Braised French Onion Chicken with Gruyère Croutons
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Ever get that craving for French Onion Soup? But you want something more substantial? This Dinner Recipe: Braised French Onion will knock your socks off! Honestly, it's like a warm hug in a bowl, but with French Onion Chicken .
French Onion Soup… but Chicken!
This isn't your average chicken dish. This Braised Chicken Recipe takes classic French Onion Soup flavors and brings them to tender chicken thighs.
Think rich, sweet caramelized onions, savory herbs, and a touch of sherry. It’s a real treat.
Quick & Easy (ish)
Originally a rustic French staple, this dish is pure comfort. It is a medium level recipe. Prep takes about 30 minutes, and cooking takes 1 hour 15 minutes.
This One-Pot Chicken Dinner will serve four hungry people. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
Why You'll Love This
The French Onion Soup Chicken is packed with protein from the chicken. Onions, believe it or not, are good for you too! Serve it any day.
The dish is special because it feels fancy but is simple. It uses easy-to-find ingredients. It’s like getting a Michelin star meal without the Michelin star price tag.
The best thing about this recipe is that you can basically throw everything in one pot and let it work its magic! What's better than that? Moving on, let's talk about the yummy Chicken Braised in Onion Gravy ingredients.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road
Right, so you're itching to try this Dinner Recipe: Braised French Onion sensation? Ace! It's seriously easy. The flavour? Oh my gosh.
It tastes like French Onion Soup Chicken , but even better. No need to overthink it, let’s dive into the stuff you'll need.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
Here’s what you need, down to the nitty gritty. No fudging here!
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 680g )
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ( 15ml )
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter ( 14g )
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 2 lbs / 900g )
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme ( 5ml )
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary ( 2.5ml )
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) ( 1.25ml )
- 1/2 cup dry sherry ( 120ml ) a dry white wine works too.
- 4 cups chicken broth ( 950ml )
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste.
- 4 slices crusty bread, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30ml )
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (about 4 oz / 113g )
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the chicken, you really want plump, juicy thighs. Fresh is best, obviously. Nobody wants sad, pale supermarket Chicken Thigh Recipe .
Also, make sure the onions are firm. No one likes a dodgy onion.
Seasoning Notes: Pimp Up the Flavour
Seriously, French Onion Chicken is all about the onions. Thyme and rosemary? Essential. They really bring out the earthiness. Red pepper flakes? Totally optional, but it adds a little kick .
Oh, and don't skimp on the salt and pepper, yeah?
If you haven't got sherry, any dry white wine will do. Sauvignon Blanc is always a good bet. Think of those flavour enhancers as the secret sauce to elevate the flavour.
Equipment Needed: Nothing Fancy, Promise!
Listen, you don't need a ton of gear. This is Easy Braised Chicken , not rocket science!
- Large Dutch oven or pot with a lid. Seriously, just a big pot!
- Large skillet.
- Cutting board.
- Chef's knife.
Don’t have a Dutch oven? A big, heavy pot will do the trick. The skillet is for the croutons. If you don't have one of those, you could use a frying pan.
Easy peasy! This One-Pot Chicken Dinner is gonna be a smash, honestly. Get ready for some serious flavour! We are making Chicken Braised in Onion Gravy so we need that big pot.
Cooking Method
Alright, let's dive into the heart of this Dinner Recipe: Braised French Onion . It's not just chucking things in a pot, it's a proper technique.
We're talking about braising , a method that makes tough cuts tender and infuses flavor like nobody's business. This Braised Chicken Recipe using French Onion Soup Chicken magic.
You're gonna love this One-Pot Chicken Dinner .
Prep Steps Get Your Act Together
First things first, mise en place, yeah? It sounds fancy, but it just means getting everything ready before you start.
Chop those onions, measure out your spices. I cannot stress this enough: slice the 2 large yellow onions thinly. Honestly, prepping well makes all the difference.
Also, have the 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs ready to go. This prep is essential for Easy Braised Chicken .
Time Saving Tip : Chop the onions while the oven preheats to 350° F ( 175° C). Kills two birds with one stone, right? Be careful when using the knife, alright?.
step-by-step Process Let's Do This
Season the 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Don't be shy!
Sear the chicken in 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in your Dutch oven until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan!
Add those thinly sliced 2 large yellow onions to the Dutch oven. Cook over medium low heat, stirring occasionally, until they're deeply caramelized. This will take about 30- 40 minutes .
Stir in the 2 cloves garlic , 1 teaspoon dried thyme , 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary , and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of a kick) and cook for another minute.
