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Easy French Onion Chicken Skillet

Easy French Onion Chicken Skillet

Tender seared chicken in a rich caramelized onion gravy, finished with bubbly Gruyère. Weeknight easy, bistro-level comfort.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1.25 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 0.75 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1.5 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3.5 cup thinly sliced yellow onions
  • 3 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
  • 1.5 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup dry white wine optional
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat the broiler and set a rack about 6 inches from the heat.
  • Pat the chicken dry. Season all over with 1 teaspoon salt and the pepper.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear the chicken until golden on both sides, 6 to 8 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet, then add the onions and remaining salt.
  • Cook, stirring often, until the onions are deeply golden and jammy, 12 to 15 minutes.
  • Stir in garlic and thyme. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Sprinkle flour over the onions. Stir for 1 minute to coat and cook off raw taste.
  • Pour in the wine and scrape up browned bits. Simmer until reduced by about half.
  • Add broth, Worcestershire, and balsamic. Simmer until slightly thickened, 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Nestle chicken into the onions and sauce. Simmer gently until chicken reaches 165°F.
  • Scatter Gruyère over the chicken and onions.
  • Broil until the cheese melts and browns in spots, 1 to 3 minutes. Watch closely.
  • Rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Variation: Swap boneless thighs for breasts and use Swiss or provolone if Gruyère isn’t handy. For extra depth, add a splash of sherry instead of white wine. Serve with toasted baguette slices, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles. Leftovers keep 3 days refrigerated; reheat gently over low heat with a splash of broth.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy French Onion Chicken Skillet flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.