French Onion Chicken Skillet – Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our irresistible French Onion Chicken Skillet recipe. This mouthwatering dish combines tender chicken breasts, caramelized Vidalia onions, and gooey Swiss cheese, all bathed in a savory beef gravy. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Join us on this culinary journey and discover why this recipe is a must-try!
Picture this: it’s a cozy Sunday evening, and the aroma of caramelized onions fills your home. The sizzling sound of chicken searing in a skillet creates an enticing melody in the kitchen. This is the story of how French Onion Chicken Skillet became a cherished staple in our household. One evening, my husband surprised me with this delightful recipe, and from the very first bite, it captivated our taste buds. The combination of savory onions, juicy chicken, and rich Swiss cheese took us on a flavor adventure we couldn’t resist. Now, it’s a regular on our weekly menu, bringing warmth, joy, and the essence of togetherness to our family table.
Why This Recipe: An Irresistible Twist on Classic French Onion Soup
- Caramelized Vidalia onions: We take the time to cook the onions low and slow, unlocking their natural sweetness and creating a deeply rich flavor base.
- Tender chicken breasts: Searing the chicken in fragrant herbs like thyme and sage ensures a golden crust and succulent, juicy meat in every bite.
- Gooey Swiss cheese: We generously sprinkle grated Swiss cheese on top, allowing it to melt and form a luscious, cheesy blanket over the chicken and onions.
- Savory beef gravy: The addition of balsamic vinegar and beef broth creates a savory gravy that brings all the elements together, elevating the dish to new heights of deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (907g) sweet Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
- 2 pounds (907g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (120g) grated Swiss cheese
- 1/3 cup (80ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
In a large, oven-proof pan or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet, season with salt, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized.
Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Remove the onions from heat and transfer them to a medium bowl.
In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and sage, then place them in the skillet and sear on both sides until golden brown.
Remove the chicken from heat and set it aside.
Pour the beef broth into the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and whisk in the flour, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and thickened. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Return the chicken and caramelized onions to the skillet, stirring them together with the beef gravy.
Top the chicken and onions with the grated Swiss cheese.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
Remove from the oven and serve the French Onion Chicken Skillet hot. Prepare yourself for a symphony of flavors!
Notes:
- For a twist, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They will add an extra layer of succulence to the dish.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese if Swiss cheese isn’t your favorite. Gruyere or provolone would also work beautifully.
- Serve this dish with crusty bread or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
In conclusion, our French Onion Chicken Skillet recipe is a true masterpiece that combines the comforting flavors of French onion soup with tender chicken and gooey Swiss cheese. This dish has the power to transport you to a world of culinary delight with each and every bite. The caramelized Vidalia onions bring a touch of sweetness and depth, while the savory beef gravy and aromatic herbs elevate the flavors to new heights. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, heat up that skillet, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you longing for more. Get ready to create cherished memories around the dinner table with our irresistible French Onion Chicken Skillet. Bon appétit!
FAQs
Can I use regular yellow onions instead of Vidalia onions?
Absolutely! While Vidalia onions bring a touch of sweetness, you can substitute them with regular yellow onions if you prefer. The dish will still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the caramelized onions and sear the chicken in advance. When you’re ready to serve, simply follow the remaining steps and bake until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze any leftovers of this French Onion Chicken Skillet. Make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bags for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
Certainly! While beef broth adds a rich flavor to the dish, you can substitute it with vegetable broth if you prefer a milder taste or if you’re following a vegetarian diet.
French Onion Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 pounds 907g sweet Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
- 2 pounds 907g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cups 480ml beef broth
- 1 cup 120g grated Swiss cheese
- 1/3 cup 80ml extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons 16g all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons 10ml balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- In a large, oven-proof pan or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet, season with salt, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized.
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Remove the onions from heat and transfer them to a medium bowl.
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and sage, then place them in the skillet and sear on both sides until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from heat and set it aside.
- Pour the beef broth into the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and whisk in the flour, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and thickened. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Return the chicken and caramelized onions to the skillet, stirring them together with the beef gravy.
- Top the chicken and onions with the grated Swiss cheese.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and serve the French Onion Chicken Skillet hot. Prepare yourself for a symphony of flavors!
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