Indulge in the comforting, savory delight of One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken. This dish captures the rich flavors of caramelized onions, a delightful cheesy filling, and juicy chicken breasts, all cooked in just one pan for convenience and minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes mean more enjoyment and less hassle.
- Flavorful Fusion: The combination of caramelized onions and cheese is a match made in culinary heaven.
- Quick and Satisfying: Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something both delicious and time-efficient.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients for the One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken. Each item contributes significantly to creating layers of flavor and texture you won’t want to miss.
- Butter: Use it to perfectly caramelize those onions, adding a rich, buttery flavor.
- Large onions: These form the sweet, tangy backbone of the dish when caramelized slowly.
- Fresh thyme: Brings a touch of earthiness that pairs wonderfully with the onions.
- Boneless chicken breasts: The perfect vessel for our cheesy, oniony stuffing.
- Mozzarella or Gruyere cheese: Provide the gooey, creamy filling inside the chicken.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty contrast to the milder cheeses.
- Olive oil: Ensures a nice sear on the chicken, adding depth and texture.
- Chicken or beef stock: Infuses moisture and a savory base to the pan sauce.
Variations
Feel free to tweak the One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. This recipe is wonderfully versatile!
- Cheese Choices: Substitute the cheese blend with havarti or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with large portobello mushrooms for a delicious, meatless option.
How to Make One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by heating a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter, then add onions, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir regularly to achieve that gorgeous golden-brown shade that releases their natural sweetness.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, mix your shredded mozzarella or gruyere with parmesan cheese. Butterfly the chicken breasts and generously stuff them with the cheese mixture and some caramelized onions. Use toothpicks to secure them tightly to avoid spills.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add a bit of olive oil to the skillet and brown the stuffed chicken on both sides. Remove the chicken, pour in the remaining onions and stock, then return the chicken to bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until cooked through.
Pro Tips for Making One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken
- Caramelizing Perfection: Patience is key. Set the onions to a medium heat and stir frequently for even caramelization.
- Securing the Stuffing: Use enough toothpicks to ensure your filling stays put while cooking.
- Stock Selection: Choose chicken stock for a lighter taste or beef for a bolder flavor profile.
- Cheese Choice: For a stronger cheese flavor, consider half Gruyere and half Mozzarella.
How to Serve One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh thyme and a dusting of grated parmesan can bring out the dish’s rich flavors even more. These delicate touches add visual appeal and an aromatic burst to every bite.
Side Dishes
Warm up some fresh, crusty bread or serve alongside a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. These sides complement the rich flavors of the stuffed chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Plate the chicken on a bed of the caramelized onions and pan juices. Adding a bit of microgreens or edible flowers can bring a delightful pop of color to your plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They should remain fresh and delicious for up to three days.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen! Wrap each stuffed chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a preheated oven at 350°F, or microwave it on a lower setting to prevent drying out the delicate stuffing.
FAQs
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Can I prepare the onions in advance?
Absolutely! Caramelize the onions up to two days ahead and store them in the refrigerator. This can be a real time-saver.
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What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
Dry thyme can be used instead, but use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the delicate balance of flavors.
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How do I avoid the filling bursting out?
Ensure the chicken is well-secured with toothpicks and avoid overstuffing. Cook at a gentle, even pace.
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Can I use other herbs?
Yes, rosemary or parsley can also add wonderful flavors. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of comfort and flavor. I hope you feel inspired to create this delicious dish and share it with those you love. Bon appétit!
Print
Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
This Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with caramelized onions and a cheesy filling, all cooked in a single skillet for a flavorful and convenient meal. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it features sweet onions, fragrant herbs, and gooey cheese, making every bite irresistible.
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 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, melt butter, add sliced onions, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir regularly to prevent sticking and cook until the onions are golden brown and sweet, about 20-25 minutes.
- Prepare the Chicken: Mix the shredded cheeses in a bowl. Carefully cut pockets into each chicken breast and stuff with cheese mixture and caramelized onions. Secure with toothpicks to prevent filling from spilling out.
- Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, add olive oil and brown the stuffed chicken breasts on each side over medium-high heat, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once browned, remove chicken and set aside. Add remaining caramelized onions and stock to the skillet, scraping up browned bits.
- Bake the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the onion mixture over it, and transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then remove toothpicks. Serve with the caramelized onions and pan juices drizzled 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, gruyere, or parmesan.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken breasts to ensure they are fully cooked and moist.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the skillet before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
