Dinner · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Crockpot French Onion Chicken Tenders with Garlic Butter Penne Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Name: Crockpot French Onion Chicken Tenders with Garlic Butter Penne
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb chicken breast tenders; 2 medium sweet onions (such as Vidalia), thinly sliced; 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup; 2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese; 4 tbsp garlic herb butter, cut into pats; 12 oz penne pasta; 2 tbsp garlic herb butter, melted

By Clara Weller · Oct 28, 2026

Golden mozzarella French onion chicken tenders bubbling in a slow cooker

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 4 h
Total: 4 h 10 min
Serves: 6

Tips for success

For the best flavor, use a good-quality condensed French onion soup. Some brands are saltier than others, so taste the sauce before adding extra salt. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help the sauce cling to the chicken and pasta.

To get those beautiful caramelized onions, make sure they are sliced thinly so they soften and sweeten during the long cook. If you have extra time, you can sauté the onions in a skillet with a little butter before adding them to the slow cooker—this deepens their flavor even more. However, the recipe works perfectly without this extra step, making it truly a dump-and-go meal.

Variations

Add Mushrooms: Sauté 8 oz sliced mushrooms in butter until golden, then add them to the slow cooker with the onions. They'll soak up the savory sauce and add an earthy depth that complements the French onion flavor beautifully.
Use Chicken Thighs: Swap the chicken tenders for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They're even more forgiving and stay juicy. Cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, or until tender. Shred or serve whole, as preferred.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the onion soup before pouring it over the chicken. The heat will balance the sweetness of the onions and the richness of the cheese.
Top with Croutons: For a French onion soup vibe, serve the chicken over garlic butter penne and top with crispy croutons and a sprinkle of fresh thyme. The crunch adds a lovely textural contrast.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: The chicken mixture freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags.
Reheat: Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. For the microwave, use 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. The sauce may thicken upon refrigeration; add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to loosen it.

This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the raw ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply place the insert in the slow cooker and start cooking.

If you're short on time, you can also cook the full recipe and freeze it in individual portions. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The pasta is best cooked fresh, but you can cook it ahead and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish over garlic butter penne as shown in the video, or swap in your favorite pasta shape like fettuccine, rigatoni, or orzo. For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or alongside steamed green beans.

A crusty baguette is also excellent for sopping up the extra sauce. The dish is rich and satisfying on its own, so a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is all you need on the side.

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley if you have them, though the recipe is delicious without. The video shows the chicken served on a white porcelain plate with the pasta underneath, which makes for a beautiful presentation.

For a cozy family dinner, you can also serve directly from the slow cooker, letting everyone help themselves. This dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Frequently asked questions

Can this recipe be made with chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, chicken breasts work well. Cut them into strips or chunks to ensure even cooking. The cooking time may be slightly longer, so use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Why is the sauce thin?

The sauce might be thin if the slow cooker is too hot or if the lid was lifted often. To thicken, remove the lid and cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).

Can this dish be made in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake it in a covered Dutch oven at 325°F (165°C) for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through. Check the temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

What can be served instead of penne?

Any pasta shape works, such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or egg noodles. For a lighter option, serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. Crusty bread is also great for dipping into the sauce.

How long can leftovers be kept in the refrigerator?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened.

Recipe card

Crockpot French Onion Chicken Tenders with Garlic Butter Penne

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

2 lb chicken breast tenders
2 medium sweet onions (such as Vidalia), thinly sliced
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
4 tbsp garlic herb butter, cut into pats
12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp garlic herb butter, melted

Instructions

Place the chicken breast tenders in a single layer in the bottom of a 7-quart slow cooker. Scatter the sliced sweet onions evenly over the chicken. Pour the condensed French onion soup over the top, making sure to cover the chicken and onions as much as possible.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the chicken mixture. Dot with the garlic herb butter pats. Do not stir; layering keeps the flavors distinct during cooking.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The onions should be soft and caramelized, and the cheese melted into a creamy sauce.
Once the chicken is cooked through, gently stir the mixture to combine the melted cheese, onions, and sauce. The sauce should be smooth and creamy. If it seems thin, let it cook uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken.
While the chicken finishes cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot. Toss with the melted garlic herb butter until the pasta is well coated.
To serve, place a generous portion of the garlic butter penne on a plate. Ladle the chicken and sauce over the pasta. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, though the video does not include any.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories: 480
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fat: 20 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.

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This recipe is based on a short cooking video and is published under the pen name Clara Weller. It was checked before publication, but errors can slip through. Nutrition, when shown, is an estimate. Read more in our editorial policy and on our food safety page.