Description
This French Onion Chicken is dairy-free yet rich in flavor, with caramelized onions and juicy chicken in a savory sauce. Easy and delicious!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the French Onion Sauce:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or dairy-free butter)
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon coconut aminos (or soy sauce for umami)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Dairy-Free Cheese Alternative (Optional):
- 1/2 cup dairy-free mozzarella or Parmesan cheese substitute (optional, for a cheesy topping)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove and set aside.
-
Caramelize the Onions:
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
- After 10 minutes, stir in balsamic vinegar and coconut aminos.
- Cook for another 10 minutes until onions are deep golden brown.
-
Make the French Onion Sauce:
- Add thyme, salt, and black pepper to the caramelized onions.
- Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
-
Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the onion sauce.
- Cover and let simmer for 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- If using a dairy-free cheese alternative, sprinkle it over the top and let it melt.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or gluten-free pasta.
Notes
- Caramelize the onions slowly – Enhances natural sweetness.
- Deglaze the pan – Scrape up browned bits for extra depth of flavor.
- Use high-quality broth – A good beef or chicken broth makes a difference.
- Let the sauce reduce – Concentrates flavors for a richer taste.
- Don’t overcook the chicken – Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C).
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 35minutes