French Onion Chicken Skillet – Welcome to a recipe that combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with tender chicken breasts. This French Onion Chicken Skillet is an absolute crowd-pleaser, boasting caramelized Vidalia onions, savory beef gravy, and a generous topping of melted Swiss cheese. Get ready to experience a dish that will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Picture this: It’s a cozy Sunday evening, and your home is filled with the mouthwatering aroma of caramelized onions. The air is tinged with anticipation as your loved ones gather around the kitchen, eagerly awaiting dinner. This recipe has become a cherished tradition in our household, drawing everyone to the table with its irresistible appeal.
The first time I made this French Onion Chicken Skillet, my husband took one bite and declared it an instant favorite. From that moment on, it has held a special place in our hearts and stomachs. The tender chicken, perfectly seared to golden brown, pairs harmoniously with the sweet and savory onions. And let’s not forget the creamy Swiss cheese that crowns this masterpiece, adding a delightful touch of indulgence. Each bite is a symphony of flavors that leaves us craving more.
Why This Irresistible French Onion Chicken Skillet Will Steal Your Heart?
- Caramelized Vidalia Onions: Sliced Vidalia onions are slowly cooked to perfection, releasing their natural sweetness and infusing the dish with a deep, rich flavor.
- Succulent Chicken: Tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are seared to golden brown, creating a juicy and flavorful centerpiece for the dish.
- Homemade Beef Gravy: A velvety beef broth-based gravy ties all the ingredients together, coating the chicken and onions in a savory embrace.
- Melted Swiss Cheese: The pièce de résistance! A generous layer of grated Swiss cheese is melted to golden perfection, adding a creamy and nutty finish to each mouthful.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) sweet Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
- 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cups (473 ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (112 grams) grated Swiss cheese
- 1/3 cup (79 ml) 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
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 sliced onions, sprinkle with salt, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become softened and caramelized.
Add the balsamic vinegar to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen.
Remove the caramelized onions from heat and transfer them to a medium bowl.
Using the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, thyme, and sage. Place them in the skillet and sear on both sides until golden brown.
Once the chicken is seared, remove it from heat and set it aside.
Pour the beef broth into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a boil. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as they add incredible flavor.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and whisk in the flour, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
Return the chicken and caramelized onions to the skillet, stirring them together with the beef gravy. Ensure that the chicken is evenly coated.
Sprinkle the grated Swiss cheese over the top of the skillet, creating a luscious layer.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked.
Remove the skillet from the oven, and with great anticipation, serve this mouthwatering French Onion Chicken Skillet hot. Savor each bite and revel in the harmonious blend of flavors!
Notes:
- You can substitute other sweet onions if Vidalia onions are not available.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere or Mozzarella, for a unique twist.
- This dish pairs exceptionally well with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
In conclusion, the French Onion Chicken Skillet is a dish that effortlessly combines the comforting flavors of French onion soup with tender chicken and melted Swiss cheese. It’s a recipe that has captured the hearts and taste buds of my family, and I’m sure it will become a staple in your household too.
From the moment you start caramelizing the sweet Vidalia onions, the enticing aroma fills your kitchen, creating an ambiance of warmth and anticipation. As the chicken sizzles in the skillet, it develops a beautiful golden crust, while the homemade beef gravy brings all the elements together, infusing the dish with savory goodness.
But it’s the final touch—the generous layer of melted Swiss cheese—that takes this recipe to new heights. With each forkful, you’ll experience the harmonious blend of flavors, the tender chicken, the caramelized onions, and the creamy, nutty cheese creating a symphony of tastes that will have you craving more.
Whether you’re seeking a comforting weeknight meal or an impressive dish to serve to guests, the French Onion Chicken Skillet is a recipe that delivers every time. Its timeless appeal and delicious flavors make it a standout choice for any occasion.
So gather your loved ones around the table, pour a glass of your favorite wine, and savor this delightful dish together. The French Onion Chicken Skillet will not only nourish your bodies but also create lasting memories of shared meals and joyful moments.
It’s time to indulge in the magic of French cuisine, one delicious bite at a time. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the caramelized onions and the seared chicken in advance. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the caramelized onions, add the chicken to the skillet, and continue with the recipe as directed. Remember to melt the cheese in the oven just before serving for that perfect finishing touch.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, offering moist and tender results. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked through.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While this recipe showcases the delicious combination of onions, beef broth, and chicken, you can certainly adapt it to suit a vegetarian diet. Swap the chicken for plant-based alternatives like seitan or tofu, and use vegetable broth in place of beef broth. The caramelized onions and cheese will still create a delightful flavor experience.
French Onion Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 pounds 907 grams sweet Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
- 2 pounds 907 grams boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cups 473 ml beef broth
- 1 cup 112 grams grated Swiss cheese
- 1/3 cup 79 ml 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
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 sliced onions, sprinkle with salt, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become softened and caramelized.
- Add the balsamic vinegar to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen.
- Remove the caramelized onions from heat and transfer them to a medium bowl.
- Using the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, thyme, and sage. Place them in the skillet and sear on both sides until golden brown.
- Once the chicken is seared, remove it from heat and set it aside.
- Pour the beef broth into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a boil. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as they add incredible flavor.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and whisk in the flour, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
- Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Return the chicken and caramelized onions to the skillet, stirring them together with the beef gravy. Ensure that the chicken is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the grated Swiss cheese over the top of the skillet, creating a luscious layer.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the skillet from the oven, and with great anticipation, serve this mouthwatering French Onion Chicken Skillet hot. Savor each bite and revel in the harmonious blend of flavors!
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