French onion chicken gravy

This French Onion Chicken recipe brings together tender chicken cutlets and a luscious gravy made from deeply caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce. Each portion is crowned with melted mozzarella that gives a warm, cheesy finish. The slow-cooked onions add a natural sweetness while pantry spices layer in classic French onion flavors. It is a perfect choice for cozy dinners and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up every bit of the savory sauce.

I first made this on a busy weeknight last winter, and since then my family has asked for it every Sunday. The sauce is so flavorful that you'll want to scrape the plate clean each time.

Ingredients

• Large yellow onion: sliced thin for rich flavor development look for onions that feel heavy and have crisp papery skins for best caramelization
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: thinly sliced to ensure fast even cooking and juicy texture fresh is preferred over frozen when possible
• Olive oil: extra virgin is best to achieve a golden sear and prevent sticking
• Butter: adds richness and mellows the onion gravy for smoothness
• All purpose flour: thickens the gravy to a creamy consistency sift before measuring to avoid lumps
• Mozzarella cheese: freshly shredded melts beautifully to create a gooey cheesy topping
• Beef broth: choose low sodium to better control saltiness and add deep savory notes
• Worcestershire sauce: provides tang and complexity use sparingly as it has a strong flavor
• Beefy onion soup mix: speeds up flavor building bringing that classic French onion taste
• Seasoned salt: balances seasoning for chicken and sauce choose a blend salted and herbaceous
• Onion powder: intensifies the onion flavor theme making the dish more aromatic
• Garlic powder: fresh and fragrant adds subtle depth underneath the main flavors
• Black pepper: freshly cracked offers a gentle heat and aroma balancing the richness

Instructions

Prep the Chicken:

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels so they sear nicely. Slice into evenly thin cutlets to guarantee quick and even cooking. Lightly drizzle olive oil over both sides and rub in with your hands for an even coat. In a small bowl combine seasoned salt onion powder garlic powder and freshly cracked black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture generously over all sides of the chicken making sure to cover thoroughly.

Sear the Chicken:

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. When the oil shimmers place the chicken cutlets in the pan without crowding them. Cook each cutlet for four to five minutes per side until a golden crust forms and the internal temperature reaches one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer the cooked pieces to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Caramelize the Onions:

Reduce the heat to mediumlow and add two teaspoons of olive oil plus butter to the same skillet. As the butter melts add the thinly sliced onions and stir them so they are well coated in the fat. Let the onions cook slowly stirring every few minutes. The process takes about twenty five to thirty minutes for the onions to turn a deep golden brown and develop their signature sweet flavor.

Make the Gravy:

Sprinkle the sifted flour evenly over the caramelized onions and stir constantly to blend. Let the mixture cook for two to three minutes to eliminate any raw flour flavor. Gradually whisk in the beef broth followed by Worcestershire sauce and beefy onion soup mix. Mix until all lumps dissolve then simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens into a smooth velvety gravy.

Finish and Cheese:

Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet nestling them gently in the onion gravy. Spoon some of the onions and gravy over each piece. Evenly spread freshly shredded mozzarella on top. Cover the pan and let everything cook until the cheese melts and bubbles. Serve the dish straight from the pan alongside mashed potatoes or warm crusty bread.

My favorite moment with this dish is stirring the onions as they slowly turn golden filling the kitchen with the most inviting sweet aroma. My kids love to take turns sprinkling the cheese before covering and melting it perfectly on top.

Storage Tips

Leftover French Onion Chicken keeps well refrigerated for up to three days. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring to airtight containers. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth to bring back the luscious creamy texture of the gravy. You can freeze this dish but hold off on adding the cheese until right before serving to maintain the best melt and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If mozzarella is not on hand try provolone or Swiss cheese for a slightly different but equally delicious finish. Chicken thighs work well too if you prefer juicier meat. For broth feel free to swap beef broth for chicken or vegetable broth based on what you have available. To make this gluten free use a certified gluten free flour blend in place of regular flour for thickening.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over creamy mashed potatoes steamed rice or buttered noodles to soak up every drop of that wonderful onion gravy. Pair the dish with steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad for a fresh contrast. Warm baguette or crusty bread is perfect to mop up the cheesy sauce for a comforting meal.

This French Onion Chicken is a cozy, saucy weeknight dinner that feels special yet simple. Serve with mashed potatoes or warm bread to make the most of the gravy.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do you caramelize onions properly?

Sauté sliced onions slowly over medium-low heat with butter and olive oil, stirring occasionally until golden and sweet, about 25 to 30 minutes.

→ Can I use different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone melt well and complement the rich onion gravy flavor.

→ What is the best chicken cut for this dish?

Thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for even cooking and absorbing the gravy flavors.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well. Store covered in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop before serving.

→ What sides pair well with the chicken and gravy?

Mashed potatoes, rice, or toasted bread are great choices to soak up the flavorful onion gravy.

→ How do I thicken the onion gravy properly?

Sprinkle flour over caramelized onions, cook briefly, then gradually whisk in broth and simmer until thickened.