What if you could combine the heartiness of chicken with the rich, savory flavor of French onion soup? That’s exactly what French Onion Chicken Bake Recipe delivers—a comforting, cheesy dish that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a game-changer for so many reasons:
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your pantry.
- One-Pan Wonder: Easy cleanup makes this recipe even better.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
- Bursting with Flavor: A rich sauce, gooey cheese, and crispy French fried onions make every bite irresistible.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step process to create this delicious dish.
Ingredients for French Onion Chicken Bake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful recipe:
Ingredient | Amount |
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 |
Dry French onion soup mix | 1 packet (1 oz) |
Condensed cream of chicken soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
Shredded Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
French fried onions | 1 cup |
Milk | 1/2 cup |
Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Fresh parsley (optional) | For garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy cleanup later.
2. Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Sear each chicken breast for 2–3 minutes on each side until they’re lightly browned.
Why Sear First?
Searing locks in the juices, giving the chicken a golden crust and ensuring it remains moist and tender after baking.
3. Prepare the French Onion Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup.
- 1/2 cup of milk.
- 1 packet of dry French onion soup mix.
Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Dish
- Place the seared chicken breasts into your prepared baking dish.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken.
5. Add Cheese
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan evenly over the top of the dish.
Cheese Tip: The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan adds the perfect balance of creaminess and sharpness.
6. Bake Covered
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- This step helps the chicken cook through while keeping it moist.
7. Add French Fried Onions
- Remove the foil from the dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of French fried onions over the top.
- Bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Garnish and Serve
Once baked to perfection, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve warm.
Pro Tips for Success
Use High-Quality Chicken
Opt for fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure a tender and flavorful result.
Adjust for Taste
- If you prefer a milder flavor, use only half a packet of French onion soup mix.
- For more depth, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the soup mixture.
Make It Your Own
- Swap mozzarella for Swiss cheese for a more traditional French onion flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra richness.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving (based on 4 servings):
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
Calories | 450 |
Total Fat | 25 g |
Saturated Fat | 10 g |
Protein | 35 g |
Carbohydrates | 10 g |
Sodium | 800 mg |
FAQs About French Onion Chicken Bake Recipe
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are a great alternative. They’re juicier and cook beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, follow the instructions but add an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.
3. What can I serve with French Onion Chicken Bake?
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Mashed potatoes.
- Steamed green beans.
- A fresh garden salad.
- Crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
5. What if I don’t have French fried onions?
You can substitute panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter for a crunchy topping.
6. Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes! Use gluten-free French onion soup mix, cream of chicken soup, and French fried onions to make this dish gluten-free.
Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot on Your Table
The French Onion Chicken Bake Recipe is the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and crispy flavors. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet special enough for entertaining guests. Plus, with its easy prep and satisfying results, it’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Time to Get Cooking!
Ready to try this comforting dish for yourself? Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and bring a little warmth to your table tonight. Don’t forget to share your experience or any creative twists in the comments!
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French Onion Chicken Bake Recipe: A Comforting, Cheesy Delight
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This French Onion Chicken Bake is the ultimate comfort food—juicy chicken, a creamy French onion sauce, and a melty layer of cheese, all topped with crispy French fried onions. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this one-pan wonder is sure to become a family favorite. It’s simple to prepare, full of flavor, and easy to clean up after!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry French onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup French fried onions
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear each chicken breast for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. This locks in moisture and creates a golden crust.
- Prepare the French Onion Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, and dry French onion soup mix. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Dish: Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken.
- Bake Covered: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to ensure the chicken cooks through and stays moist.
- Add French Fried Onions: Remove the foil and sprinkle French fried onions over the top. Continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Chicken Substitute: Chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts for a juicier result. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the cooking time when baking.
- Topping Alternatives: If you don’t have French fried onions, substitute panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crunchy topping.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free French onion soup mix, cream of chicken soup, and French fried onions to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American