• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
  • My Cookbook
my new book!
Display Search Bar

The Paleo Running Momma

Run Fast, Eat Clean, Live Messy!

  • Browse Recipes
  • By Course
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Dips, Dressings and Sauces
    • Lunch & Dinner
    • Sweet Treats
    • Veggies & Sides
  • By Dessert
    • Breads & Muffins
    • Brownies & Bars
    • Cakes & Cupcakes
    • Chocolate
    • Cookies
    • Crisps, Cobblers, & Crumbles
    • Fruit
    • No-Bake
    • Pies & Tarts
  • By Special Diets
    • Egg Free
    • No Added Sugar
    • Nut Free
    • Vegan
    • Whole30
  • By Ingredient
  • By Holiday/Season
    • Birthday
    • Christmas/Winter
    • Easter/Spring
    • Summer/BBQ
    • Thanksgiving/Fall
  • View the Full Recipe Index

8.17.20

Paleo French Onion Chicken {Whole30, Keto}

Sharing is caring!

Whole 30

This Paleo French Onion Chicken is made all in one skillet and has become a family favorite! The chicken is pan fried and loaded with caramelized onions, a savory gravy and an addicting dairy free cheese sauce. This easy, flavor-packed dinner is quick enough for weeknights and the leftovers are delicious too! Whole30 compliant and keto friendly.

I’m definitely into chicken skillets lately!   From one-skillet greek chicken to chicken caprese and creamy mustard chicken with kale and so many more, they’re some of my favorite meals.

I took a break from my regular bone–in chicken thighs and went with boneless to make this paleo and Whole30 French onion chicken.  It’s soooo good!

We have deliciously seasoned, pan seared chicken with caramelized onions and beef gravy, topped baked with a dairy-free cheese sauce that’s out of this world tasty.

Plus, it’s made all in one skillet and the leftovers are awesome reheated, so you have lunch the next day!

What You Need to Make French Onion Chicken

Cashew Cheese:

  • cashews, soaked in hot water for 2 hours
  • garlic powder
  • nutritional yeast
  • sea salt
  • fresh lemon juice
  • warm water or plain almond milk

Chicken:

  • onions
  • ghee or refined coconut oil
  • beef bone broth
  • boneless chicken thighs (or breasts – pounded to 1/2” thickness)
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
  • Italian seasoning blend
  • tapioca flour
  • Cashew Cheese (above)
  • fresh thyme and/or parsley

How to Make French Onion Chicken

In a large oven proof skillet, over medium heat, melt the ghee.  Add the onions and saute onions 3-4 minutes until translucent then sprinkle with salt. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally so the onions don’t burn, for about 15 minutes longer until browned and very tender.  Transfer to a bowl and cover to keep warm.

While the onions are cooking, prepare the chicken by seasoning with salt and pepper (to taste) and Italian herbs. Once onions have finished cooking and are removed from the pan, cook chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side (don’t clean out the pan between the onions and chicken) until browned on both sides.  The chicken may not be fully cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm and return the onions to the pan.  Sprinkle the tapioca flour over the onions and stir for 1 minute over medium heat. Add beef broth and continue to cook, stirring throughout, until mixture comes to a boil.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Return chicken to pan and spoon some of the sauce over each piece of chicken.

Top the chicken with the cashew cheese (see below) and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.  Bake for about 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through completely.

Spoon some of the onions and gravy over the top of the chicken, garnish with thyme and/or parsley and serve right away.

How to Make Cashew Cheese Sauce

Making cashew cheese is super simple and so rewarding if you miss cheese!  

I like to soak my cashews for at least 2 hours in hot water.  This helps soften them to make blending easier.   If you’re short on time, soak in boiling water for 30-60 minutes.

Place all ingredients in a high speed blender (I used a smaller one – Nutribullet) and blend/pulse until very creamy. You will need to stop blending to scrape down the sides and incorporate all the cashews.  Once it’s nice and smooth, set aside until ready to use.

I hope you’re ready for a seriously tasty chicken recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!  Grab your skillet and your ingredients because it’s time to cook – let’s go!

