French Onion Chicken Bake

French Onion Chicken Bake

from theseasonedmom.com
40 min

This French Onion Chicken Bake takes all of your favorite flavors from a classic bowl of French onion soup and turns them into a hearty casserole!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 lb. Vidalia onions, or other sweet onions, thinly sliced ((about 2 medium onions))
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves ((or about ¼ teaspoon dried thyme))
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced or pressed
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 cups cooked, diced or shredded chicken ((such as the meat from a rotisserie chicken))
  • 1 cup chicken stock or beef broth
  • 9 slices crusty French baguette (or other similar bread), sliced about ½-inch thick
  • 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese ((or sub with grated Swiss cheese))
  • Optional, for serving: chopped fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 475°F. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast lightly in the oven, about 4-5 minutes. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, in a medium ovenproof skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions and season with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened, about 3-5 minutes.

  3. 3

    Remove the lid, stir in the thyme and garlic, and continue to cook and stir until the onions are deep golden brown, about 15 minutes. As the onions cook, add a tablespoon of water; stir. Once the water evaporates, repeat the process with additional tablespoons of water. This prevents the onions and garlic from burning, and it speeds up the caramelization.

  4. 4

    Add the vinegar and Worcestershire sauce; cook for 1 more minute.

  5. 5

    Stir in the chicken and broth; taste and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from the heat.

  6. 6

    Turn the oven to “BROIL.”

  7. 7

    Arrange the toasted bread slices on top of the chicken and onion mixture. Sprinkle the cheese over top.

  8. 8

    Place the skillet under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes, until the cheese melts and starts to brown.

  9. 9

    Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.