Description
This French Onion Soup Chicken recipe combines tender seared chicken breasts with rich, caramelized onions and a savory thyme-infused beef broth, topped with melted Gruyere cheese for a comforting and elegant meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (divided)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (approximately 1 teaspoon each)
French Onion Sauce
- 3 medium sweet onions (or 2 large), thinly sliced into half moons
- 3-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Topping
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Warm a large cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. Sear the chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Caramelize the Onions: Reduce heat to medium, add more oil if needed. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and thyme, cooking for 2 minutes until garlic is tender and fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the caramelized onion sauce over each. Let simmer uncovered for 10-20 minutes until the sauce reduces and chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F, flipping chicken halfway through.
- Add Cheese and Broil: Evenly sprinkle shredded Gruyere cheese on top of the chicken and onions. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for a few minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh thyme if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet such as cast iron for seamless transition from stovetop to oven.
- Adjust caramelization of onions to your preferred sweetness and texture.
- Be attentive during broiling as Gruyere cheese can burn quickly.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste, though it will alter the flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Broiling
- Cuisine: French-American
