This skillet French onion chicken recipe is the perfect amalgamation of juicy chicken and caramelized onions, topped with a rich, melty combination of Swiss and Provolone cheese. The delicious broth infused with oregano and thyme gives the dish added depth of flavor, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser.
The ingredients for this recipe are mostly pantry staples. However, one ingredient that may not be commonly found in your home is Provolone cheese. It's a semi-hard Italian cheese with a smooth texture and mild, smoky flavor. You might need to look for this in the international cheese section in the supermarket. Also, ensure you select a high-quality beef broth to help develop a deep, savory flavor in the dish.
Skillet French Onion Chicken Ingredients
Onions: These are caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness, providing a great balance to the savory components of the dish.
Chicken breasts: A lean protein that serves as the main component of this dish. Cooked until no longer pink for safety.
Butter: Used to make the roux which thickens the gravy.
Flour: Combined with butter to make a roux. Ensures a thick, velvety texture for the gravy.
Beef broth: Adds depth and savory flavor to the dish.
Dried oregano and thyme: Herbs that add a warm and earthy flavor to the dish.
Swiss cheese and Provolone cheese: Melted on top of the chicken for a gooey, cheesy finish.
One reader, Daisey Calhoun says:
This skillet French onion chicken recipe is a game-changer! The caramelized onions and savory broth create a rich flavor that perfectly complements the tender chicken. The gooey melted cheese on top adds a delicious finishing touch. It's a must-try for anyone who loves comforting, flavorful meals.
Techniques Required for Skillet French Onion Chicken
How to caramelize onions: Sauté sliced onions in oil over medium-high heat until they turn golden brown and caramelized, about 7-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
How to cook chicken breasts: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in the skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked throughout and no longer pink. Set aside with the onions.
How to make a roux: Melt butter in the skillet, then add flour and whisk until combined. Cook for a minute or two to remove the raw flour taste.
How to make a pan sauce: Add beef broth, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes until it starts to thicken, creating a flavorful pan sauce.
How to melt cheese under the broiler: After assembling the dish, place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the Swiss and provolone cheese are melted and bubbly. Be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
How To Make Skillet French Onion Chicken
This easy skillet recipe for French onion chicken is an elegant meal that you can make in half an hour. The Swiss & provolone cheeses make it super creamy.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspoil
- 2large onions,sliced
- 4chicken breasts
- salt and pepper,to taste
- 2tbspbutter
- 2tbspflour
- 2cupsbeef broth
- 1tspdried oregano
- 1tspdried thyme
- 1cupswiss cheese,shredded
- 8slicesprovolone cheese
Instructions
-
In a large skillet over medium high heat add the oil and sliced onions. Sauté for 7 to 10 minutes until caramelized. Remove and set aside on a plate.
-
Add in the chicken breasts and cook on each side for 3 to 4 minutes or until cooked throughout and no longer pink. Set aside with the onions.
-
Add in the butter and let melt and add the flour and whisk until combined. Add the beef broth, oregano, and thyme and salt and pepper to taste and let simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until it starts to thicken.
-
Reduce heat to a simmer and add chicken and onions back to the dish. Top with shredded Swiss cheese and provolone.
-
Broil for 1 to 2 minutes until cheese is melted.
Nutrition
- Calories: 798.79kcal
- Fat: 53.23g
- Saturated Fat: 24.33g
- Trans Fat: 0.44g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 19.19g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.40g
- Carbohydrates: 15.65g
- Fiber: 1.94g
- Sugar: 4.62g
- Protein: 63.34g
- Cholesterol: 195.63mg
- Sodium: 1111.43mg
- Calcium: 747.87mg
- Potassium: 847.11mg
- Iron: 2.72mg
- Vitamin A: 296.16µg
- Vitamin C: 5.68mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting This Skillet Chicken Recipe
When caramelizing the onions, patience is key. Resist the urge to stir them too often, as this can prevent them from achieving a deep, rich color and sweet flavor. Instead, let them cook undisturbed for several minutes at a time, only stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This will allow the natural sugars in the onions to slowly caramelize, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Skillet Chicken Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and caramelize the onions in advance, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also season the chicken breasts and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
One-pan wonder: Use a large skillet to cook the onions and chicken in the same pan, minimizing clean-up and saving time on washing multiple dishes.
Broil for quick melting: Instead of waiting for the cheese to melt on the stovetop, place the skillet under the broiler for a quick and even melt, saving time and adding a delicious finish to the dish.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded Swiss and provolone cheese to save time on grating and reduce prep work.
Substitute Ingredients For Skillet French Onion Chicken Recipe
oil - Substitute with butter: Butter can be used as a flavorful substitute for oil in this recipe, adding a rich and creamy texture to the dish.
onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can add a delicate touch to the dish.
chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless turkey thighs: Turkey thighs can be a great alternative, offering a similar texture and flavor profile to chicken breasts.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier substitute for butter, adding a different depth of flavor to the dish.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a gluten-free alternative to flour for thickening the sauce in the recipe.
beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian-friendly substitute for beef broth, adding a savory depth of flavor to the dish.
swiss - Substitute with Gruyère: Gruyère cheese can be used as a substitute for Swiss cheese, providing a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
provolone cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese can be a good substitute for provolone, offering a mild and creamy flavor to the dish.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Skillet Chicken Dish
Elevate the plating: Arrange the caramelized onions in a delicate and artistic manner, creating a visually appealing base for the chicken breasts.
