing.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) so it’s ready to finish the dish. Stir minced garlic and a half cup of broth into the luscious onions, cooking uncovered so the mixture slightly reduces and intensifies in flavor. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for a couple of minutes to cook out any raw flour taste. Then add the beef broth, chicken broth, and a bouillon cube, bringing everything to a gentle boil until thickened into a velvety sauce. This rich sauce is where all the flavors marry beautifully, enveloping your chicken with savory goodness once baked.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer your onion sauce to a casserole dish. Nestle your seared chicken pieces into the sauce, then generously cover them with mozzarella cheese. The final baking step melts the cheese to golden, bubbly perfection while finishing the cooking of the chicken. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. Once done, garnish with fresh thyme if you have it, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as impressive as it is comforting.

How to Serve French Onion Chicken Skillet Bake Recipe

A white bowl holds a meal with three main layers: at the bottom, there is a creamy white layer of mashed potatoes on the right side; next, two pieces of browned chicken covered in thick brown onion gravy fill the center and left side, garnished with small green herb bits; at the far left side, bright green beans are arranged neatly in a row. A silver spoon with a black handle rests on the mashed potatoes on the right edge of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a round wooden board that sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley add a burst of color and a fresh, mildly fragrant note that brightens the rich flavors of your bake, making your plate look as beautiful as it tastes. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan after baking can also add an inviting salty touch.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, wholesome sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles are perfect for soaking up every delicious drop of the savory sauce. Roasted green beans or a crisp salad offer a refreshing contrast to the richness and complete the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the bake in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch that’s perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in. You can also turn this into a delightful sandwich spread on crusty bread for an indulgent twist, or scoop it over fluffy rice for a comforting one-pan meal with a twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover French Onion Chicken Skillet Bake Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your leftovers even tastier the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cooled bake in a freezer-safe dish or wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It will maintain its quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a low oven (around 325°F/160°C) until warmed through to keep the chicken tender and allow the cheese to melt softly again. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it may make the chicken rubbery and the cheese tough.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add an extra juicy and flavorful twist. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap out the butter for olive oil and use dairy-free cheese alternatives or simply skip the cheese topping. The caramelized onions and savory sauce are so flavorful that the dish still shines without dairy.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can caramelize the onions and prepare the sauce up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the fridge, then assemble and bake when ready. This makes dinner prep even easier on busy days.

What if I don’t have beef broth or a bouillon cube?

No worries! You can substitute with all chicken broth or vegetable broth; just keep in mind the flavor will be a bit lighter but still delicious. Adding a splash of soy sauce helps boost umami in that case.

Can I use other cheeses besides mozzarella?

Definitely! Provolone or Gruyère are excellent choices that melt beautifully and add their own unique character to the dish. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite cheesy combo.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Chicken Skillet Bake Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both comforting and elegant, wonderfully satisfying while simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or even just yourself, it promises to deliver layers of flavor and warmth that linger long after the meal is over. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation.

French Onion Chicken Skillet Bake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need