Chicken with French onion flavor baked in a bubbly casserole

This Chicken with French Onion Flavor Baked in a Bubbly Casserole is a super comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with the rich, savory taste of French onion soup. The casserole is creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or for feeding a crowd!

Here’s how to make it:

Chicken with French Onion Flavor Baked in a Bubbly Casserole

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup (or homemade if you prefer)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (for creaminess)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or Swiss for a more classic French onion flavor)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs (for topping)
• 1 tbsp butter, melted (for breadcrumbs)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little butter.

2. Brown the chicken:

   • Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried thyme (optional).
   • Brown the chicken on both sides for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden but not cooked through completely. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish.

3. Sauté the onions:

   • In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook on medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and caramelized (this brings out their sweetness).
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

4. Prepare the sauce:

   • To the caramelized onions and garlic, add the French onion soup and sour cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

5. Assemble the casserole:

   • Pour the onion mixture evenly over the browned chicken breasts in the baking dish, making sure the chicken is well-covered.
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

6. Make the breadcrumb topping:

   • In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with the melted butter and a pinch of salt.
   • Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, covering the cheese layer.

7. Bake the casserole:

   • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
   • If you want the breadcrumbs extra crispy, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.

8. Serve:

   • Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve with your favorite side, like mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad.

Tips & Variations:

• Chicken thighs: You can use bone-in chicken thighs if you want more flavor and juiciness, just be sure to adjust the cooking time.
• Make it even richer: For a creamier version, add cream cheese or heavy cream to the sauce mixture.
• Extra veggies: You can add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the casserole for added flavor and texture.
• Serving suggestion: This dish pairs beautifully with a side of crispy roasted vegetables, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a simple green bean almondine.

This Chicken with French Onion Flavor Baked in a Bubbly Casserole is an absolute winner. The combination of caramelized onions, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese makes it a comforting, irresistible meal that’s sure to please the whole family!