When dinner needs to be fast and simple, the Instant Pot is your go-to tool. With a few pantry staples and a package of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can make a comforting Instant Pot French Onion Chicken that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
A packet of French onion soup mix combines with cream of mushroom soup and beef broth to form a rich, savory sauce. Finish each serving with crispy fried onions for a satisfying crunch and bright flavor contrast.
While the Instant Pot cooks, prepare rice or noodles and a quick vegetable side. This recipe is an excellent option for busy weeknights when you want something tasty with minimal fuss.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]
Ingredients Needed
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- French onion soup mix (1 envelope)
- Cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz can)
- Beef broth or stock
- Crispy fried onions (French’s or similar), for garnish
Be sure to scroll to the recipe card below for exact quantities and step-by-step directions.
How to Make this French Onion Chicken
Begin by mixing the cream of mushroom soup with the French onion soup mix in a bowl. Stir in the beef broth until the sauce is smooth.
Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot and pour the soup mixture over them, covering the meat.
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes (use the Meat/Stew or Manual setting). When the cooking cycle finishes, allow the pot to naturally release pressure for at least 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Shred the chicken directly in the pot or remove and shred on a cutting board, then return the shredded chicken to the sauce to combine. Serve over cooked noodles or rice and top with crispy fried onions.
Reasons to Love this Recipe
This dish stands out for several reasons:
- Fast: From start to finish, it takes about 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice or noodles—both work wonderfully depending on your mood or pantry.
- Texture: Crispy fried onions add a crunchy contrast that elevates the sauce—highly recommended.
- Leftover friendly: The flavors hold up well, making it great for next-day lunches or dinner leftovers.
Variations/FAQ
Yes. If you prefer to serve whole breasts, gently lift them from the sauce after cooking and spoon the sauce over rice or noodles.
Boneless, skinless thighs are a great alternative—they stay tender and shred easily.
Yes. For fresh onions, slice them thin and sauté in the Instant Pot for 2–3 minutes before adding the rest of the ingredients. Sliced mushrooms can be added on top of the chicken before pouring in the soup mixture.
To lean into a French onion soup flavor, top the plated dish with shredded or sliced Swiss cheese. If serving whole breasts, a slice of Swiss melted on top is delicious.
Instant Pot French Onion Chicken is an easy, reliable recipe that will likely become a go-to on busy evenings.
More Quick Meal Ideas
If you enjoy quick Instant Pot recipes, try other easy favorites like butter chicken, salsa chicken for tacos or quesadillas, or simple beef stews and pepper steak for tender, flavorful meals.
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot French Onion Chicken
Video
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken boneless skinless breasts
- 1 envelope French onion soup mix
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz
- 1 cup beef broth or stock
- 1 cup crispy fried onions French’s or similar
Instructions
-
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and the French onion soup mix. Add the beef broth and stir until combined.
-
Place the chicken in the Instant Pot and pour the soup mixture over it.
-
Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes (Meat/Stew or Manual). When finished, allow a natural release for at least 10 minutes before manually releasing remaining pressure.
-
Shred the chicken in the pot or on a cutting board, then return it to the sauce and stir to combine.
-
Serve over noodles or rice and top with crispy fried onions.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only. Use your own calculations if you require precise nutritional information.