Looking for a rich, savory, and deeply flavorful chicken dish that brings all the comforting goodness of classic French onion soup—without the beef or carbs? This French Onion Chicken is exactly what you need. With tender baked chicken, caramelized onions, bold broth, and a golden cheese topping, this low-carb comfort dish delivers all the warmth of traditional French onion fare—but in a lighter, keto-friendly format.
Perfect for weeknight dinners , meal prep , or when you’re craving something hearty but healthy, this easy-to-make recipe uses simple ingredients like boneless chicken breasts, onions, broth, and cheese to bring bold restaurant-style flavor into your kitchen. Whether you’re following a ketogenic diet , doing low-carb eating , or simply love cheesy, oniony dishes, this French onion chicken will quickly become a favorite in your weekly rotation.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this perfect French onion chicken from scratch , explore ingredient substitutions, offer serving ideas, and answer your most common questions. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This French Onion Chicken
This isn’t just any old baked chicken—it’s a cheesy, onion-packed delight made with real ingredients that bring bold flavor and satisfying texture together beautifully.
Here’s why it stands out:
- 🍗 Tender, juicy chicken : Baked to perfection without drying out.
- 🧅 Slow-caramelized onions : Sweet, rich, and deeply savory.
- 🧀 Golden cheese topping : Melted Gruyère or mozzarella gives that classic broiled finish.
- 🍲 Comfort food vibes : Brings all the warmth of French onion soup to dinner.
- ⏱️ Ready in under an hour
- 🧁 Great for family dinners or meal prep
- 🧼 Easy cleanup : One pan or oven-safe skillet = minimal mess!
Whether you’re making it for yourself, your kids, or guests at a dinner party, this French onion chicken will quickly become a go-to comfort dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
For the Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter or coconut oil
- 1 tsp sugar-free sweetener or erythritol (to help caramelize)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or dried rosemary
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For the Broth Layer:
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or bone broth
- 1 tbsp dry sherry or brandy (optional, for depth)
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère, Swiss, or mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
- Fresh thyme leaves or chives for garnish
Optional: Serve with toasted low-carb bread or keto baguette slices for dipping.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) . Use an oven-safe skillet or baking dish that can go from stovetop to oven.
Tip: Cast iron pans work best for even browning and heat retention.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Season chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Remove and set aside—no need to fully cook the chicken yet.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
Add butter to the same skillet and reduce heat to medium-low.
Add sliced onions and sprinkle with salt and sugar-free sweetener.
Cook slowly for 20–25 minutes , stirring occasionally, until deep golden and soft.
Stir in garlic and herbs during the last few minutes of cooking.
Pro Tip: Don’t rush the caramelization—it builds the signature flavor!
Step 4: Deglaze and Build Flavor
Pour in the chicken broth and optional sherry or brandy.
Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra richness.
Let simmer for 5–7 minutes to infuse flavors.
Return the chicken to the pan, spooning some broth over the top.
Step 5: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the caramelized onions generously with shredded Gruyère or mozzarella.
Finish with Parmesan if desired.
Place the skillet or dish under the broiler and bake for 3–5 minutes , or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Watch closely—cheese browns fast!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm straight from the pan or transfer to plates.
Pair with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted cauliflower for a full meal.
Enjoy every cheesy, oniony bite of your French Onion Chicken !
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 4 Servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~300 kcal |
| Total Fat | ~18 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~6 g |
| Cholesterol | ~70 mg |
| Sodium | ~400 mg |
| Total Carbs | ~8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | ~1 g |
| Net Carbs | ~7 g |
| Protein | ~25 g |
Note: Values may vary based on exact measurements and optional add-ins.
Tips for the Best French Onion Chicken
- Use thick-cut chicken – Ensures juiciness and holds up well to the onions.
- Don’t skip slow caramelizing – It builds natural sweetness and depth.
- Deglaze with wine or vinegar – Adds richness and complexity to the sauce.
- Broil at the end – Helps achieve that golden, melty cheese crust.
- Make ahead and reheat – Flavors intensify overnight; store in fridge for up to 3 days.
