Description
This french onion chicken skillet recipe features deep, savory caramelized onions, tender chicken, and bubbling Gruyère cheese, offering a gourmet taste with easy, one-pan preparation for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 large sweet onions, sliced (about 3 cups)
- 1.5 cups shredded Gruyère Cheese
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 Tbsp fresh thyme
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Sear Chicken: Pat chicken dry; season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in the skillet over medium-high. Sear 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken.
- Caramelize Onions: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add sliced sweet onions to skillet. Cook slowly, stirring, 15-20 minutes until deeply golden and fragrant. (If onions dry out, add a splash of broth to deglaze.)
- Deglaze and Simmer: Add 2 cups low-sodium beef broth, scraping browned bits. Stir in 1 Tbsp fresh thyme. Simmer 2-3 minutes until gently bubbling and thickened.
- Return Chicken: Nestle seared chicken breasts back into the rich onion sauce.
- Top with Gruyère: Sprinkle 1.5 cups shredded Gruyère Cheese evenly over chicken and onions.
- Broil to Perfection: Transfer skillet to broiler on high. Broil 2-4 minutes. Watch closely until cheese is bubbly, molten, and golden brown.
Notes
A 10-inch cast iron skillet is perfect for minimal cleanup. Provolone or Swiss cheese can replace Gruyère. A mix of onions and shallots offers nuanced flavor. For speed, consider pre-sliced onions. Use gluten-free broth if needed. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use an alternative. Fresh thyme sprigs provide superior aroma.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking, Broiling
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 200 g)
- Calories: 500 calories
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 60 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
Keywords: french onion chicken, skillet, one-pan, Gruyère, easy dinner, weeknight, comforting, savory, quick, broiled