Braised French Onion Chicken with Gruyère

This Braised French Onion Chicken with Gruyère combines tender chicken thighs and caramelized onions under a layer of melted Gruyère cheese for a cozy dinner experience.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 20

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Cozy Dinners

Cuisine: French

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Onions

3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter Essential for rich flavor and browning.
3 large Yellow Onions Sweet varieties work best for caramelization.
1 pinch Baking Soda Helps onions caramelize quicker by increasing pH.
1 tsp Kosher Salt Enhances sweetness during cooking.
1 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper Adds a nice kick to balance sweetness.

For the Chicken

2 Tbsp Olive Oil Perfect for browning the chicken thighs.
1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs Juicy and tender for braising.

For the Braise

2 cups Low-Sodium Chicken or Beef Broth Keeps the dish savory without excess salt.
2 Tbsp Dijon Mustard Adds a subtle tang that complements sweetness.
2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar Provides depth and a hint of acidity.
2 cloves Garlic Minced for aromatic flavor.
4 sprigs Fresh Thyme Aromatic herb that enhances overall flavor.
1 sprig Fresh Rosemary Adds a woodsy note to the dish.

For the Topping

5 oz Shredded Gruyère Cheese Melts beautifully, creating a rich topping.
1/4 cup Coarsely Chopped Fresh Parsley Freshens up the dish when garnished.

Equipment

large pot
separate pan

Method

Cooking Steps

In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced yellow onions along with a pinch of baking soda. Cook until the onions are a beautiful golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
Sprinkle in the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to the caramelized onions. This seasoning will help enhance their natural sweetness for that lovely depth of flavor.
In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs and brown them on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Once the chicken is nicely browned, transfer it into the pot with the caramelized onions. The flavors will blend beautifully as they cook together!
Pour in the low-sodium chicken or beef broth, then mix in the Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic. Stir to combine all those rich flavors.
Toss in the fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and let it braise gently for 60 minutes. The chicken will become incredibly tender!
When the cooking time is up, uncover the pot and sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese on top. Allow the cheese to melt deliciously before serving.
Finally, garnish with coarsely chopped fresh parsley right before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 280mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Optional: Serve with crusty bread to soak up every delightful drop.

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