This Skillet French Onion Chicken brings the savory, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup into a rich and hearty chicken dish. With tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection, smothered in melted cheese, and topped with a delicious, caramelized onion sauce, this dish is full of flavor and perfect for a cozy dinner. Plus, it’s all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup!

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for extra depth)

For the French Onion Sauce

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for extra richness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
• Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, keeping the juices in the pan for flavor.

2. Make the French Onion Sauce

• In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced onions.
• Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, until they become soft, golden, and caramelized. If the onions begin to stick or burn, add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pan.
• Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• If you’d like a thicker sauce, sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir for 1 minute to cook off the raw flavor.
• Deglaze the pan with the white wine (or chicken broth), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Stir in the beef broth, fresh thyme, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to reduce slightly and develop flavor.

3. Combine the Chicken and Sauce

• Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the onion sauce.
• Sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese and Parmesan (if using) over the top of each chicken breast.
• Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Serve

• Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or thyme (optional) for a burst of color and flavor.
• Serve the Skillet French Onion Chicken with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. The rich onion sauce is perfect for soaking up with a slice of crusty French bread or baguette.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of dry white wine (like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc) pairs beautifully with this dish. Alternatively, a light red wine like Pinot Noir works well.

Tips and Variations

1. Add Mushrooms: For an extra layer of flavor, sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions as they caramelize.
2. Dairy-Free Option: Omit the cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a lactose-free version.
3. Use Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs can be used for extra flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Make Ahead: Prepare the French onion sauce in advance, then store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, cook the chicken and finish with the sauce for a quick dinner.
5. Thicken the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, you can use cornstarch instead of flour. Just mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the sauce at the same stage as the flour.

Why You’ll Love It

• Rich Flavor: The caramelized onions bring an incredible depth of flavor, and the melted cheese adds richness.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
• Quick and Easy: In about 30 minutes, you can enjoy a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Versatile: You can serve this dish with a variety of sides, making it adaptable for different occasions.

This Skillet French Onion Chicken is a comforting, savory dish that combines the flavors of French onion soup with juicy, tender chicken. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves rich, flavorful food!