Deglaze with 1/2 cup dry sherry , scraping up all those yummy browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Mmm, flavour!
Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and add the 1 bay leaf . Bring it to a simmer.
Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and braise in the oven for 30- 40 minutes , or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .
That's safe eating, mate!
Pro Tips - Secrets to Success
Don’t rush the caramelization. Low and slow is the key. I remember once trying to speed it up and burnt the onions to a crisp.
Disaster! Use good quality chicken broth to maximise that French Onion Chicken flavour.
Common Mistake: Forgetting to season the chicken properly. This Onion Chicken really shines when the Chicken is seasoned well
Want to make-ahead? Braise the chicken ahead of time, cool it, and store it in the fridge. Make the Gruyère Croutons just before serving for maximum crispiness.
The Chicken Braised in Onion Gravy will taste amazing no matter when you make it. This Chicken Thigh Recipe is a winner, trust me.
Top it with these amazing Gruyere Chicken Recipe croutons!
Alright, let's dive deeper into this incredible Dinner Recipe: Braised French Onion Chicken! This recipe isn’t just food; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Seriously, it is total comfort food.
Recipe Notes: The Secret Sauce to Success
Honestly, these are the bits that elevate this from "just a recipe" to "restaurant quality deliciousness". French Onion Soup Chicken, is a winner every time!
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Right, presentation matters. Ladle that gorgeous Chicken Braised in Onion Gravy into a nice bowl. Top with the Gruyère croutons.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Boom! It looks fancy. For sides, I always reckon that creamy mashed potatoes are perfect. Alternatively, try cauliflower mash.
Fancy a drink? A crisp white wine is superb.
Storage Tips: Keeping the Magic Alive
Leftovers? Lucky you! This Braised Chicken Recipe keeps well. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Fancy freezing some? No problem! But freeze it separately from the croutons. For reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Make the croutons fresh to keep them crispy.
Variations: Making it Your Own
Feel free to experiment! One pot Chicken Dinner recipes like this are versatile. Need it gluten-free? Just use gluten-free bread for the croutons.
Going veggie? Swap the chicken for big chunks of mushroom. Suddenly, it’s a French Onion mushroom stew. Easy peasy.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Okay, quick and dirty nutrition rundown. This Chicken Thigh Recipe offers loads of protein. Expect a fair bit of fat from the braising and cheese.
But hey, it's all about balance. It is approximately 550 calories per serving. Plus, onions are good for you. Did you know that studies have shown that onions can reduce inflammation and boost your immune system? This meal is practically a health food.
(Well, sort of!). This Gruyere Chicken Recipe is just that good
So there you have it! All the extra bits to make your Easy Braised Chicken experience even better. Now get cooking, and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Caramelizing onions takes ages! Is there a shortcut for this Dinner Recipe: Braised French Onion Chicken?
Alright, I hear you. Caramelizing onions does require patience, a bit like queuing for the loo at Glastonbury. While there's no true shortcut, make sure your pan is evenly heated and don't overcrowd it. Adding a pinch of salt at the start helps draw out moisture and speed things up a tad.
Just promise me you won't rush them completely they're the heart and soul of the dish!
Can I make this Braised French Onion Chicken dinner recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is actually fantastic made a day or two in advance. The flavors meld together even more beautifully as it sits in the fridge, a bit like a good stew. Just cool it completely before refrigerating in an airtight container, and reheat gently on the stovetop.
I'd recommend making the Gruyère croutons just before serving to keep them lovely and crispy, though. If they're a bit soft pop them under the broiler for a minute or two.
What can I use instead of sherry in this recipe? I don't have any in the drinks cabinet.
No sherry, no worries! A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works perfectly as a substitute. You could also use chicken broth, though it won't add quite the same depth of flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, a splash of balsamic vinegar (just a teaspoon or so!) can add a lovely tang.
Make sure you taste and adjust seasoning to taste.
I'm trying to be a bit healthier; any tips for lightening up this Dinner Recipe: Braised French Onion?
You're in luck, you can make a lightened up version! To cut calories, you could use chicken breasts instead of thighs (just reduce the braising time) and use a low-sodium chicken broth. You can also go easy on the Gruyère on the croutons.
Serve with a side of steamed green beans instead of mashed potatoes for a guilt free but still delicious meal.
How long will leftovers of this braised chicken keep?
Leftovers of this Braised French Onion Chicken will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it down before you put it away. Reheat thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave. I wouldn't recommend freezing the croutons, as they can become soggy.
Braised French Onion Chicken With Gruyere Crouto
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 4g |