Crockpot French Onion Chicken has all the classic flavors of tasty French onion soup in an easy main course recipe. The melted cheese and sweet onions in the bold broth provide so much flavor in every single bite. It’s so good over mashed potatoes, rice, or with a side salad - the possibilities are endless!
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The soup and soup mix infuse so much flavor into the chicken as it cooks, while also keeping it tender and moist. I topped it with Swiss cheese to mimic traditional French onion soup, while also adding texture.
If you like easy chicken recipes, you will love this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken, Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes or this baked Pizza Chicken.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pot meal: All of the ingredients are added to the slow cooker with no prior cooking required. It’s the ultimate dump dinner!
- It’s budget-friendly: This is an inexpensive dinner recipe that works well on even the tightest budget.
- It takes only 10 minutes to set up: In just 10 minutes, you can have this French onion crockpot chicken prepped and ready to start cooking. It’s perfect when you don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
These are all the items you’ll need to make crockpot French onion chicken breasts. Combining the chicken with French onion soup mix is a simple way to get a lot of flavor. It’s inexpensive and easy to find at most grocery stores.
- Chicken breasts: I like to use boneless chicken breasts for this recipe but you can also use chicken thighs. They are a more flavorful cut, but they take a little bit longer to cook.
- Onion: I add thin slices of onion as well. They provide texture and sweetness that complements the chicken. This is what reminds me most of the classic French onion soup!
- Onion soup mix: Do not prepare the soup, just add the dry mix. It strengthens the overall onion flavor. The result of combining onion soup mix and chicken in the slow cooker is truly impressive!
- French onion soup: This has a concentrated onion flavor that adds extra saltiness to the chicken.
- Beef broth: I use beef broth to ensure there is plenty of liquid in the slow cooker to keep the chicken tender and juicy. Use low-sodium broth if you want to cut down on the salt.
- Swiss cheese: You can also use Gruyere or even mozzarella if you prefer. I chose Swiss because it’s easy to find and inexpensive!
- Parsley: This is a great optional garnish for a pop of color and freshness since the dish is mainly brown.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Garlic and herb: Add fresh garlic and fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and even sage for a complex flavor profile.
- Italian parmesan: Sprinkle in some Italian seasoning and use Parmesan cheese for a fun twist.
- Add spice: Bring the heat by using cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper for spice.
How to Make French Onion Chicken in the Crock Pot
Here are the instructions on how to make this French onion chicken recipe. Spray the bottom of the crockpot generously with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the onions and chicken don’t stick.
Step 1: Add onions and chicken. Place the sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, put the chicken breasts on top in a single layer.
Step 2: Top with the remaining ingredients. Pour the French onion soup and beef broth over the chicken. Next, sprinkle the dry onion soup mix on top.
Step 3: Cook and add cheese. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, top the chicken with the slices of Swiss cheese. It gives them plenty of time to melt!
Step 4: Serve. Enjoy with your favorite side dish to create a delicious dinner!
Recipe Tips
- Caramelize the onions: Add the sliced onions to a skillet with butter and let them cook and caramelize over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes. This will add depth to this slow cooker French onion chicken.
- Let the chicken rest: Allow the chicken about 10 minutes to rest before slicing and serving it. This will prevent the juices from running out.
- Bake it in the oven: Try making this recipe in the oven. Use a 9x13-inch casserole dish, cover it with foil, and bake it at 350°F for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil, add the cheese, and broil it until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It’s just as easy as the crockpot.
If you love recipes like this French onion chicken, you may also enjoy this French Onion Beef Casserole.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Once completely cooled, you can place the leftover chicken in a freezer bag and freeze it for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: You can reheat French onion chicken in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes or until warm. You can also reheat it in a baking dish, covered with foil, for 8-10 minutes in a 350°F oven.
- Make Ahead: Combine all of the ingredients in your crockpot and place it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you plan to cook it. I love to do this if I have a busy day coming ahead.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve some mushrooms like the ones in this stuffed portobella mushrooms for umami flavor.
- I love green beans with chicken. Try something new and make smoked green bean casserole or green beans with bacon and brown sugar.
- Try mashed potato patties or air fryer garlic potatoes instead of classic mashed potatoes for a starchy side dish.
Recipe FAQs
Sure. Add a large dollop of sour cream or half a block of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes to give this dish some creaminess.
Bone-in chicken has lots of flavor! Increase the cooking time by 30-60 minutes. Use a thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Of course! Heat a skillet to medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 1-2 minutes per side just to give them a brown crust before you put them into the slow cooker.
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More Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 1 packet Lipton onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed French onion soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by coating it with a light coating of cooking spray.
- Place the thinly sliced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker and place the chicken breasts on top.
- Pour the condensed onion soup and beef broth over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix evenly on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- During the last 15 minutes of cooking, place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each chicken breast. Cover and cook until the cheese is melted.
- Serve the chicken with the onion gravy spooned over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy!
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Notes
- Store any leftovers of this French onion chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Let the chicken rest for a bit before you slice it. About 10 minutes is plenty of time!
- Caramelize the onions in a skillet for 3-5 minutes or until lightly browned and tender. This will add depth of flavor to the recipe.
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