Paleo French Onion Chicken {Whole30, Keto}

Paleo French Onion Chicken {Whole30, Keto}

This Paleo French Onion Chicken is made all in one skillet and has become a family favorite! The chicken is pan fried and loaded with caramelized onions, a savory gravy and an addicting dairy free cheese sauce. This easy, flavor-packed dinner is quick enough for weeknights and the leftovers are delicious too! Whole30 compliant and keto friendly.
Author: Michele Rosen
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: keto, Paleo, Whole30
Keyword: cashew cheese, chicken, dinner, paleo, whole30
Servings: 8 servings
Print this Recipe
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review
4.54 from 49 votes

Ingredients

Cashew Cheese:

  • 1 cup cashews soaked in hot water for 2 hours, then drained
  • 3/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup warm water or almond milk

Chicken:

  • 2 yellow onions

    thinly sliced 


  • 3 Tbsp + 1 Tbsp ghee or refined coconut oil divided
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste


  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning blend OR 1/4 teaspoon dried basil + 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme + 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts - pounded to 1/2” thickness
  • 2 Tbsp tapioca flour
  • 1 1/4 cups beef bone broth
  • Cashew Cheese see above
  • fresh thyme or parsley for topping

Instructions

Cashew Cheese:

  1. Place all ingredients in a high speed blender (I used a smaller one - Nutribullet) and blend/pulse until very creamy. You will need to stop blending to scrape down the sides and incorporate all the cashews. Once done, set aside until ready to use.

Chicken:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375° F. In a large oven proof skillet, over medium heat, melt the ghee or coconut oil.  Add the onions and saute onions 3-4 minutes until translucent then sprinkle with salt. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally so the onions don't burn, for about 15 minutes longer until browned and very tender.  Transfer to a bowl and cover to keep warm.

  2. While onions are cooking, prepare the chicken by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste and Italian herbs. Once onions have finished cooking and are removed from the pan, raise the heat to medium-high and add the additional ghee. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side (don't clean out the pan between the onions and chicken) until browned on both sides. (Chicken may not be fully cooked through)

  3. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm and return the onions to the pan. Sprinkle tapioca flour over the onions and stir for 1 minute over medium heat. Add beef broth and continue to cook, stirring throughout, until mixture comes to a boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return chicken to pan and spoon some of the sauce over each piece of chicken.

  4. Top the chicken with the cashew cheese and transfer skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through completely.
  5. Spoon some of the onions and gravy over the top of the chicken, garnish with thyme and/or parsley and serve right away.

Nutrition

Calories: 355kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 83mg
Sodium: 301mg
Potassium: 358mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Vitamin A: 66IU
Vitamin C: 3mg
Calcium: 23mg
Iron: 2mg

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @PaleoRunningMomma on Instagram and hashtag it #PaleoRunningMomma

Shop Products and Ingredients:

Want More One Skillet Paleo Meals?  Try One of These!

Paleo Skillet Caprese Chicken 

One Skillet Greek Chicken 

Mexican Cauliflower Fried Rice

Creamy Tuscan Chicken 

Chicken Marsala with Bacon 

Lemon Chicken Piccata 

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Paleo Running Momma!

You Might Also Like...

  • Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken Wings {Paleo, Keto}
  • Lemon Chicken Piccata {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}
  • Spinach Artichoke Chicken Burgers {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}
Previous Post
Next Post

About Michele

More than a little into running and paleo recipes (yoga now too!) but I'm not here to rain on your grains (or anything else) so come along for the ride! I do a little too much of everything (except cleaning), and I enjoy laughing at myself. As long as I'm the one making the jokes, that is. Just kidding. So bring me your angst, your appetite and your frying pan and climb aboard!

Reader Interactions

Reader Reviews & Comments

  1. Lizzie D says

    August 18, 2020 at 10:14 am

    5 stars
    This recipe was so dang tasty & easy! Will definitely be going into our regular meal rotation.

    Reply
  2. Liz says

    August 19, 2020 at 9:56 pm

    Wait, preheat the oven to what?

    Reply
    • Michele says

      August 23, 2020 at 9:14 pm

      Sorry! It’s 375°F

      Reply
  3. Monika Randall says

    August 21, 2020 at 7:28 am

    5 stars
    I pre-heated the oven to 350 degrees and that was perfect! This chicken turned out so tender and juicy! I actually doubled the chicken since I made this meal for a larger group. Paired it with roated asparagus and it was heavenly. I love that it is dairy free and so easy to make! I live for Michelle’s recipes!

    Reply
  4. Zyle Lee says

    August 23, 2020 at 8:40 pm

    5 stars
    What’s the oven temperature set to?

    Reply
    • Michele says

      August 23, 2020 at 9:14 pm

      Sorry about this omission! It’s 375°F.

      Reply
  5. Erin says

    August 24, 2020 at 10:11 pm

    5 stars
    OMG this was out of this world YUMMY!! My entire family devoured our and kept saying what a winner this one was and to be sure it keeps in the dinner rotation! Thanks for yet another amazing dish we love!! Highly recommend!

    Reply
  6. Amy says

    September 15, 2020 at 4:01 pm

    I don’t have almond milk, could I substitute it for coconut milk? Thanks!

