This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This French Onion Chicken features juicy chicken smothered in caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and melted Gruyère cheese. It’s an elegant dinner that’s easy to make but feels like a restaurant-quality meal. All you need is a skillet and about half an hour!


Y’all know I love a quick and easy recipe. And Southerners love onions and chicken. My husband would eat caramelized onions every night of the week if he could.
This chicken is so good and stays juicy (if you don’t overcook it—use that thermometer!). If your kids don’t want the onion, you can just leave it off their piece.
Testing results for French onion chicken
- We tested this recipe with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but chicken thighs would work perfectly. You would need to adjust the cooking time accordingly — again, use a thermometer for best results!

I hope you make this recipe. I think you’ll love it!


Ingredient notes
Here are a few things to know about the ingredients in this recipe.
➡️➡️➡️ The full ingredient amounts and instructions are listed below on the printable recipe card. Scroll below the recipe card for frequently asked questions and tips for success.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: You can substitute with chicken thighs.
Red wine: A good dry wine, something you would drink. I like a Pinot Noir in this recipe. If you don’t drink alcohol, it does cook off and just adds a little flavor. But you can also just use additional beef broth if you prefer.
Gruyere cheese: We like the distinct nutty flavor of Gruyere, but provolone or mozzarella would be fine.
Pin this now to save it for laterHow to make French onion chicken
- Cook the chicken on both sides in an oven-proof skillet.
- Remove the chicken, then add the butter and onions to the skillet. Cook the onions until caramelized to the extent that you want, then place the chicken back in the skillet.
- Cover the chicken with onions, sauce, and cheese, then broil until the cheese melts.

If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below!
Join Southern Food and Fun Community group
and Southern Potluck group!
And please follow us on social media:
French Onion Chicken

Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- ½ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup red wine
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Tent with foil to keep warm.
- To the same skillet, add the butter and sliced onions. Cook until the onions start to brown, then add in the red wine and beef broth.
- Cook until most of the liquid boils off, about five minutes.
- Add the chicken back to the skillet and cover with onions and the rest of the sauce.
- Top with the shredded gruyere cheese and place in the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted, then serve. Garnish with fresh thyme.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can reheat in a covered baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
- Freeze leftovers in an airtight freezer ziplock bag for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then follow the reheating instructions above.















