There’s something truly magical about a meal that fills both your belly and your heart. Imagine sitting down at a cozy dinner table, the warmth of flickering candles reflecting in the golden-brown caramelized onions of a French onion chicken bake. This dish embodies comfort and elegance, blending the rich, savory notes of French onion soup with tender chicken, topped with gooey, melted mozzarella. It’s more than just food; it’s an experience that brings loved ones together for laughter, love, and the simplest pleasures of life.
French Onion Chicken Bake
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of light butter made with canola oil such as Land o’ Lakes
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- One 10-ounce can of French onion soup such as Campbell’s
- Six 4-ounce portions of raw chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup of reduced-fat mozzarella cheese such as Market Pantry
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 small yellow onion peeled and thinly sliced
Instructions
1Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
2Melt the light butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until it becomes soft and golden, stirring occasionally. Once done, remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.
3Sprinkle the chicken breasts evenly with paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Using the same skillet, lightly coat it with cooking spray and heat it over medium-high. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes per side until both sides are golden brown.
4Return the sautéed onions to the skillet. Pour the French onion soup over the chicken and onions, letting it simmer for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to allow the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5If using a cast-iron skillet, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken in the skillet. If not, transfer the chicken, onions, and sauce to a baking dish and then top with the mozzarella cheese.
6Place the skillet or baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.
7Remove from the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes, and serve this comforting dish warm. Perfect on its own or paired with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh green salad!
