If you’re looking for a delightful twist on the classic baked chicken, look no further than French Onion Breaded Baked Chicken. This recipe brings together the savory flavors of French onion soup with the comforting crunch of breaded chicken. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its rich taste and crispy texture.
The French Onion Breaded Baked Chicken recipe combines the classic flavors of French onion soup with a crunchy breaded chicken exterior. Originating from the idea of fusing French culinary techniques with American comfort food, this dish provides a unique dining experience. With its roots in French onion soup, known for its caramelized onions and melted cheese, this chicken dish takes those flavors and adds a crispy coating that complements the tender, juicy chicken inside.
Ingredients
To make this delicious French Onion Breaded Baked Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 2 pounds)
- 1 cup French fried onions, crushed
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: Cream of mushroom soup for a creamy sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a shallow bowl, mix the crushed French fried onions, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- In another bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat each chicken breast or thigh with the mayonnaise mixture, ensuring it’s evenly covered.
- Roll each piece of chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to ensure the crumbs adhere to the chicken.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
- Place the breaded chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken to help it crisp up during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes for breasts or 35-40 minutes for thighs, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve with a side of vegetables, a fresh salad, or even mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations
- Chicken with French Fried Onions and Mayo: For an even richer flavor, mix some French fried onions into the mayonnaise mixture before coating the chicken.
- French Onion Breaded Baked Chicken in Oven: Always ensure your oven is preheated and hot to achieve the best crispy coating.
- French Fried Onion Chicken with Cream of Mushroom: For a creamy twist, serve the chicken with a side of warmed cream of mushroom soup or pour it over the chicken before serving.
- Baking Time: Adjust the baking time depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces. Thicker pieces may require a bit longer.
- Substitutions: Feel free to substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free options if needed.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the approximate nutritional information per serving (based on one chicken breast):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
French Onion Breaded Baked Chicken is a delightful dish that combines savory flavors with a satisfying crunch. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner with family or as an impressive dish for guests. The versatility of this recipe allows you to adapt it to your taste, making it a go-to for any occasion. We invite you to try this recipe and share your experiences with us in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes.