This comforting bake brings together slow-caramelized onions, tender chicken, and crisped sourdough for a dish that feels both rustic and intentional. Simple ingredients, gently transformed for a cozy evening at home.
Ingredients
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2 yellow onions, thinly sliced
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¼ cup butter, melted
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1 teaspoon sea salt
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1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
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2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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1 packet onion soup mix
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1 cup beef broth
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3 garlic cloves, pressed
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried parsley
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3 cups sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
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¾ cup aged cheddar, freshly shredded
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¾ cup Parmesan, finely shredded
Method
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly butter a large baking dish. Stainless steel or glass is ideal for even heat and clean flavors.
Arrange the sliced onions in an even layer across the dish. Drizzle with melted butter and season lightly with salt and pepper. Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the onions to soften and turn golden at the edges.
Remove the dish from the oven and nestle the chicken thighs directly over the onions. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining melted butter, onion soup mix, beef broth, garlic, thyme, parsley, and the remaining salt and pepper. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken.
Scatter the sourdough cubes across the top, then finish with the cheddar and Parmesan, letting the cheeses fall naturally between the bread pieces.
Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the top is bubbling and fragrant.
For a crisp, golden finish, switch the oven to broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely until the bread is lightly toasted and the cheese is beautifully browned.
Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving — the flavors settle, the sauce thickens, and the dish becomes something quietly special.
Why Materials Matter
Meals like this deserve cookware that won’t interfere with the ingredients you’ve chosen so carefully. Baking in stainless steel or glass helps preserve clean flavors and avoids the hidden coatings found in many traditional bakeware options. This small choice makes a meaningful difference.