Variations & Customizations
Want to switch things up? Try these tasty variations:
Low-Carb Option
Use bone broth and dairy-based cheese for a keto-friendly version.
Vegetarian Version
Replace chicken with mushrooms or eggplant slices for a plant-based twist.
Beef or Pork Lovers
Swap chicken for steak slices or pork tenderloin for a meaty upgrade.
Spicy Kick
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the broth before baking.
Vegan Option
Use vegan cheese and mushroom slices instead of chicken for a dairy-free version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this truly keto-friendly?
Yes! With only ~7g net carbs per serving , it fits perfectly within a ketogenic lifestyle.
Can I use frozen onions?
You can, but fresh onions give the best caramelization and depth of flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days . Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
What kind of cheese should I use?
Gruyère or Swiss melts best and adds authentic French onion flavor. Mozzarella also works well for stretch.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the onions first, then cook the chicken and onions on low for 4–6 hours. Add cheese under the broiler before serving.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This French Onion Chicken works because of its perfect balance of textures and bold flavors:
- The slow-cooked onions deliver natural sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- The chicken stays moist and soaks up the savory broth while baking.
- And the golden cheese topping adds richness and crunch , completing the flavor profile.
It’s the kind of dish that makes eating clean feel indulgent—because it tastes so good.
Serving Suggestions
Looking for creative ways to serve your French onion chicken beyond just a plate? Here are some ideas:
Over Greens
Top arugula or kale with warm chicken and onions for a heartier salad.
With Dipping Bread
Serve with keto bread, sourdough, or Parmesan crisps for sopping up the broth.
In Lettuce Cups
Wrap everything in large lettuce leaves for a handheld option.
At a Party
Cut into strips and arrange on a platter with toothpicks for appetizer bites.
As Leftover Bowls
Pair with mashed cauliflower or roasted carrots for a balanced lunch.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Let’s take a quick look at the health benefits of what makes this dish special:
Chicken Breast
High in lean protein, supports muscle growth and satiety.
Caramelized Onions
Contain prebiotic fiber and anti-inflammatory compounds—great for digestion.
Bone Broth
Packed with collagen and amino acids—supports joint and gut health.
Even though this is a comfort-style dish, it’s packed with nutrients that make it more than just a treat—it’s a smart addition to your balanced lifestyle when enjoyed mindfully.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Comfort Dish for Chicken Lovers
This French Onion Chicken proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy or complicated. With its tender meat, golden onions, and gooey cheese finish, it’s the kind of dish that turns simple chicken into something magical.
Whether you’re new to keto, looking for a cozy dinner idea, or want to impress with homemade flair, this chicken deserves a spot in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, customizable, and loved by kids and adults alike.
So go ahead—whip up a batch, share it with family, or savor it solo. Either way, you’re treating yourself to something worth celebrating.
Print
French Onion Chicken – Savory, Cheesy & Perfectly Comforting!
- Total Time: 35 mins
Description
Savory caramelized onions and tender chicken create a delightful dish.
Ingredients
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 2 medium onions, sliced (yellow or white)
– 3 tablespoons beef broth
– 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
– 2 teaspoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup fat-free beef broth (reduced sodium)
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 4 slices Sargento Ultra Thin provolone cheese
– 2 tablespoons freshly chopped chives (optional)
Instructions
1. Add butter to pan. Melt.
2. Add sliced onions and 3 tablespoons of beef broth.
3. Cook the onions on low heat (between 1 and 5) for 20 to 30 minutes or until they are caramelized.
4. Remove the onions from the pan and transfer them to a dish.
5. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness.
6. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Add to skillet and cook 5 to 7 minutes on each side until cooked through (165°F).
7. Remove chicken and set aside.
8. Add French onions back to skillet with cornstarch and beef broth. Whisk until combined; sauce thickens after 2 minutes.
9. Return chicken to skillet and cook in sauce for 3 to 4 minutes.
10. Top each chicken breast with a slice of provolone cheese, cover, and melt cheese.
11. Garnish with cracked black pepper or chives.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 358
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 26g