Save to Pinterest Tender chicken breasts simmered with caramelized onions and an herb-infused broth, topped with melted Gruyère cheese for a French-inspired meal—all made quickly in the Instant Pot.
I first created this recipe on a chilly evening when I craved the flavors of French onion soup but needed something heartier and faster. The Instant Pot really shines at building deep flavors in a short time.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g), 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Onions: 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Broth & Flavorings: 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves), 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional; substitute with more broth if desired), 1 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred), 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 teaspoons cold water)
- Topping: 4 slices French baguette (optional, use gluten-free if needed), 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
Instructions
- Season Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Onions:
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the sliced onions and sauté for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions are golden and caramelized.
- Flavor the Onions:
- Add minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Sauté for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze:
- Pour in the white wine (if using) and deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits. Allow wine to reduce for 2 minutes.
- Add Broth and Chicken:
- Stir in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Nestle the seasoned chicken breasts into the onion mixture. Cancel Sauté mode.
- Pressure Cook:
- Secure the lid and set to Manual or Pressure Cook on high for 8 minutes.
- Natural Release:
- When cooking is complete, allow a natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Thicken Sauce:
- Remove the chicken and set aside, tented with foil. Turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Return Chicken:
- Return chicken to the pot, spooning the onion sauce over each piece.
- Broil Cheese Topping (Optional):
- Preheat broiler. Place chicken on a baking sheet, top each with a slice of baguette and Gruyère cheese. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, spooning extra onion sauce over each serving.
Save to Pinterest This dish quickly became a family favorite, especially on busy weeknights when we want something cozy and satisfying. Everyone loves how the kitchen fills with the rich, savory aroma of caramelized onions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy (butter, cheese) and may contain gluten if using baguette. Always check broth and Worcestershire for allergens.
Nutritional Info
Each serving (with baguette and cheese) provides 410 calories, 18g fat, 18g carbohydrates, and 44g protein.
Save to Pinterest This French onion chicken is the ultimate weeknight comfort food—easy, hearty, and guaranteed to please. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve perfectly caramelized onions?
Cook sliced onions slowly over medium heat with butter and olive oil, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and soft, usually 8-10 minutes.
- → Can I substitute Gruyère cheese?
Yes, Swiss, mozzarella, or provolone work well to provide a melty, mild topping.
- → Is white wine necessary in the cooking liquid?
White wine adds depth but can be replaced with extra beef broth if preferred for a similar savory base.
- → What is the best way to thicken the sauce?
A cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) stirred in and simmered for a few minutes creates a smooth, thickened sauce.
- → How long should the chicken rest after cooking?
Rest the chicken tented with foil for a few minutes to retain juices before serving or broiling with cheese.
- → Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free bread for topping and verifying all broth and sauce ingredients are gluten-free.