Name: French Onion Chicken with Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 large yellow onions (1 1/3 lbs), halved then thinly sliced 1/6"; 3 Tbsp butter; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic; 1 tsp minced fresh rosemary; 1 tsp minced fresh thyme; 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (homemade is best); 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch; 1 Tbsp low-sodium chicken broth (for cornstarch slurry); 4 (6 oz) chicken breasts, flattened with a meat mallet to even thickness; 1/3 cup flour; 1 Tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper to season; 3/4 cup (3 oz) shredded Gruyere cheese; 1/4 cup (0.5 oz) finely shredded Parmesan cheese

There’s something undeniably cozy about the rich sweetness of caramelized onions paired with tender chicken and gooey melted cheese. This French Onion Chicken with Cheese Recipe brings together all those elements into a comforting dish that feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough for weeknights.

A white round pot filled with four golden brown chicken pieces covered in melted white cheese with light orange sauce drizzled on top, all sitting in a thick brown onion sauce mixed with small green herbs scattered around. The pot rests on a dark green cloth over a wooden board, and some extra green herbs are scattered near the pot. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make French Onion Chicken with Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve French Onion Chicken with Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
French Onion Chicken with Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited every time I make this French Onion Chicken with Cheese Recipe. The melody of caramelized onions, herbs, and cheeses transforms simple chicken breasts into a meal that feels indulgent without fuss.

Amazing Flavor Depth: Long-simmered caramelized onions add a natural sweetness and complexity that elevates the dish far beyond typical chicken dinners.
Crisp and Tender: The chicken stays juicy inside with a lightly crisp, golden crust from dredging in flour and pan-searing perfectly.
Cheese Finish: Melting Gruyere and parmesan on top creates a rich, bubbly blanket of cheesy goodness that's truly irresistible.
Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s fancy enough for entertaining but easy enough for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

The image shows a close-up of a cooked dish in a cream-colored pot. The dish has several layers, starting with a base sauce of thick, brown caramelized onions. On top, there are pieces of golden-brown cooked meat with melted white cheese that is slightly browned and bubbly. Small green herb leaves are scattered over the cheese and sauce. The pot is on a white marbled surface, and there is a silver spoon with some sauce in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role in building those layered flavors and textures I love about this French Onion Chicken with Cheese Recipe. Fresh herbs and white wine bring brightness that balances the sweetness and richness, while the flour, butter, and cheeses guarantee a lovely texture.

Flat lay of two large halved yellow onions thinly sliced, a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow butter chunks, a small white ceramic bowl of minced fresh rosemary and thyme leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of minced garlic, a small white ceramic bowl filled with translucent dry white wine, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, four whole raw chicken breasts with smooth pink skin, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white flour, a small white ceramic bowl of white low-sodium chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded Gruyere cheese with a few curled pieces, a small white ceramic bowl of finely shredded Parmesan cheese with delicate flakes, a few scattered black peppercorns and coarse salt crystals, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Yellow onions: These are sweeter and ideal for caramelizing, which is the flavor backbone of the dish.
Butter: Adds richness and helps onions caramelize beautifully.
Garlic, rosemary, and thyme: These fresh aromatics layer in lovely herbal notes that brighten up the savory base.
Dry white wine: A splash here deglazes the pan and adds a subtle acidity that complements the sweet onions and rich chicken.
Chicken broth: Use low sodium or homemade for control over saltiness and a clean, savory flavor.
Cornstarch: Just enough to thicken the onion sauce for a silky finish.
Chicken breasts: Flattening helps cook them evenly and gently.
Flour: For dredging, it builds a light crust that seals in juices.
Olive oil: Adds color and a slight fruitiness when searing chicken.
Gruyere and parmesan cheeses: Melted together, they bring nuttiness, creaminess, and a bit of sharpness, making that cheesy topper heavenly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I often tweak this French Onion Chicken with Cheese Recipe depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. You can easily make it your own by switching up cheeses or herbs for a slightly different twist.

Variation: Sometimes I swap rosemary and thyme for sage and tarragon, which gives the sauce a little more earthiness and freshness—perfect for fall evenings.
Cheese Alternatives: If you can’t find Gruyere, a good Emmental or even a mild aged cheddar works beautifully as a melty topper.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the flour dredge and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version that still crisps nicely.

