If you’re seeking a dish that combines the ease of preparation with gourmet flair, look no further than this Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken. It’s a delightful marriage of succulent chicken, richly caramelized onions, and melty cheese, all lovingly crafted in one skillet. This recipe is sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean means more time to enjoy your meal.
- Gourmet Appeal: Impress your family and friends with tender, cheese-stuffed chicken that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Versatile Flavors: The marriage of sweet caramelized onions and savory chicken suits any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken plays a vital role. From the gooey cheese blend to the aromatic thyme, every component comes together to create a harmony of flavors that’s hard to resist.
- Butter: Essential for achieving the perfect caramelization of the onions.
- Onions: The star of the show, offering sweetness as they cook down.
- Fresh Thyme: Imbues a subtle earthy aroma that complements the dish.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy, these are the perfect canvas for our stuffing.
- Gruyere/Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, providing a creamy richness with each bite.
- Olive Oil: Facilitates even browning of the chicken, adding depth of flavor.
- Chicken or Beef Stock: Keeps the chicken moist while enhancing the overall taste.
Variations
Feel free to make this Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken your own! Its flexible nature invites you to experiment with different flavors and textures, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
- Mushroom Addition: Add sautéed mushrooms to the filling for an umami boost.
- Cheese Swap: Try a sharp cheddar or gouda for a different cheesy experience.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with rosemary or tarragon for a unique herbal twist.
How to Make Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by heating butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions along with thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir them occasionally, and watch them transform into a beautifully golden, caramelized delight. This slow process intensifies their natural sweetness, setting the stage for our stuffed chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Butterfly each chicken breast carefully. In a mixing bowl, combine your cheeses then stuff each chicken breast with a mix of cheese and caramelized onions. Secure it with toothpicks to ensure none of that luscious filling escapes during cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet, add olive oil and brown the stuffed chicken breasts on all sides, ensuring a delightful crust. Remove the chicken, add any remaining onions and the stock, return the chicken to the skillet, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. This infuses even more flavor into your dish.
Pro Tips for Making Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken
- Watch the Onions: Stir your onions frequently to prevent burning and ensure they caramelize evenly for maximum sweetness.
- Seal the Deal: Use toothpicks liberally to keep the filling secure inside the chicken while cooking.
- Optimal Baking: Use an oven thermometer to maintain the ideal temperature and avoid undercooked chicken.
- Balance the Cheese: Mix and match cheese varieties for a unique flavor profile without overpowering the onions.
How to Serve Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the chicken before serving, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the dish.
Side Dishes
Sides such as creamy mashed potatoes or a light garden salad work wonders in rounding out this meal, offering a contrast in textures and flavors that balance the chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken atop a wooden board with a rustic bread and simple greens on the side for an Instagram-worthy presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll remain fresh for up to three days, and you can savor this delicious meal again without any compromise in taste.
Freezing
Wrap individual portions of stuffed chicken tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. This allows you to freeze them for up to three months while maintaining their delectable flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave it gently on a low setting to retain the moistness and texture of the original dish.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese varieties. Goat cheese or blue cheese can provide a delightful twist.
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What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
No worries! Any oven-safe skillet or frying pan will work just fine. Just ensure it’s large enough to fit all the chicken breasts comfortably.
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Is it necessary to butterfly the chicken breasts?
Butterflying is recommended for even cooking and more surface area for stuffing, but if you prefer, you can use a sharp knife to create a pocket in the chicken breast instead.
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How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. This guarantees it’s safe to eat while remaining juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken is not only a feast for the senses but also a breeze to prepare. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, it’s a versatile and delicious recipe you’ll want to make time and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and share your delightful experiences!
Print
French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired American
Description
This delectable one-pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken recipe combines tender, buttery chicken breasts filled with caramelized onions and melted cheeses, then baked to perfection. It’s a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that offers rich oniony goodness paired with gooey cheese, all cooked in a single skillet for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
For Caramelized Onions:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5-6 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- a pinch each of salt and pepper
For Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or gruyère cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup chicken or beef stock
- a few sprigs of fresh thyme
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter, then add the sliced onions, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring regularly, until the onions are deep golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheeses. Carefully butterfly each chicken breast to create a pocket, then stuff each with the cheese mixture and caramelized onions. Secure each with toothpicks to prevent spilling.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the same skillet. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce and Bake: In the same skillet, add the remaining onions, stock, and fresh thyme. Bring to a simmer, then return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Carefully remove toothpicks, then serve the stuffed chicken with the caramelized onions and pan juices spooned over the top.
Notes
- Make sure to properly secure the filled chicken breasts with toothpicks to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- You can customize the cheese blend to your preference, using mozzarella, gruyère, or parmesan.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken breasts to ensure they are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