Incorporate color contrast: Introduce vibrant green herbs, such as parsley or chives, to add a pop of color against the rich, golden-brown chicken and melted cheese.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism by allowing some areas of the plate to remain unadorned, drawing attention to the focal points of the dish.
Employ symmetry: Strategically position the chicken breasts and onions to create a balanced and harmonious composition on the plate.
Highlight the cheese: Melt the Swiss and provolone cheese over the chicken and onions, ensuring it cascades elegantly, creating an enticing visual appeal.
Add a finishing touch: Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to enhance the overall presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe
Skillet: A wide, flat-bottomed pan with low sides, used for frying, searing, and sautéing. It's perfect for cooking the onions and chicken in this recipe.
Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients together, such as when making the sauce for the French onion chicken.
Tongs: Essential for flipping and handling the chicken breasts while cooking.
Plate: Used for setting aside the caramelized onions and cooked chicken before adding them back to the skillet.
Oven-safe dish: Needed for broiling the chicken and melting the cheese on top.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Skillet French Onion Chicken
Let the skillet french onion chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze the french onion chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Label the container with the date and contents, and it can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. You can reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until it's heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
If you want to freeze individual portions, you can slice the chicken breasts and store them in separate freezer-safe containers or bags. This makes it easier to reheat just the amount you need.
To maintain the best quality and flavor, make sure to store the french onion chicken properly and consume it within the recommended time frame. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for too long, as this can lead to bacterial growth and spoilage.
How To Reheat Leftovers for Best Results
- To reheat leftover skillet french onion chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and onions in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp up the cheese topping.
- For a quicker option, reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the chicken and onions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this may cause the chicken to dry out.
- If you have a skillet large enough, you can reheat the dish on the stovetop. Place the chicken and onions in the skillet over medium-low heat, cover with a lid, and cook for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth if the dish appears dry.
- For a crispy cheese topping, after reheating the chicken and onions using any of the above methods, place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- If you have an air fryer, you can reheat the chicken and onions in it for a crispy result. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken and onions in the basket, and cook for 3-5 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Interesting Trivia About French Onion Chicken
The skillet French onion chicken recipe is a delicious and savory dish that combines tender chicken breasts with caramelized onions and a rich, flavorful sauce. This recipe is a great way to elevate your weeknight dinner with a comforting and satisfying meal. The combination of Swiss and provolone cheese adds a gooey, cheesy finish to the dish, making it a crowd-pleaser. The caramelized onions bring a sweet and savory flavor to the chicken, creating a perfect balance of tastes. This recipe is a great way to impress your family and friends with a simple yet elegant dish. Enjoy creating this French onion chicken recipe in your own kitchen.
Is Making Skillet French Onion Chicken Budget-Friendly?
The cost-effectiveness of this skillet French onion chicken recipe is quite high. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate it an 8. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20. This recipe utilizes simple and affordable ingredients, making it a budget-friendly option for families. The combination of caramelized onions, savory chicken, and gooey cheese creates a satisfying and flavorful dish that won't break the bank.
Is This Dish Healthy or Not So Much?
This skillet french onion chicken recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The use of butter and oil adds saturated fats to the dish
- The generous amount of cheese contributes to high levels of saturated fats and sodium
- Depending on the cut of chicken breasts used, they may be high in fat content
- The flour used as a thickening agent adds refined carbohydrates to the recipe
However, the recipe does include some healthy elements, such as the use of onions, which are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, and the incorporation of herbs like oregano and thyme that offer various health benefits.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Opt for skinless, boneless chicken breasts to reduce the fat content
- Use a minimal amount of oil, preferably a heart-healthy option like olive oil, for sautéing the onions and cooking the chicken
- Replace the butter with a small amount of olive oil or a butter alternative
- Reduce the amount of cheese used or opt for low-fat or reduced-sodium varieties
- Use whole wheat flour instead of refined flour for added fiber and nutrients
- Increase the amount of onions used to boost the vegetable content of the dish
- Serve the chicken with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables to balance out the meal and add more fiber and nutrients
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Skillet Chicken Dish
This skillet French onion chicken recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken, caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese. The caramelized onions add a rich sweetness, while the savory beef broth and herbs create a flavorful sauce. The combination of Swiss and provolone cheese adds a creamy and indulgent finish. This dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. It's a wonderful choice for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests.
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Why trust this Skillet French Onion Chicken Recipe:
This skillet French onion chicken recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions, savory chicken, and gooey melted cheese. The caramelized onions add a depth of flavor, while the combination of Swiss and provolone cheese creates a creamy and indulgent topping. The use of beef broth and aromatic herbs like oregano and thyme infuses the dish with a hearty and satisfying taste. Trust in the simplicity and heartiness of this recipe to bring warmth and flavor to your table.
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