Step-by-Step: How I Make French Onion Chicken with Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the onions until juicy and golden

Start by melting butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions with a couple pinches of salt, which helps draw out moisture. Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes until the onions soften. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 30 more minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking or burning. The onions should be sweet, soft, and beautifully caramelized—this takes patience but is so worth it. Just be sure to scrape up the browned bits from the pan to add flavor. Toward the end, stir in garlic, rosemary, and thyme, cooking another minute to infuse those lovely aromas.

Step 2: Simmer the sauce with wine and broth to build flavor

Pour in the dry white wine and chicken broth to the onion mixture, scraping the pan’s bottom to loosen any caramelized bits. Bring it up to a simmer over medium heat, then turn it down to medium-low and let it bubble away gently for 15 minutes. This step reduces the liquid slightly and cooks off the alcohol, concentrating all those flavors. While the sauce simmers, your kitchen will smell incredible—trust me, it's truly a mood lifter!

Step 3: Perfectly sear the chicken for a golden crust

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Then dredge each piece in flour, shaking off excess—this simple step creates a slight crust that locks in moisture. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Cook 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reads 160°F. The chicken stays juicy inside, with a lovely sear outside. Once cooked, keep the skillet handy for the next step.

Step 4: Thicken the onion sauce and assemble

Whisk together cornstarch with a tablespoon of chicken broth, then stir it into the simmered onion mixture. Cook for another 30 seconds while whisking until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Pour this luscious sauce around the chicken in the skillet, surrounding each piece with the juicy caramelized onions.

Step 5: Broil cheese topping until bubbly and golden

Move your oven rack to the top third position and preheat the broiler. Generously sprinkle shredded Gruyere and parmesan cheeses over each chicken breast. Pop the skillet under the broiler for about 1 minute, watching closely so the cheese melts, bubbles, and lightly browns without burning. This final cheesy layer takes the dish over the top, adding a creamy, nutty finish.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this French Onion Chicken with Cheese Recipe turn out just right every time. These little tips help you avoid pitfalls and get the best texture and taste possible.

Patience with onions: Taking time to properly caramelize your onions is key—it’s what gives the dish its rich, deep flavor, so don’t rush this step.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: When cooking your chicken, give each piece enough room so it browns evenly instead of steaming.
Watch the broiler closely: Cheese can burn in an instant under high heat, so keep your eyes on it and remove as soon as it’s melted and just starting to bubble.
Use a meat mallet: Flattening the chicken breasts ensures they cook evenly and stay tender instead of drying out.

How to Serve French Onion Chicken with Cheese Recipe

French Onion Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this French Onion Chicken with Cheese Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley to add a splash of green and a hint of freshness. A drizzle of extra olive oil or a little cracked black pepper on top gives it a nice rustic touch and balances the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles—they soak up every bit of that luscious onion cheese sauce. Roasted green beans or a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette add a nice contrast and keep things fresh alongside this rich dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I sometimes plate individual portions in small cast iron skillets straight from the oven—it’s impressive to serve and keeps the dish warm longer. Another fun idea is layering on extra caramelized onions and a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving to make it feel extra indulgent and elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You’ll find the chicken stays juicy and the onion sauce keeps its flavor nicely when reheated.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well too—just pack cooked chicken and onion sauce together in a freezer-safe container. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the oven for best results.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and prevent drying. Covering the pan helps melt the cheese back to melty perfection without overcooking the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe without wine?

Absolutely! If you prefer to avoid alcohol, simply substitute the white wine with extra chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice to maintain some brightness in the sauce.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Gruyere is the classic choice because of its rich, nutty flavor and excellent melting quality, but you can also use Emmental, Comté, or even a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a different twist.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?

Flattening the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The chicken should be golden and juicy, not dry or overcooked.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The caramelized onion sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. When you’re ready, just reheat it gently, cook and sear the chicken fresh, then assemble and broil the cheese topping before serving.

Final Thoughts

I truly think this French Onion Chicken with Cheese Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s full of layers—from the sweet caramelized onions to the tender seared chicken and that perfectly melted cheese. I love making it when I want to treat myself or impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. I hope you find it just as satisfying, comforting, and delicious as I do—give it a try and make it your own!