French Onion Chicken Skillet
When we say this French onion chicken skillet is one of the best chicken dinners we’ve ever made, we are not exaggerating. Not even a little bit. For all you French onion soup lovers out there, get ready to have your minds blown; we turned one of our all-time favorite soups into a skillet dinner, adding chicken into the mix for some more protein and to make it a more well-rounded meal.
But other than that, we prepared the onions almost exactly the same way we would to make the soup. Which way is that exactly? Well to start, you’re going to need two pounds of Vidalia onions. We use Vidalias because they caramelize beautifully. They’re a sweeter onion to start, so that means they get even sweeter as they soften – no bitterness here! One thing to keep in mind though is that you do need a little time to dedicate to caramelizing these bad boys. You want to keep your heat relatively low, so the whole process takes 20-30 minutes, depending on how delightfully sweet and soft you want your onions to turn out. Once those are caramelized to perfection, you’ll want to make a nice sauce to coat your chicken and onions, then top it off with cheese, throw it in the oven and let it all cook together until the cheese is deliciously melted and your chicken is cooked through.
This is seriously an outstanding dish. If you’ve got the time to whip it up on a weeknight – we find it relaxing to cook the onions – it’ll blow your family away, otherwise, you’ll be sure to impress any and all guests for whom you make it. Regardless of whether you even like onions (it’s impossible not to like these!), this dish is a certified winner, every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a comforting blend of savory flavors, perfect for cozy dinners. It’s a delightful twist on classic French onion soup, combined with tender chicken to make a hearty and satisfying meal. The caramelized onions add a rich and sweet depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the melted Swiss cheese and juicy chicken. Plus, it’s an easy one-skillet meal that makes cleanup a breeze!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large oven-proof skillet or pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Vidalia onions, sliced
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, grated
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Step-by-step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350º F.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add onions, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes or until they are softened and caramelized.
- Add balsamic vinegar to the onions and cook for another 3-5 minutes until they are darkened but not burned. Remove the onions from the heat and transfer them to a medium bowl.
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, and sage, then sear in the skillet until golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Pour the beef broth into the skillet and bring it to a boil, scraping up any stuck bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and whisk in the flour, stirring until smooth. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture has thickened. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Return the chicken and onions to the skillet, stir together with the beef gravy, and top with grated Swiss cheese.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Patience is key when caramelizing the onions. Keep the heat low and give them time to develop their sweetness.
- Ensure your skillet is oven-proof to make the transition from stovetop to oven seamless.
Additional Tips or Variations
Feel free to swap Swiss cheese for Gruyere for a more traditional French onion soup flavor. For a touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish before serving.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 450
Protein: 40g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 25g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use other types of onions?
Yes, but sweet onions like Vidalia work best for caramelizing.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Assemble and bake the dish when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
This French Onion Chicken Skillet is a must-try for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of French onion soup or is simply looking for a delicious and satisfying chicken dish. With its rich flavors and cheesy topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out for you in the comments below!