French Onion Chicken Gravy

This French Onion Chicken Gravy recipe brings together tender chicken cutlets smothered in a luxurious gravy made of caramelized onions and rich beef broth, topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting meal that feels special yet easy enough for weeknights. The sweet onions and savory sauce pair perfectly with simple sides like mashed potatoes or crusty bread, making it a satisfying dish that always warms up the dinner table.

I first made this during a hectic week and it quickly became a family favorite. The sauce is so good you'll want to scrape the plate clean every time.

Ingredients

• Large yellow onion: sliced thin to build a sweet, flavorful base choose firm onions with crisp skins for best caramelization
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: sliced thin for quick, even cooking fresh is best for tender texture
• Olive oil: extra virgin preferred for a clean, fruity flavor and great searing capability
• Butter: adds richness and helps develop the gravy's silky texture
• All purpose flour: thickens the sauce sifting before measuring ensures even cooking
• Mozzarella cheese: freshly shredded melts beautifully to form a gooey topping
• Beef broth: low sodium preferred so you can control saltiness and get savory depth
• Worcestershire sauce: brings tang and umami complexity in a small amount
• Beefy onion soup mix: speeds flavor building and adds classic French onion soup notes
• Seasoned salt: balances the seasoning for both chicken and sauce choose a salt herb blend for more layers of flavor
• Onion powder: sharpens the onion profile and adds aroma
• Garlic powder: adds subtle depth be sure yours is fresh for best effect
• Black pepper: freshly cracked for a bright kick that balances richness

Instructions

Prep the Chicken:

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and slice into even thin cutlets so they cook quickly and stay juicy. Drizzle olive oil over both sides and rub it in by hand until evenly coated. In a small bowl combine seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning generously over both sides of the cutlets making sure every piece is well covered for full flavor.

Sear the Chicken:

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken cutlets without crowding the pan to allow even browning. Cook each piece about four to five minutes per side until they develop a golden crust and reach an internal temperature of one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare the gravy.

Caramelize the Onions:

Reduce heat to medium low and add two teaspoons olive oil along with butter to the same skillet. As soon as the butter melts add the sliced onions and stir to coat them well in fat. Let the onions cook slowly stirring every few minutes to prevent burning. This process takes about twenty five to thirty minutes for the onions to soften and turn a deep golden brown developing their natural sweetness and rich flavor.

Make the Gravy:

Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir thoroughly to combine. Cook this mixture for two to three minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and to help the gravy thicken nicely. Gradually whisk in beef broth then add Worcestershire sauce and the beefy onion soup mix. Stir constantly to dissolve any lumps and allow the sauce to simmer for several minutes until it reaches a silky thickened consistency.

Finish and Cheese:

Nestle the seared chicken cutlets back into the skillet topping each piece with some of the onions and gravy. Evenly sprinkle freshly shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Cover the pan and cook until the cheese melts and bubbles creating a rich gooey blanket. Serve the dish straight from the skillet alongside mashed potatoes or warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

The part I love most is stirring the onions as they slowly turn golden sweet. The kitchen fills with the most comforting aroma that signals a cozy meal ahead. My kids like to help by adding the cheese topping right before serving which makes dinner feel like a shared event.

Storage Tips

This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Allow it to cool before transferring to airtight containers to preserve freshness. When reheating warm gently on the stovetop over low heat adding a little broth if needed to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. You can freeze the chicken and gravy but wait to add the cheese until you reheat it for that fresh melty texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try provolone or Swiss cheese instead of mozzarella for a slightly different but equally delicious cheesy finish. Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier alternative to breasts. If you want to swap the beef broth chicken broth or vegetable broth both work well and change the flavor slightly. For gluten free cooking replace all purpose flour with a gluten free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the gravy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this French Onion Chicken over creamy mashed potatoes fluffy rice or buttered noodles so none of that delicious gravy goes to waste. Pair with steamed green beans or a crisp green salad to add freshness and balance the richness. A warm baguette or crusty bread on the side is perfect for mopping up every last drop of the cheesy onion sauce.

This French Onion Chicken Gravy is a comforting weeknight meal that feels indulgent. It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ How do you get onions caramelized properly?

Cook sliced onions slowly over medium-low heat with butter and olive oil, stirring occasionally, until golden and sweet—about 25–30 minutes.

→ Can you use different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone also melt well and complement the deep flavor of the onion gravy.

→ What cut of chicken works best?

Thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide even cooking and absorb the flavors of the gravy nicely.

→ Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes, the dish reheats well. Store covered in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop before serving.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Try serving with mashed potatoes, rice, or toasted bread to soak up the flavorful onion gravy.

→ How do you thicken the onion gravy?

Sprinkle flour over caramelized onions, cook briefly, then whisk in broth and simmer until thickened.