    Reply
  7. Debra says

    October 6, 2020 at 8:13 pm

    5 stars
    SO good! I added mushrooms just because I had them. Served with green beans

    Reply
  8. Linda says

    October 20, 2020 at 8:13 pm

    5 stars
    Wow! Really delicious. It was perfect and going straight to the hall of fame recipe book! Thanks for this great recipe!

    Reply
  9. Chelsea says

    October 27, 2020 at 12:20 pm

    5 stars
    This was one of the best chicken dishes I’ve ever made. So good and hard to believe it’s whole 30. Thank you!

    Reply
  10. Jen says

    October 30, 2020 at 9:26 am

    5 stars
    This was absolutely delicious! I served it with whole30 mashed potatoes and air fried green beans and my family gobbled it all up.

    Reply
  11. Angela says

    November 1, 2020 at 7:48 pm

    5 stars
    This was amazing! It will be on the monthly rotation!

    Reply
  12. Kim R says

    November 24, 2020 at 9:16 pm

    5 stars
    This dish was amazing! I’m allergic to cashews so topped the chicken with a little bit of grated gruyere cheese. I love your recipes!

    Reply
  13. Beth Mathis says

    November 27, 2020 at 10:47 pm

    5 stars
    Oh my! This was one of the most delicious chicken recipes I have ever had! Even better is that my husband cooked it. 🙂 One tweak we made was lessening the ghee to try to lower the far content. Next time also we are lowering the salt. The sauce was too salty, but fabulous! He said he’d salt the onions, and lower the salt in the sauce to 1/2 tsp and not salt the chicken.
    The 11yr old and 4 yr old even gobbled it right up!

    Reply
  14. Lauren says

    January 7, 2021 at 1:29 am

    5 stars
    What an easy and impressive dinner! Made this recipe for my husband and brother, both of whom are total dairy maniacs. Both were absolutely raving about how rich and delicious the meal was. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out!

    Reply
  15. Linda says

    January 14, 2021 at 10:00 am

    Do you have the macros just for the cheese?

    Reply
  16. Johanna says

    February 7, 2021 at 11:19 am

    5 stars
    Amazing. My husband couldn’t believe how much it reminded him of French onion soup. This is definitely a repeat recipe for my whole family.

    Reply
  17. Carol Wendel says

    March 8, 2021 at 2:56 pm

    4 stars
    This was very good and tasty, though I *DO NOT* Recommend putting Cashew Cheese into a *Nutribullet* to mix as mine blew the top with blades off and hit the refrigerator the mixture flew everywhere and just missed my husband which would have cut him up.

    Reply
  18. Jeni says

    March 18, 2021 at 8:18 pm

    5 stars
    This was so delicious! Whole family loved it!

    Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Hi! I’m so happy you stopped by! My name is Michele and I’m a Paleo eater and recipe creator, runner, mom of 3, and the gal behind Paleo Running Momma! Over here you’ll find real-food, clean eating family favorites that you’ll be excited to share with your loved ones. I hope you stay awhile, eat, savor, and enjoy!

Read More

Free Recipes

Subscribe to email updates for new recipes delivered to your inbox!

Footer

Weeknight Ideas

M
Get the Recipe
One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs {Paleo, Whole30}
These easy one-skillet teriyaki meatballs are perfect for weeknights.
T
Get the Recipe
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken {Paleo, Whole30}
Packed with flavor and perfect over a sweet potato or greens!
W
Get the Recipe
Glazed Sheet Pan Chicken with Butternut Squash and Apples {Paleo, Whole30}
The perfect no-fuss, one-pan paleo and Whole30 dinner.
TH
Get the Recipe
Crispy “Breaded” Paleo Chicken Cutlets {Whole30}
Quick, simple, and perfect to make ahead of time!
F
Get the Recipe
Loaded Taco Sweet Potato Sliders {Paleo, Whole30}
Packed with flavor and perfect over a sweet potato or greens!

New Recipes

Delivered to your inbox!

