French Onion Chicken Gravy

This French Onion Chicken Gravy recipe brings together juicy chicken cutlets with a luxuriously smooth onion gravy made from deeply caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and a subtle touch of Worcestershire sauce. Melted mozzarella cheese adds a velvety blanket that makes every bite a warm, comforting experience. With the slow-cooked onions providing a natural sweetness and the home pantry spices giving it that restaurant-quality depth, this dish is perfect for cozy dinners, especially when paired with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up every savory drop.

I made this last winter on a busy weeknight without much planning and it instantly became a Sunday dinner tradition in our house. The sauce alone is so good that scraping the plate clean is inevitable.

Ingredients

• Large yellow onion: sliced thin to build the base of rich flavor look for onions that feel heavy for their size and have crisp papery skins for the freshest taste
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: sliced thinly so they cook evenly and stay juicy fresh not frozen gives the best texture
• Olive oil: helps achieve a perfect golden sear and prevents sticking choose extra virgin for the best flavor
• Butter: adds richness to the gravy softening any sharpness from spices
• All purpose flour: thickens the sauce to a smooth creamy consistency sift before measuring to avoid lumps
• Mozzarella cheese: freshly shredded melts beautifully creating a delicious cheesy topping
• Beef broth: gives deep savory notes use low sodium and adjust salt later for balance
• Worcestershire sauce: brings tang and umami complexity a little goes a long way
• Beefy onion soup mix: speeds up flavor and lends the classic French onion taste
• Seasoned salt: provides balanced seasoning choose one with herbs and salt for best results
• Onion powder: intensifies onion flavor making the gravy extra aromatic
• Garlic powder: adds depth with a subtle background note use fresh powder for full aroma
• Black pepper: freshly cracked gives a hint of heat and balances richness

Instructions

Prep the Chicken:

Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels then slice them into thin even cutlets to promote quick and uniform cooking. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over both sides and rub it in by hand to coat evenly. In a small bowl combine seasoned salt onion powder garlic powder and freshly cracked black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend generously over each side of the chicken making sure to cover it completely.

Sear the Chicken:

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers. Place the chicken cutlets in the pan without crowding them and cook for four to five minutes per side. You want a beautiful golden crust to form and for the internal temperature to reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm by covering it with foil on a plate.

Caramelize the Onions:

Reduce the heat to medium low then add two teaspoons of olive oil and butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the sliced onions and stir to coat them well in the fat. Let the onions cook slowly stirring every few minutes. This will take about 25 to 30 minutes until the onions turn a deep golden brown and become naturally sweet and silky.

Make the Gravy:

Sprinkle the all purpose flour evenly over the caramelized onions then stir well to combine. Cook for an additional two to three minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth then add Worcestershire sauce and the beefy onion soup mix. Stir thoroughly and allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens into a rich glossy gravy.

Finish and Cheese:

Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet nestling them into the onion gravy. Spoon some of the onions and sauce over each piece. Evenly scatter the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the pan and cook until the cheese melts into a bubbly golden layer. Serve immediately over creamy mashed potatoes or with warm crusty bread for a complete meal.

My favorite part is stirring the onions as they slowly transform into sweet golden ribbons. The kitchen fills with the warmest smells and my kids enjoy helping by adding the cheese just before serving which always makes for a fun family moment.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to bring back the creamy consistency of the gravy. You can freeze the cooked dish without cheese and add the mozzarella fresh when reheating for the best melty topping.

Ingredient Substitutions

If mozzarella is unavailable, try provolone or Swiss cheese for a classic French onion flavor. Chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts for a juicier texture and richer taste. The beef broth can be swapped for chicken or vegetable broth to suit dietary needs or preference. For a gluten free option replace the all purpose flour with a gluten free flour blend to achieve the perfect thickened gravy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this French Onion Chicken over creamy mashed potatoes rice or buttered noodles to soak up the luscious gravy. Side dishes like steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad bring freshness and balance the richness of the meal. A warm crusty baguette or rustic bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that cheesy onion sauce.

This French Onion Chicken Gravy is a cozy, family-friendly dinner that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread. It’s easy to make and delivers rich, comforting flavors every time.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How do you get onions caramelized properly?

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

→ Can you use different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone melt well and complement the rich flavors of the onion gravy.

→ What cut of chicken works best?

Thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook evenly and absorb the gravy flavors nicely.

→ Can this be made ahead of time?

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

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, rice, or toasted bread are perfect for soaking up the flavorful onion gravy.

→ How do you thicken the onion gravy?

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