– **Title**: French Onion Chicken Skillet
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup dry white wine (or additional beef broth)
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Add the minced garlic in the last few minutes of cooking.
3. Once the onions are caramelized, pour in the beef broth, white wine, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the onion mixture. Sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese over the chicken.
5. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your French Onion Chicken Skillet!
This dish is comforting with layers of flavor from the caramelized onions and melted cheese, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts create a tender base. If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey cutlets or thighs work well. For a lighter option, try using chicken tenders.
Onions: Two large onions add sweetness through caramelization. Yellow onions are best. If you prefer a milder taste, consider using sweet onions or even shallots.
Beef Broth: This adds depth to the dish. If you’re vegetarian, opt for vegetable broth. You can also use chicken broth for a milder flavor.
White Wine: While optional, it enhances the taste. If you don’t want to use wine, you can substitute with more broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
Gruyère Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully. If Gruyère is hard to find, Swiss cheese, Fontina, or even mozzarella can work as substitutes, though the flavor may differ.
How Do I Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions is crucial for bringing out their natural sweetness. The key is patience. Cook them slowly to develop rich flavors.
- Start with medium heat and add onions to the skillet with a bit of oil.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking but give them time to brown.
- Keep cooking for 15-20 minutes until they are golden and soft.
This process makes a world of difference in your dish. Don’t rush it—it’s worth the wait!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure the Chicken is Cooked Through?
To make sure your chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temp of 165°F (75°C). Here’s how:
- Sear the chicken until golden, then set it aside.
- Add it back to the skillet for simmering; this allows it to soak up flavors.
- Cover the skillet to retain moisture during cooking.
Letting the chicken rest afterward helps keep it juicy. Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken every time!
How to Make French Onion Chicken Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Onion Mixture:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 40 minutes to complete, with 15 minutes for prepping the ingredients and around 25 minutes for cooking everything together. It’s a quick and delicious meal that will surely impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This adds flavor right from the beginning, making your dish tastier!
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they turn a nice golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now.
3. Cook the Onions:
In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions. Cook the onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 15-20 minutes, until they are caramelized and beautiful golden brown. This step is crucial for developing the sweet onion flavor!
4. Add Flavors:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking for another minute until everything smells amazing. You will love the aroma!
5. Deglaze the Skillet:
Pour in the beef broth and white wine (if you’re using it). Use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the skillet, picking up all those delicious browned bits from cooking the chicken and onions. Then add the Worcestershire sauce and stir to combine everything.
6. Cook the Chicken Again:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the onion mixture. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Broil the Cheese:
After the chicken is cooked, turn on your broiler to preheat. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the chicken. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and just starts to turn golden. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take the skillet out of the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes. If you’d like, garnish with some fresh thyme sprigs before serving. Your French Onion Chicken Skillet is ready to be enjoyed!
Enjoy your delicious meal!
## FAQ for French Onion Chicken Skillet
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If Gruyère isn’t available, Swiss cheese is a great substitute. You could also try a blend of cheeses like mozzarella for a milder taste or cheddar for a sharper flavor. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well.
What Can I Substitute for Beef Broth?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use chicken broth instead of beef broth. For a vegetarian version, vegetable broth works perfectly too. Just be aware that it may alter the flavor slightly, so adjust your seasonings as desired!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the chicken moist. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, for even reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe without Wine?
Yes, you can definitely omit the white wine! Simply replace it with more beef broth or a dash of vinegar for acidity. The dish will still have great flavor without it, so don’t worry if you want to skip the wine.
