Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the hearty flavors of caramelized onions, mushrooms, and chicken for a satisfying meal.
- Perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet flavors.
- Easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients.
- Versatile enough to pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite vegetables.
- Comfort food at its finest, ready in just over 30 minutes!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the onions until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms and thyme, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until softened.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, combining all the flavors.
- Place the chicken back into the skillet, spooning the onion-mushroom mixture over each piece.
- Top each chicken piece with shredded cheese. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving
Variations
- Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella or Swiss with Gruyère or provolone for a richer flavor.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with thick slices of portobello mushrooms or eggplant for a meat-free version.
- Herb Enhancements: Add fresh rosemary or a pinch of sage for an aromatic touch.
- Creamy Addition: Stir in a splash of heavy cream with the chicken broth for a creamier sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully and provide a juicier result. Adjust cooking time as needed.
2. What sides pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad make excellent accompaniments.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the onion-mushroom mixture and sear the chicken in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving.
4. What other cheeses can I use?
Gruyère, provolone, or even Parmesan are great options.
5. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your chicken broth is gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
6. Can I use dried mushrooms?
Yes, rehydrate them before use, but fresh mushrooms provide the best flavor and texture.
7. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
8. Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.
9. What can I use instead of chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or even a splash of white wine can be a great substitute.
10. How do I caramelize onions perfectly?
Cook the onions slowly over medium heat with butter, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown. Avoid high heat to prevent burning.
Conclusion
French Onion Smothered Chicken with Mushrooms is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress. With its rich caramelized onions, tender chicken, and gooey cheese, it’s a meal that will quickly become a household favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe offers flexibility and endless opportunities to customize to your taste. Enjoy!
French Onion Smothered Chicken with Mushrooms
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
French Onion Smothered Chicken with Mushrooms is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with caramelized onions, savory mushrooms, and melted cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests, this easy recipe is packed with rich flavors and takes just 35 minutes to make!
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté onions until caramelized (10 minutes).
- Add mushrooms and thyme, cooking 5 minutes more until softened.
- Pour in chicken broth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to combine flavors.
- Return chicken to skillet, spooning onion-mushroom mixture on top.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken. Transfer skillet to the oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Cheese Variations: Try Gruyère, provolone, or Parmesan for added flavor.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the onion-mushroom mixture and sear the chicken in advance. Assemble and bake before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
