Description

This French Onion Chicken Crockpot recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked slowly in a savory mixture of caramelized onions, garlic, beef broth, and French onion soup mix. Topped with melted provolone cheese and garnished with fresh parsley, this comforting dish offers deep onion flavors with minimal effort, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 pounds)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

Vegetables and Aromatics

3 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
4 cloves garlic (minced)

Liquids and Soup Mix

2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 cup French onion soup mix (dry)
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

Topping and Garnish

1 cup sliced provolone cheese (optional for topping)
Fresh parsley (to taste, for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Sauté Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil and sauté the thinly sliced onions until they become soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes. This brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Prepare Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Season them evenly with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme for a balanced seasoning base.
Mix Broth and Soup Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the low-sodium beef broth, dry French onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Stir the mixture thoroughly to blend all flavors evenly.
Assemble in Crockpot: Pour the broth and soup mixture over the seasoned chicken breasts inside the crockpot. Then, layer the caramelized onions on top of the chicken and broth for maximum flavor infusion during cooking.
Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 hours or on high heat for 3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender by the end of this time.
Add Cheese (Optional): If using provolone cheese, add the slices on top of the chicken during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Replace the lid to allow the cheese to melt beautifully over the chicken.
Serve and Garnish: When cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot. Serve with a drizzle of the flavorful broth and onions from the pot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Sautéing the onions before adding them to the crockpot is optional but adds deep caramelized flavor.
Use low-sodium beef broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
Provolone cheese topping is optional; you can substitute with other meltable cheeses like Swiss or mozzarella.
Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This recipe pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
Category: Main Course
Method: Crockpot / Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (about 6 oz)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: French onion chicken, crockpot chicken recipe, slow cooker chicken, caramelized onions, easy chicken dinner, comfort food, low-sodium recipe