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One-Skillet French Onion Chicken with Melted Gruyere

one-skillet french onion chicken - featured image
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A comforting and easy one-pan dinner featuring caramelized onions, tender chicken breasts, and melted nutty Gruyere cheese. Perfect for cozy weeknights or guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 pieces)
  • 3 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
  • 6 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Peel and thinly slice the onions to yield about 4 cups.
  2. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and butter until melted and shimmering.
  3. Add sliced onions and stir to coat in butter and oil. Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes until onions are soft, golden, and caramelized. Add a tablespoon of water or broth if onions start to stick.
  4. About 5 minutes before onions are done, stir in minced garlic and thyme. Cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  5. Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
  6. Push onions to the sides of the skillet. Increase heat to medium-high and add chicken breasts. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked.
  7. Sprinkle flour evenly over onions and chicken, stirring gently to coat.
  8. Pour in white wine or chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and lift browned bits.
  9. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  10. Sprinkle shredded Gruyere cheese evenly over chicken and onions.
  11. Transfer skillet to a preheated broiler and broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
  12. Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving with the caramelized onion sauce spooned over the top.

Notes

Use a good quality Gruyere cheese like Emmi for best melt and flavor. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or almond flour. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and dairy-free melting cheese. Avoid nonstick pans to properly caramelize onions. Pat chicken dry before searing to get a golden crust. Watch cheese closely under broiler to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion chicken, one skillet chicken, caramelized onions, Gruyere cheese, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/one-skillet-french-onion-chicken-recipe-easy-comforting-dinner-idea-with-melted-gruyere/