Baked French Chicken Onion Soup Recipe

I’m totally telling the truth when I say that Manservant mentioned 4 times during dinner that this chicken onion soup recipe was really good. Kind of a cross between French onion soup and a chicken casserole this chicken dish with cheesy croutons and caramelized onions is savory and tasty.

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Like really, really good Manservant kept saying. I haven’t heard him gush that much in a very long time. But he was right. This French onion chicken recipe with caramelized onions is amazing.

Basically a riff on a classic French onion soup recipe, this golden brown chicken complete with melty cheese, made in a large skillet and briefly baked, was a meal my whole family would enjoy.

We are lovers of onions and this easy dinner recipe more than satisfies.

If you love French onion soup, you will adore this French onion chicken bake.

I made it using dry French onion soup mix from Lipton’s, which gives this chicken dish extra umami.

​Lipton onion soup mix is always in my pantry as I love the extra flavor it gives to many of my favorite dishes.

Here’s looking at you meatloaf!

If you don’t have it, don’t worry, but I do think the addition of an envelope of dry soup mix helps make an exciting, flavorful dish.

Why I Love this French Chicken Onion Soup Recipe

I love chicken dishes that are perfect for a dinner party or family and this French onion chicken soup recipe qualifies.

Easy to make and total comfort food, this rich and luscious chicken reminds me of the classic soup-but better.

Well, I’ll let you decide! 

French onion chicken is having its moment just as marry me chicken did a few years ago.

That easy recipe is still in my repertoire because it is so, so good and I have no doubt this French Chicken onion soup recipe with caramelized onion sauce will stay with me for years to come also.

Key Ingredients in this Chicken Onion Soup Recipe

How To Make Caramelized Onions

Slice two onions very thin from tip to tip.

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter is foaming. Add onions and season with salt.

Cover and let steam for about 5 minutes, stirring several times so they don’t burn. They should be starting to brown and soften up. Reduce heat to medium and remove the cover.

Continue to stir every so often until onions turn a dark golden brown,15 to 20 minutes. You may notice brown bits sticking to the skillet. Add a few tablespoons of water or wine and stir them up from the bottom.

Once soft and evenly golden brown, remove from skillet.

Pro Tip: Make a big batch of caramelized onions and keep them in the fridge. this way you skip the longest step in the recipe!

​If you don’t end up making this chicken onion soup recipe the onions can be used on sandwiches, burgers and in scrambled eggs.

Combine them with sour cream, add an envelope of soup mix and you have onion dip!

The sky is the limit when using caramelized onions.

How To Make this Chicken Onion Soup Recipe

Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts through the middle to butterfly them. Pound to similar thickness. Season well with salt and fresh black pepper

Add seasoned chicken breasts to the cast iron skillet you removed the onions from and brown on each side, though they will not be cooked all the way through.

Remove from skillet and set chicken aside.

Add 1 T of butter and fresh garlic. Cook gently until fragrant and then add wine and deglaze the skillet. 

Stir in the chicken broth and thyme and simmer until reduced by about 25%.

This really depends on how much soup/gravy you want.

If you want it thicker, simmer it longer.

Add back the caramelized onions and the packet of onion soup mix. Simmer a moment and whisk in the heavy cream.

Place chicken breasts into the onion mixture and then place the toast on top of the onions.

I do not nestle them directly into the sauce.

Bake 15 minutes and then top with shredded gruyere cheese and bake 5 minutes more until melted.

You can see how it bubbles as it bakes.

If you want this more golden brown, place under the broiler, though I didn’t.

FAQ’s

Serve This Chicken Onion Soup Recipe as a Complete Meal

​I served this perfect onion soup chicken over steamed white rice, but mashed potatoes or noodles would also be a great way to go.

Add a side salad or steamed green beans and you have a meal that everyone will rave over.

That white wine you used with the chicken? Well, now would be a perfect time to pour yourself a glass. You deserve it.

And leftovers? Well there probably won’t be any, but if there are store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

The bread may get soggy but then it really is like eating French onion soup! And I certainly don’t mind that!

This French onion soup chicken bake is quick to make if you don’t count caramelizing the onions.

They make the house smell so homey and comforting that everyone will be running to dinner.

I know it’s only the beginning of the year, but I’m guessing this will be one of my favorite chicken recipes for a long time to come!

More Great Chicken Recipes

Skillet Chicken with Artichokes and Mushrooms in a Creamy Caper Sauce

Chicken in Red Wine Coq au Vin

Roast Chicken with Bread Salad

French Onion Chicken Burgers

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