French Onion Chicken Casserole

Yield: 3 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

This French Onion Chicken Casserole combines the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions and melty cheese with tender chicken breasts for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love. Whether you serve it with steamed veggies or cauliflower rice, this casserole is sure to please!

Ingredients:

  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut horizontally if too thick)
  • 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Red crushed chili pepper flakes (optional)
  • Pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or Gruyère cheese)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×12-inch baking dish and set it aside.
  2. Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-8 minutes until the onions become soft and slightly translucent.
  3. Deepen the Flavor: Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, or until the onions turn golden brown and caramelized. If the pan becomes too dry, add 1/4 cup of chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up any brown bits for extra flavor.
  4. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Turn off the heat and set the onions aside to cool slightly.
  5. Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, oregano, crushed chili pepper flakes (if desired), salt, and pepper. Be careful not to over-salt, as the French onion flavor and cheese will already add plenty of seasoning.
  6. Assemble the Casserole: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Evenly divide the caramelized onions over the top of each chicken breast, then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the onions.
  7. Bake and Broil: Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes (or more, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts), until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbling. For an extra crispy finish, broil the casserole for an additional 2 minutes.
  8. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Pair with your favorite side dishes like steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Enjoy this rich and delicious French Onion Chicken Casserole, a comforting dish the whole family will love!