French Onion Chicken Gravy

This French Onion Chicken recipe transforms simple ingredients into a warming meal. Tender chicken cutlets are simmered in a velvety onion gravy and finished with bubbly, golden cheese for a dish that feels comforting yet special. It is perfect for chilly weeks or anytime you crave bistro flavors at home.

During a busy weeknight last winter, I made this on a whim and my family now requests it for Sunday dinner. The sauce alone makes you want to scrape the plate clean.

Ingredients

• Large yellow onion: sliced thin for the foundation of rich flavor look for onions that feel heavy for their size and have crisp papery skins
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: sliced thinly to cook evenly and stay juicy use fresh not frozen when possible for best texture
• Olive oil: helps achieve that golden sear and prevents sticking choose extra virgin for best taste
• Butter: brings richness to the onion gravy and smooths out bold flavors
• All purpose flour: thickens the sauce to a perfect creamy consistency sift before measuring for accuracy
• Mozzarella cheese: creates a melty cheesy blanket on top freshly shredded melts the best
• Beef broth: infuses deep savory notes with every bite use low sodium and adjust salt to taste
• Worcestershire sauce: adds tang and savory complexity a little goes a long way
• Beefy onion soup mix: speeds up flavor development and brings that classic French onion taste
• Seasoned salt: provides balanced seasoning for chicken and sauce pick a blend that is salt and herb forward
• Onion powder: intensifies the onion theme and makes the dish extra aromatic
• Garlic powder: adds a subtle background note for depth be sure your powder is fresh and fragrant
• Black pepper: gives just enough heat and aroma to balance the richness use freshly cracked pepper for the best punch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken:

Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and slice into even thin cutlets so they cook quickly and evenly. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over both sides and rub in with your hands to coat. In a small bowl mix seasoned salt onion powder garlic powder and freshly ground black pepper together. Sprinkle the mixture generously over both sides of the chicken making sure to cover every surface.

Sear the Chicken:

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Once the oil shimmers add the chicken cutlets without crowding the pan. Cook each cutlet for about four to five minutes per side until a nice golden crust forms and the internal temperature reaches one hundred sixty five degrees. Remove the cooked cutlets to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Caramelize the Onions:

Lower the heat to medium low before adding two teaspoons olive oil plus the butter to the same skillet. As soon as they melt add in the sliced onions and stir them to coat in the fat. Let the onions cook down slowly stirring every few minutes. It will take about twenty five to thirty minutes for the onions to caramelize into a deep golden brown and develop sweet flavor.

Make the Gravy:

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the caramelized onions and stir to fully combine. Let the mixture cook for an additional two to three minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and add Worcestershire sauce and beefy onion soup mix. Stir well to dissolve any lumps then let the sauce simmer for several minutes until thickened into a silky gravy.

Finish and Cheese:

Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the pan nesting them in the onion gravy. Spoon some of the onions and gravy over the top of each piece. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese across the chicken. Cover the skillet and let everything cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly serve straight from the pan over mashed potatoes or with warm crusty bread.

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My favorite part of this recipe is stirring the onions as they turn golden and sweet because the kitchen always fills with the coziest aroma. My kids love to take turns adding the cheese topping just before serving.

Storage Tips

Leftovers hold up perfectly in the fridge for three days. Let the dish cool down before transferring it to airtight containers. For best results reheat gently on the stove over low heat adding a splash of broth to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. This recipe can also be frozen but wait to add the cheese until reheating for a fresh melt.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have mozzarella try provolone or Swiss for an even more classic French onion experience. Chicken thighs can replace breasts for a juicier bite and you can swap out beef broth for chicken or vegetable broth if needed. For a gluten free version use a trusted gluten free flour blend in place of all purpose flour.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this French Onion Chicken over creamy mashed potatoes rice or buttered noodles to soak up every bit of gravy. Pair with steamed green beans or a crisp salad for a balanced plate. Warm baguette or crusty bread on the side makes it extra hearty and helps mop up all that cheesy sauce.

A Nod to French Inspiration

This American comfort dish is inspired by the flavors of classic French onion soup with its sweet onions and broiled cheese. The switch to skillet chicken makes it weeknight friendly yet the finished meal still feels a little fancy. Every forkful reminds me of a cozy evening at a neighborhood bistro.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you get onions caramelized properly?

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

→ Can you use different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone also melt well and complement the deep flavor of the onion gravy.

→ What cut of chicken works best?

Thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide even cooking and absorb the flavors of the gravy nicely.

→ Can this be made ahead of time?

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

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Try serving with mashed potatoes, rice, or toasted bread to soak up the flavorful onion gravy.

→ How do you thicken the onion gravy?

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