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Pioneer Woman French Onion Chicken Casserole

Pioneer Woman French Onion Chicken Casserole - recipe card
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This hearty casserole combines tender chicken, deeply caramelized onions, and a rich, savory sauce, all topped with melted Gruyère cheese over toasted baguette pieces. It delivers the comforting flavors of classic French onion soup in a satisfying one-dish meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 large yellow onions (about 1.5 lb), thinly sliced into half-moons
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large), cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc) or extra chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
  • 4 oz Gruyère cheese, grated (about 1 cup)
  • 4 oz baguette, torn into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a rack in the upper third of the oven. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish or a 3-quart casserole dish.
  2. In a large skillet (12-inch) over medium heat, melt the butter until it foams and begins to brown, about 2 minutes. Add the sliced onions and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent, then reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 15-20 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the onions are deeply golden brown and reduced to about 1 cup. This caramelization builds the base flavor – be patient, do not rush it.
  3. Season the chicken pieces with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and the pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet with the onions and cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring sometimes, until the chicken is golden on the outside and just cooked through (no longer pink inside, 165°F / 74°C). Remove the skillet from heat.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and onions, stirring to coat evenly. Cook over medium heat for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste, then slowly pour in the chicken broth and white wine, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
  5. Add the Worcestershire sauce and thyme. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring often. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
  6. Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated, then fold in half of the grated Gruyère cheese (about 1/2 cup) until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Transfer the chicken-onion mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. In a small bowl, toss the torn baguette pieces with the olive oil and a pinch of salt.
  8. Scatter the remaining grated Gruyère cheese over the casserole, then arrange the baguette pieces on top in a single layer. Gently press the bread into the cheese so it stays moistened by the sauce.
  9. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, until the filling is bubbly around the edges and the bread is golden and toasted. The internal temperature of the casserole should be at least 165°F (74°C).
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and the flavors to meld.
  11. Serve hot, garnished with extra thyme leaves if desired. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors and the contrasting textures of tender chicken, soft onions, and crisp-chewy bread.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing: Freeze the unbaked casserole (without bread topping) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. If reheating a portion in the microwave, cover and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. The bread topping will soften upon reheating; for a crispy finish, broil for 1-2 minutes after reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: french onion chicken casserole, pioneer woman casserole, chicken casserole, french onion soup casserole, baked chicken dish, caramelized onion chicken, comfort food, weeknight dinner, cheesy chicken, baguette topping

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-french-onion-chicken-casserole/