One-Pot French Onion Chicken (Printable view)

Cozy one-pot dish with caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy melted cheese for ultimate comfort.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.1 lbs), cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables

02 - 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme

→ Pasta

05 - 12 oz short pasta such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni

→ Broth and Liquids

06 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 4 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
09 - 1/2 cup dry white wine, optional, or substitute with additional broth
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Cheese

11 - 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
12 - 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
13 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

# How To Make:

01 - Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
02 - In the same pot, add remaining butter and sliced onions with a generous pinch of salt. Cook slowly over medium-low heat, stirring often, until onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
03 - Add minced garlic and thyme, then sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Pour in white wine if using and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let reduce by half, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
05 - Return cooked chicken to the pot. Add uncooked pasta and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
06 - Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches al dente texture and most liquid has been absorbed, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
07 - Stir in Gruyère and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
08 - Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top and optionally broil under oven for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
09 - Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh thyme.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Combines the flavors of iconic French onion soup into an easy one-pot meal.
  • Tender chicken and caramelized onions create rich savory depth.
  • The mix of Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses melts creamy and golden.
  • Comforting, hearty, and perfect for cozy dinners any night of the week.
02 -
  • Cook chicken pieces evenly to avoid overcooking or dryness.
  • Use fresh thyme leaves for a vibrant herb aroma; dried thyme works as a substitute.
  • Caramelize onions slowly on medium-low heat to unlock their sweetness.
  • Broiling at the end gives the cheese a perfect golden crust—watch carefully to avoid burning.
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