Chicken with French onion flavor baked in a bubbly casserole

Instructions: How to Make Chicken with French Onion Flavor Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to bake.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step adds extra flavor and helps seal in the moisture.

Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Sauce In a separate bowl, combine the French onion soup, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and dried thyme. Mix well until the cheese is fully incorporated into the creamy base. The result will be a rich and flavorful sauce to coat the chicken and bake into a bubbly casserole.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole Transfer the seared chicken breasts into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the French onion sauce mixture over the top of the chicken, ensuring each breast is evenly coated. Spread the sauce evenly around the chicken.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). During the last 5 minutes of baking, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) to help the top become golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a hint of freshness. Serve the casserole over rice, pasta, or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete, comforting meal.

Tips for the Best Chicken with French Onion Flavor Casserole

• Chicken Variations: You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs for more flavor, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in pieces may require a longer baking time.
• Make it Extra Cheesy: For an even cheesier casserole, add a bit more shredded cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking, and broil it for an extra golden finish.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it the next day for an easy, ready-to-go meal.
• Add Vegetables: If you want to make this casserole even heartier, add vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, sautéed onions, or spinach to the sauce before pouring it over the chicken.
• Bread Crumb Topping: For an added crunch, sprinkle some buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.

Conclusion

This Chicken with French Onion Flavor Baked in a Bubbly Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish, packed with flavor and easy to prepare. It combines the savory richness of French onion soup with tender chicken, all baked together with a creamy, cheesy sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or preparing it ahead for meal prep, this casserole is sure to impress and satisfy. Try it today and discover the joy of a French onion-inspired chicken casserole that’s as simple as it is delicious!