Looking for a delicious meal that combines the savory depth of classic French onion soup with the satisfying richness of tender chicken? This Creamy French Onion Skillet Chicken recipe is your answer. Featuring caramelized onions, tender chicken breasts (or thighs for those who prefer the juiciness they bring to the dish), and a creamy sauce that’s to die for, this dish is bound to become a favorite for the whole family. This Creamy French Onion Skillet Chicken a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful.

Jump to Recipe

**This post contains affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn a small commission by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated websites.

Ingredients Breakdown

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (2 lbs)

Opting for chicken thighs enhances the dish with their natural juiciness and flavor. Thighs are known for being more tender and forgiving in the cooking process compared to breasts. But skinless chicken breasts will work as well. They’re also a great source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

Yellow Onion (1 medium)

The heart of any French onion recipe, yellow onions are chosen for their perfect balance of sweet and savory. When caramelized, they release natural sugars, adding a depth of flavor that’s irreplaceable in this dish. Onions are also packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, supporting immune health.

Flour (2 tbsp)

Flour is used to thicken the sauce, ensuring it clings to the chicken and onions for maximum flavor in every bite. It acts as the base for creating a roux, which thickens the beef broth and consomme into a rich gravy.

Beef Consomme (8 oz)

This concentrated stock adds a robust depth to the dish, enhancing the flavor. Beef consomme is a clear liquid packed with meaty flavors, elevating the sauce to new heights.

Beef Broth (1/2 cup)

Working in tandem with the consomme, beef broth lightens the sauce slightly, providing the perfect consistency and adding additional layers of beefy flavor.

Heavy Cream (1/4 cup)

The addition of heavy cream introduces a luxurious creaminess to the sauce, making it rich and smooth. It also balances the savory notes of the onions and beef with a subtle sweetness. If you’re out of heavy cream, try substituting with sourcream!

Salt and Pepper

Essential for seasoning, salt and pepper (and even garlic powder) enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and onions. They’re simple but crucial ingredients for building the foundation of this dish.

Shredded Cheese

Adding 8oz of shredded cheese like Gruyere or Parmesan adds a gooey, melty texture and a nutty flavor that complements the creamy sauce. Cheese is not only delicious but offers calcium and protein.

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Begin by liberally seasoning both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. This not only flavors the meat but also helps to achieve a golden-brown crust.
In a large skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter or use olive oil. Once hot, place chicken breast or thighs in the pan. Sear chicken until its golden brown on each side, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. The goal is not to cook the chicken through but to develop a rich flavor via browning.
Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This makes room to cook the onions without overcrowding the pan.

Caramelize the Onions

Lower the heat to medium heat. In the same skillet, add the diced yellow onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become tender and achieve a deep caramel color. Caramelization is key for adding sweetness and depth to the dish, so take your time—this could take 15-20 minutes.
Stirring the onions occasionally ensures even caramelization without burning.

Create the Sauce Base

Sprinkle flour over the caramelized onions, stirring until the onions are well-coated and a thick paste forms. This roux will thicken the sauce.
Gradually pour in the beef broth and consomme, stirring constantly to incorporate the flour without forming lumps while also scraping the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. The continuous stirring helps blend the ingredients smoothly, ensuring a silky sauce.

Add Creaminess

Once the sauce starts to thicken and bubble, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream. The cream adds a luxurious richness and smooth texture to the dish. If you don’t have any heavy cream, sour cream will work.
Keep stirring until the sauce is homogenous.

french onion chicken — Just prior to covering it and placing it in the oven.

Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Ensure each piece is coated for maximum flavor absorption.
Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, about 30-45 minutes, depending on their size and your oven and how much chicken you have in your pan.

Add the Finishing Touch

Remove the skillet from the oven and uncover. Sprinkle your choice of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and sauce. Gruyere cheese, mozzarella and even parmesan cheese are fantastic options for this french onion chicken recipe.
Return the skillet to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden.

Serving

Let the dish cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This dish pairs beautifully with white rice, cauliflower rice, or even mashed potatoes, as they all complement the rich, creamy sauce. We love slathering it over our Bone Both Rice.
Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a burst of color and freshness if desired.

Why This Recipe Works

The best part of this skillet French onion chicken bake lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor achieved with just a few key ingredients. The slow caramelization of sweet onions, combined with the rich beef consomme and the smooth finish of heavy cream, makes for a creamy French onion chicken sauce that’s both comforting and indulgent. Plus, using boneless skinless chicken thighs ensures every bite is exceptionally tender and juicy, making this dish a satisfying main course that’s perfect for any night of the week. If you love all things french onion, check out our Homemade French Onion Soup!

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to the kitchen, this easy chicken dinner proves that you don’t need complicated techniques to create a delicious meal. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, this Creamy French Onion Skillet Chicken is destined to become one of your favorite recipes, delighting anyone who tries it with its delicious flavor and comforting warmth.