French Onion Chicken Skillet

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 190  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: Fall, Winter
Description

This French Onion Chicken Skillet is a rich, comforting one-pan dinner made with juicy seared chicken breasts simmered in deeply caramelized onions and savory broth, then topped with melted cheese. Inspired by classic French onion soup, this easy skillet recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in a simple, family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients
    For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 180–200 g each)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
    • For the Caramelized Onion Sauce
  • 3 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 0.5 tsp dried thyme)
  • 240 ml beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • 0.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
    • For the Topping
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyère if available)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
    Prepare and Season the Chicken
  1. 1
    Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Drying the chicken helps achieve a better sear and golden crust.
    2. Sear the Chicken
  2. 2
    Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken in the skillet.
  3. 3
    Sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
  4. 4
    Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
    5. Caramelize the Onions
  5. 5
    In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the sliced onions.
  6. 6
    Cook slowly for 20–25 minutes, stirring frequently. The onions should turn deep golden brown and soft. Do not rush this step — caramelization builds the rich flavor base.
  7. 7
    If onions begin to stick, add a tablespoon of broth to deglaze the pan.
    8. Build the Sauce
  8. 8
    Add minced garlic and thyme to the caramelized onions. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  9. 9

    Pour in the broth and balsamic vinegar. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.

  10. 10
    Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly reduced and thickened.
    11. Return the Chicken
  11. 11
    Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the onion mixture. Spoon some onions over each piece.
  12. 12
    Simmer on low for 8–10 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
    13. Add Cheese and Bake
  13. 13
    Preheat your oven to 190°C.
  14. 14
    Sprinkle mozzarella and Swiss (or Gruyère) evenly over the chicken and onions.
  15. 15
    Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
    16. Rest and Serve
  16. 16
    Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
  17. 17
    Serve hot with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables.
Note

Make It Creamier: Add 2 tablespoons of cooking cream to the sauce before baking.

Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with onions for extra depth.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Freeze without cheese topping for up to 2 months. Add fresh cheese when reheating.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 170°C until warmed through.

Keywords: easy dinner, one-pan meal, comfort food, family-friendly, cheesy chicken
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/french-onion-chicken-skillet/