Sign Me Up!
Who’s up for one-bowl paleo breadsticks this wee Who’s up for one-bowl paleo breadsticks this weekend? These easy Italian breadsticks are loaded with flavor, Italian herbs and garlic, and have the perfect chewy texture.
They’re great when you’re craving bread but want to keep things clean!  Gluten-free, grain free, dairy free and perfect for dipping 🍕link to the recipe is in my bio 😄https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/paleo-breadsticks-one-bowl-gluten-free-dairy-free/
#paleobaking #healthybaking #paleobread
Happy Valentine’s Day 💕🍫aka an excuse to h Happy Valentine’s Day 💕🍫aka an excuse to have chocolate all month long and not mad about it!I present you with the best paleo chocolate cake with chocolate “buttercream” frosting!  A reader favorite and the only blog recipe that also made it to my cookbook - Paleo Baking at Home.  Link to the recipe is in my bio so go make this ASAP (or save for a needed chocolate fix 🍫) P.S. if you haven’t preordered my book yet (releasing March 10!) the link is also in my bio or just search on amazon!
https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/paleo-chocolate-cake-chocolate-buttercream/
#paleobaking #paleobakingathome #chocolatecake #paleotreats
Counting down to Valentine’s Day with more choco Counting down to Valentine’s Day with more chocolate 🍫 and we’re making donuts today!  Double chocolate frosted paleo donuts that also happen to be nut free 💕and can be made in a muffin pan too 😄 gluten free, dairy free, kid approved and so fun! Link to the recipe is in my bio ❤️ https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/chocolate-donuts-gf-paleo/
#donuts #chocolate #paleotreats #chocolatedonuts #paleobaking #healthybaking
Brand new on the blog today - chocolate covered ch Brand new on the blog today - chocolate covered cherry fudge brownies 🍫💕 I made these egg free, vegan and paleo and DANG did they rock my world last week. Planning to make them again for Valentine’s Day because hello chocolate heaven magic!  Chocolate covered cherries were my favorite as a kid and the fudgy brownies speak for themselves. Link to the recipe is in my bio 😍https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/chocolate-covered-cherry-fudge-brownies-paleo-vegan/#paleobaking #chocolate #vegan #veganrecipes #vegandesserts
Totally guilty of chocolate AND cheesecake spammin Totally guilty of chocolate AND cheesecake spamming you this week 💕 for Valentine’s Day 💕 and today it’s a paleo + vegan espresso chocolate chip cheesecake!This creamy rich cheesecake has a chocolate cookie crust topped with a cashew based espresso chocolate chip cheesecake layer.  Dairy-free, gluten-free, egg free, refined sugar free. Link to the recipe is in my bio ☕️🍫 https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/espresso-chocolate-chip-cheesecake-paleo-vegan/
#vegandesserts #vegancheesecake #veganrecipes #veganbaking
Every time I make vegan cheesecake I’m amazed th Every time I make vegan cheesecake I’m amazed that it’s possible to make “cheesecake” so legit without any dairy!  Today’s chocolate raspberry mini cheesecakes are no exception - soooo good!These mini vegan cheesecakes have a chewy chocolate layer topped with a super creamy sweet raspberry cashew cheesecake layer.  Top them with a chocolate drizzle and you’re good to go for Valentine’s Day!  Gluten free, no bake, dairy free, egg free, vegan.  Link to the recipe is in my profile 💕🍫 https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/chocolate-raspberry-mini-vegan-cheesecakes-no-bake/#vegancheesecake #vegandesserts #paleovegan #paleotreats #chocolate
Happy Monday!! I have a new IG-only recipe for you Happy Monday!! I have a new IG-only recipe for you today that couldn’t be more perfect for a Monday morning (especially to kick off Valentine’s Day week 💕💕) a yummy Paleo Mocha Latte! ☕️🍫 #ADI added some @ancientnutrition collagen for more protein too. I used the plain version but you can go double-chocolate with their chocolate flavored collagen!I add their collagen protein to my coffee daily for the bonus skin and joint benefits plus extra protein 👍Here’s the recipe for the best paleo mocha latte!
Makes 2 servings
10 oz strong brewed coffee, hot (or espresso, if preferred)
1 cup almond milk, or nut pods creamer, heated in the microwave or a saucepan
2 Tbsp raw cacao powder
2 Tbsp maple sugar (or coconut sugar)
2 scoops Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein (use the chocolate flavor for double chocolate!)
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract optional
Extra cacao powder or shaved dark chocolate for garnishAdd the prepared coffee or espresso, the milk or creamer, cacao powder, maple sugar, collagen, and vanilla to a blender and blend until all is dissolved, then continue to blend until frothy.  Divide between 2 cups and garnish with extra cacao powder or shaved chocolate if desired.  Enjoy!
New today!! These double chocolate muffins are inf New today!! These double chocolate muffins are infused with lots of orange flavor, drizzled with an orange glaze and of course loaded with tons of rich dark chocolate!
Made with almond flour, they have a texture like traditional wheat flour muffins but are totally grain free, dairy-free, and paleo friendly.  Great for snacks, breakfast and brunch!  Link to the recipe is in my profile 😄https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/double-chocolate-orange-muffins-paleo/
#paleobaking #chocolate #paleotreats
Follow on Instagram
Back To Top
© 2021 The Paleo Running Momma
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Policies
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design. Developed by Once Coupled.
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest