French Onion Chicken Casserole Coq au Vins Cozy Cousin

French Onion Chicken Casserole Coq Au Vins Cozy

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:25 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 900g / 2 lbs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (5g)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (2.5g)
• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 900g / 2 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (5g)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (2.5g)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.25g)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1.25g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (16g)
• 1 cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) (240 ml)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (480 ml)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (15 ml)
• 1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds (about 12 slices)
• 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese (about 225g / 8 oz)

Instructions:

• Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs on both sides until golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
• Add butter and olive oil to the skillet. Add sliced onions, brown sugar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown (about 30-40 minutes).
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle flour over the onions and cook for 1 minute more.
• Gradually pour in white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine reduce slightly.
• Pour in chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
• Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them among the onions.
• Arrange baguette slices on top of the chicken and onions. Sprinkle generously with shredded Gruyere cheese.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:600

Fat:30g

Fiber:5g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:French

Recipe Introduction: French Onion Chicken Casserole

Fancy something proper lush tonight? Honestly, have you ever craved comfort food and sophisticated flavours all in one dish? Well, grab your apron, because this French Onion Chicken Casserole recipe is about to become your new best friend.

This Onion Chicken Casserole is like giving your taste buds a warm, cheesy hug.

Quick Hook

Ever wondered if French Onion Chicken was a thing? Yes, yes it is! My version is a take on a Chicken Casserole with that classic sweet onion and savory flavor.

Imagine diving into tender chicken nestled in caramelized onions, topped with bubbly Gruyere.

Brief Overview

This French Onion Chicken Bake takes inspiration from French Onion soup. It brings that same rich flavor to a hearty casserole.

Originating from my desire to simplify French flavors, this recipe is medium difficulty. It takes around 1 hour 10 minutes to make and serves six.

Main Benefits

Beyond the insane deliciousness, this Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe packs a protein punch. It's perfect for a family dinner on a chilly evening or a potluck with mates.

What makes this casserole special is how it elevates humble ingredients into a dish fit for a king or queen! This Comfort Food Casserole is a game changer.

Time to gather your ingredients! I love the combination of flavors in this dish. A green salad is a nice complement to the richness.

Right then, let's talk about what you need to nail this French Onion Chicken Casserole

Ingredients & Equipment: What You'll Need

This Onion Chicken Casserole recipe is surprisingly straightforward. Don't let the French Onion bit scare you. Honestly, most of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen.

Think of it as an Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe .

Main Ingredients - Let's Get Specific

• Chicken: You'll want 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs ( about 900g / 2 lbs ). Quality chicken is key! Look for thighs that are plump and pink, not pale or slimy.
• Onions: Grab 3 large yellow onions ( about 900g / 2 lbs ). The sweeter, the better for that caramelization.
• Butter & Oil: 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter ( 28g ) and 1 tablespoon of olive oil ( 15 ml ) – for starting off those gorgeous onions.
• Brown Sugar: 1 teaspoon ( 5g ) – just a touch to help those onions get all sticky and delicious.
• Thyme, Salt & Pepper: ½ teaspoon of dried thyme ( 2.5g ), 1/4 teaspoon each of salt ( 1.25g ) and pepper ( 1.25g ).
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Go for fresh garlic, it makes a big difference!
• Flour: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ( 16g ). This helps thicken the sauce.
• Wine: 1 cup of dry white wine ( 240 ml ). A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works great. If you don't have wine, you can sub with more chicken broth and a squeeze of lemon.
• Broth: 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth ( 480 ml ). Low-sodium is best, so you control the salt.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ). Don't skip this! It adds a lovely depth of flavor.
• Baguette: 1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds ( about 12 slices). Day-old bread works best, so it doesn't get too soggy.
• Gruyere: 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese ( about 225g / 8 oz ). This is the star of the show! Gruyere has this nutty, rich flavor that’s perfect for a French Onion Chicken Bake. If you can't find Gruyere, Emmental or Swiss cheese work too.

Seasoning Notes: A Little Magic

Good Comfort Food Casserole needs good seasoning. Don't be afraid to experiment! Thyme is essential. It gives that classic French onion flavour.

A little sprinkle of dried herbs de Provence will enhance the flavors even more Worcestershire sauce is your umami bomb.

It's a lifesaver when you want flavor.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

This is what you will need for this One-Pan Chicken Dinner

• Oven-Safe Skillet: You need a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven (minimum 12-inch diameter). This is crucial, as everything goes in here!
• Chopping Board & Knife: Obvious, really, for chopping those onions.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate measurements.
• Tongs: For handling the chicken.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring those onions – a spatula works too.

That's all there is to it. Prep your ingredients, and you're halfway there! Honestly, even I get intimidated by long ingredient lists, but this French Onion Chicken is so worth it.

Once you taste that cheesy, onion-y goodness, you'll be hooked!.

Okay, let's get this French Onion Chicken Casserole on the go! I reckon this recipe is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug.

It's posh enough to impress your mates, but easy enough to whip up on a Tuesday. I remember the first time I tried making this, the aroma alone had everyone drooling before it even hit the table.

Prep Steps for Absolute Success

Getting your act together beforehand is a game changer. It's called mise en place darling!.

• Essential mise en place: Chop your onions. I’m talking all 900g of them. Season 900g of chicken thighs. Grate your 225g of Gruyere. Slice your baguette. Get everything weighed out.
• Time-saving organization tips: Slice your onions while the oven is preheating to 375° F ( 190° C) .
• Safety reminders: Watch those fingers when slicing the onions! No one wants a plaster in their Onion Chicken Casserole. And obviously, don't touch the hot skillet without oven gloves – common sense, really.

Step-by-Step Process

Right, let's do this. The numbers are there to guide you and you don't need to follow the steps to the letter!

1. Season your chicken thighs with 5g of salt and 2.5g of pepper.
2. Sear the chicken in the skillet with 15 ml of olive oil until golden. Set aside.
3. Caramelize those onions with 28g of butter and 15 ml of olive oil. Add 5g of brown sugar, 2.5g of thyme, 1.25g salt, and 1.25g of pepper. Cook for 30- 40 minutes until golden brown, stirring now and then.
4. Stir in minced garlic (2 cloves) for 1 minute. Sprinkle in 16g of flour and cook for another minute.
5. Slowly pour in 240 ml of white wine, scraping up the bottom. Reduce a bit.
6. Add 480 ml chicken broth and 15 ml of Worcestershire sauce. Simmer gently.
7. Nestle chicken thighs back into the Onion Chicken .
8. Top with baguette slices and loads of 225g of Gruyere. Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until bubbly. The chicken’s internal temp should be 165° F ( 74° C) .

Pro Tips for Your Inner Chef

Level up this Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe with these tips.

• Expert technique: Add a splash of sherry vinegar near the end of caramelizing the onions. It cuts through the sweetness.
• Common mistake to avoid: Don't rush the onions! That's where the magic happens. Low and slow is the key.
• Make-ahead option: You can caramelize the onions a day ahead. It's such a time saver! Then, store the sauce, and complete assembly and bake on the D-Day. The result will be a Comfort Food Casserole ready at your service.

Honestly, this French Onion Chicken Bake is proper comfort food at its finest. Try the recipe, and don't forget the crusty bread for soaking up all that yummy sauce! This One-Pan Chicken Dinner is not only delicious but also easy to clean up after! I hope you'll enjoy this Chicken Casserole with Gruyere as much as I do, it's a proper crowd pleaser!.

Recipe Notes for Your French Onion Chicken Casserole Adventure

Honestly, this French Onion Chicken Casserole , it’s a real winner. But like any good recipe, there's room to play around.

Here are some notes and ideas to make this Onion Chicken Casserole your own.

Serving Up Some Deliciousness

Okay, so you've got this bubbling beauty of a Chicken Casserole ready. How do you make it look fancy? A sprig of fresh thyme on top is always a nice touch.

Plating? Serve it family-style, right from the skillet (if it's pretty enough!). Or, spoon individual portions into shallow bowls. A side of crusty bread is a must for soaking up all that yummy sauce.

Drinks-wise, a crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio would be fab, or even a refreshing sparkling cider. You know? Something to cut through the richness.

Storage Savvy: Keeping the French Onion Chicken Love Alive

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Fridge-wise, this Chicken Casserole with Gruyere will keep happily for about 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Freezing is also an option, but the texture of the bread might change a bit. Wrap individual portions tightly in cling film then foil.

It can stay frozen for up to 2 months. Reheating? Oven's best – low and slow. About 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

Microwave works in a pinch, but watch out for hot spots!

Variations on the Chicken Casserole Theme

Fancy a twist? For a lower-carb option, skip the baguette topping and serve it with cauliflower mash. Dietary adaptation? For a gluten-free Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe , use gluten-free flour and bread, obviously.

For something a bit seasonal, in autumn, add some roasted butternut squash chunks to the mix! It adds a lovely sweetness to the French Onion Chicken Bake .

Nutrition Nitty-Gritty

Right, let’s get down to basics. This Comfort Food Casserole is packed with protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese.

The onions are full of antioxidants. However, it is fairly rich, so maybe not an everyday meal. A rough guide : each serving is around 550-650 calories .

But hey, everything in moderation, eh?

So, there you have it! Your One-Pan Chicken Dinner , ready to impress. Don't be afraid to experiment, and most importantly, have fun.

Cooking should be a joy, not a chore! Now go forth and make some magic! You got this!.