A deliciously cheesy and flavorful dish, this French Onion Chicken Casserole brings all the comforting flavors of French onion soup into a hearty, baked meal.
Table of Contents
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Onion Mixture:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ½ cup (120ml) beef broth
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
For the Casserole:
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120ml) sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups (200g) shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 1 cup (60g) French-fried onions (for topping)
- ½ cup (30g) panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat.
- Add sliced onions, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Stir in thyme, beef broth, and balsamic vinegar. Cook for another 2 minutes until liquid reduces.
- Remove from heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Casserole
- In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheese and mix well.
- Add cooked chicken and caramelized onions to the mixture, stirring to coat evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- Top with French-fried onions and panko breadcrumbs (if using).
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best French Onion Chicken Casserole
- Slowly Caramelize the Onions: Low and slow cooking is key for deep, sweet flavor.
- Use Good Cheese: Gruyère or Swiss cheese gives an authentic, rich taste.
- Crispy Topping: French-fried onions and panko add a delicious crunch.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
Enjoy this rich, comforting French Onion Chicken Casserole! 🧅🧀🍗