Easy Chicken Breast with French Fried Onions

Introduction

This Easy Chicken Breast with French Fried Onions recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, beloved for its satisfying crunch and juicy, flavorful chicken. Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep, it’s the perfect no-fuss dinner for busy nights or relaxed gatherings, packing impressive flavor and texture with everyday pantry staples.

What Makes This Chicken Breast Special?

The magic of this recipe lies in its crispy topping—savory French fried onions—which seal in moisture and create a beautifully golden crust. Pair this with a well-seasoned chicken breast and a hint of creamy goodness, and you get a meal that feels indulgent but couldn’t be easier to prepare. Kids and adults alike love the bold, familiar flavors.

Simple Prep and Even Cooking

Start by prepping your chicken breasts for even cooking. For best results, use a Bamboo Cutting Board to trim the chicken and ensure safety and ease while handling meat. Pat dry with paper towels to help coatings adhere properly.

If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, slicing them lengthwise ensures quicker, more even cooking. A few quick slices with your KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears with Protective Sheath will get them to the ideal thickness in seconds.

The Easiest Crispy Onion Crust

Coating the chicken is a breeze. A quick dip in a seasoned mayo-mustard mixture ensures the French fried onions stick and keep the chicken juicy. For evenly crushed onions, simply place them in a zip-top bag and use your hands or the back of a spoon, or get uniform results fast with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for easy chopping.

Line your baking sheet with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for effortless cleanup and to prevent sticking, so your crust stays crisp and golden.

Baking or Air Frying to Perfection

You can bake the chicken for classic results or speed things up using a COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1. Air frying gets you extra crunch and juicy chicken in a fraction of the time. For either method, check doneness with a digital thermometer; your chicken is perfect when it reads 165ºF.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

This chicken shines next to a simple green salad, mashed potatoes, or even atop buttered noodles. For meal prepping, store cooled chicken in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep it fresh and crisp throughout the week.

Nutrition and Portion Guide

Each chicken breast serving contains about 350–400 calories, depending on coating and sides, delivering a hearty dose of lean protein with irresistible flavor. The recipe yields 4 portions—perfect for family meals or easy lunches.

Easy Chicken Breast with French Fried Onions (Recap)

For maximum flavor and a hassle-free weeknight win, this recipe nails the balance of juicy meat and crispy topping. Flexible, affordable, and guaranteed to be devoured—this is your new go-to chicken dinner.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400ºF (or 375ºF for air fryer). Line a baking sheet with a piece of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy release and cleanup.
2. Trim your chicken using a KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears with Protective Sheath and pat dry. If thick, halve each breast horizontally for even cooking.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush mixture over each piece of chicken to coat completely.
4. Crush French fried onions using your hands or a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for consistent pieces. Press the onions onto the chicken, covering tops thoroughly.
5. Place chicken on prepared baking sheet. For oven: bake 20–25 minutes, until juices run clear and a thermometer such as the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking reads 165ºF. For air fryer: cook at 375ºF for 14–16 minutes, checking halfway through.
6. Let chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy hot, or let cool and pack into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for lunch or meal prep.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes