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French Onion Chicken Bake Recipe

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4.2 from 6 reviews

French Onion Chicken Bake is a savory and comforting dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts simmered with caramelized onions and French onion soup, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make recipe combines stovetop searing and oven baking to achieve a golden, bubbly finish perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 6 (4 oz.) skinless, boneless chicken breasts, raw
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp seasoned salt

Onion & Sauce

  • 1 yellow onion, peeled & sliced
  • 2 Tbsp Land o’Lakes light butter made with canola oil
  • 1 (10 oz.) can French onion soup (Campbell’s recommended)
  • 1 cup low sodium beef broth

Cheese

  • 1/2 cup fat free or light mozzarella (Market Pantry reduced fat mozzarella recommended)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the chicken later.
  2. Sauté Onions: In a skillet or cast iron grill skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. Once done, transfer the onions to a plate and set aside.
  3. Prepare Skillet and Season Chicken: Spray the same skillet with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Season each chicken breast thoroughly with paprika, garlic powder, and seasoned salt, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
  4. Sear Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the prepared skillet. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and partially cooked through.
  5. Add Onions and Liquids: Return the sautéed onions to the skillet with the chicken. Pour in the can of French onion soup and 1 cup of low sodium beef broth. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the soup and broth to caramelize slightly and infuse the chicken with rich flavor.
  6. Add Cheese: If using a cast iron skillet, top each chicken breast directly with the light mozzarella cheese. Otherwise, transfer the chicken, onions, and sauce into an oven-safe baking dish, then sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  7. Bake: Place the skillet or baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown, and the chicken is fully cooked through.

Notes

  • Use cast iron skillet for an easy stovetop-to-oven transition and extra flavor from the skillet.
  • If not using a cast iron skillet, transfer to an oven-safe dish before baking to prevent damage to regular pans in the oven.
  • Ensure chicken breasts are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
  • For a lower sodium option, choose low sodium or reduced salt French onion soup and beef broth.
  • Light or fat-free mozzarella cheese reduces calories without sacrificing taste.
  • Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.