French Onion Chicken

Steps8

1. 1

   Step 1. Season the chicken

   Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

2. 2

   Step 2. Brown the chicken

   Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for a few minutes on each side, until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. 3

   Step 3. Caramelize the onions

   Reduce the heat to very low and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the sliced onions. Season with salt and black pepper and sprinkle with the sugar.

4. 4

   Step 4. Cook the onions slowly

   Cook the onions over very low heat, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply golden, soft, and caramelized. This can take a long time, but slow cooking is what gives the onions their rich, sweet flavor and almost jam-like texture.

   Patience is key here—don't rush the caramelization process for the best flavor.
5. 5

   Step 5. Assemble the dish

   Once the onions are deeply caramelized and almost falling apart, spread them evenly over the bottom of a baking dish. Place the browned chicken thighs on top of the onions.

6. 6

   Step 6. Add the cheese

   Cover the chicken generously with shredded cheese.

   Gruyère
7. 7

   Step 7. Bake the chicken

   20 min

   Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and golden on top, about 15–20 minutes.

   Chicken thighGruyère
8. 8

   Step 8. Serve hot

   Serve hot, with plenty of the caramelized onions and melted cheese.

   Fresh baguette makes a perfect accompaniment to soak up the flavorful onions and cheese.

   Baguette