Caramelized onions are the heart of this dish—get them right, and you’re halfway to a perfect bake. Think of caramelizing onions as a slow, deliberate process. Sweet onions are ideal, and when gently sautéed in butter, they soften, turn translucent, and develop that rich golden-brown color.
The real magic happens when you add beef broth and balsamic vinegar. These deepen the flavor, adding savory umami and a subtle tang while coaxing the onions into a jammy consistency. Patience is key—about 10 minutes over medium heat is all it takes.
Don’t forget the aromatics: garlic, black pepper, and thyme. They layer the flavors and enhance the natural sweetness of the onions. For an extra touch, a small amount of sugar or honey can intensify the caramelization—but use sparingly, so the sweetness doesn’t overpower the dish.
Master the onions, and you’ve mastered the bake. With this foundation, your French Onion Chicken Bake becomes a comforting centerpiece for any meal.
French Onion Chicken Bake
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Onions, sliced & peeled | 4 | Sweet onions preferred |
| Unsalted Butter | 4 tbsp | For sautéing |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 4 cloves | |
| Black Pepper | ½ tsp | Coarse ground |
| Fresh Thyme | 1 tsp | |
| Beef Broth (low sodium) | 2/3 cup | |
| Aged Balsamic Vinegar | 2 tbsp | |
| Chicken Breasts, boneless & skinless | 4 | |
| Sea Salt | ½ tsp | |
| Mozzarella, shredded | 1 cup | |
| Parmesan, grated | ½ cup |
Instructions
Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
Sauté the Onions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add onions and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Infuse Flavors
- Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic, black pepper, and thyme. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
Caramelize to Jammy Goodness
- Pour in beef broth and balsamic vinegar. Cook until the onions reach a jam-like texture, about 10 minutes.
Assemble the Dish
- Spread one-third of the caramelized onions in the baking dish.
- Place chicken breasts on top and season with salt.
Cheese It Up
- Cover the chicken with the remaining onions.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan generously over the top.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.