Description
This Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken recipe combines caramelized onions and a flavorful cheese blend stuffed inside tender butterflied chicken breasts, all cooked in one skillet for a delicious and effortless meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Onion Mixture
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5–6 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or gruyere 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 and melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced onions, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir regularly and cook slowly until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, developing a deep and rich flavor.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the shredded mozzarella or gruyere cheese with the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stuff each butterflied chicken breast with a portion of this cheese mixture and a generous amount of the caramelized onions. Secure the stuffed chicken breasts tightly with toothpicks to hold the filling inside.
- Cook the Chicken: Add olive oil to the same skillet and brown the stuffed chicken breasts on both sides over medium-high heat until golden brown. Remove the chicken briefly, then add any remaining caramelized onions and the chicken or beef stock to the skillet.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the browned chicken breasts back in the skillet with the onions and stock. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese filling is melted.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. Carefully remove the toothpicks and plate the chicken breasts. Spoon the remaining caramelized onions and pan juices over the top for a flavorful finish.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken breasts thinly is key to ensuring they cook evenly and hold the filling well.
- Using a cast iron skillet allows for great caramelization and also safely transfers to the oven for baking.
- Be sure to secure the chicken with toothpicks to prevent the cheese and onions from spilling out during cooking.
- Feel free to swap mozzarella or gruyere for a cheese you prefer that melts well.
- For a richer flavor, use beef stock instead of chicken stock.
- Letting the chicken rest before serving helps retain its juiciness.
