French Onion Chicken Bake

When I want a comforting, no-fuss meal that still feels a bit special, I turn to this French Onion Chicken Bake. It’s savory, creamy, and topped with a golden, crispy crust that brings all the flavor and texture I crave in a one-pan dinner. The mayo and garlic coating keeps the chicken juicy, while the breadcrumb-Parmesan topping adds just the right amount of crunch.

This dish is incredibly easy to prep and pairs perfectly with a simple salad, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I keep coming back to this chicken bake for so many reasons:

• Only a few simple ingredients
• Incredibly flavorful with minimal prep
• Crispy topping, juicy center
• Perfect for weeknights or weekend comfort meals
• Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping leftovers

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2½ pounds chicken breasts (bone-in or boneless)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup French fried onions, crushed slightly
• ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven
   I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the chicken
   I pat the chicken breasts dry and place them in the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the coating
   In a small bowl, I mix together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. I spread this mixture evenly over the top of each piece of chicken.
4. Add the crispy topping
   In another bowl, I combine the crushed French fried onions, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. I spoon this mixture generously over the chicken.
5. Bake
   I bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes (for boneless) or 40–45 minutes (for bone-in) until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
6. Garnish and serve
   I let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 35–45 minutes to bake, depending on whether I use boneless or bone-in chicken.

Variations

• Add caramelized onions: I sometimes layer a spoonful of caramelized onions under the topping for even more French onion flavor.
• Make it spicy: I add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the mayo mixture.
• Use Greek yogurt: I swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten things up a bit.
• Cheese twist: I mix in shredded mozzarella or Gruyère into the breadcrumb topping for an even cheesier crust.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I pop it in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to keep the topping crisp, or microwave it if I’m in a hurry (though the topping will soften).

This dish also freezes well—just wrap it tightly and store for up to 2 months. I thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! I’ve used boneless skinless thighs and they turn out just as juicy and flavorful. I just adjust the baking time accordingly.

What if I don’t have French fried onions?

I substitute with extra breadcrumbs and season them with onion powder and garlic powder. It’s not quite the same, but still delicious.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, I use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check that the French fried onions are certified gluten-free.

Can I prep this ahead?

Definitely. I assemble everything up to a day ahead, cover the dish, and refrigerate. When I’m ready to bake, I let it sit at room temp for 15 minutes, then pop it in the oven.

What sides go best with this dish?

I usually serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a simple salad. It’s also great with rice or crusty bread to soak up the savory juices.

Conclusion

This French Onion Chicken Bake is one of those recipes I never get tired of. It’s cozy, flavorful, and always a hit at the dinner table. Whether I’m feeding my family or just making a quick meal for myself, it’s a guaranteed winner with barely any cleanup.

Give it a try—I think you’ll find it becomes a favorite in your home too.

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