French Onion Chicken
Ingredients:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or more as needed)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
3 ounces Gruyère cheese, coarsely grated (about 1 cup)
½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour mix*)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Pepper (to taste)
½ teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
Prepare Onions:
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
Add the onions and 1/4 teaspoon salt, increase to medium-high, and cook, stirring frequently, until they start to brown around the edges.
Turn the heat to medium-low and add the balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the onions are very tender. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to deglaze. Set aside and wipe out the skillet.
Prepare Chicken:
Season to taste with 1 teaspoon salt and black pepper and set aside.
In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, pinch of salt, and paprika.
Set a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and melt 1 teaspoon butter.
Dredge two of the chicken cutlets in the seasoned flour, then shake off the excess and lay them side by side in the pan.
Cook the chicken for 3 minutes, or until lightly browned, then flip and cook for 3 more minutes. Set aside on a dish and repeat with the remaining butter and chicken. Set aside.
Assemble and Cook:
Combine the broth and 1 tablespoon of the flour mixture and mix, add it to the skillet and whisk on low heat, 1 minute, until it thickens. Toss the rest of the flour out.
Return the chicken to the skillet, top with onions and cheese and cover. Cook low 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Enjoy your delicious French Onion Chicken! 
Here are some popular questions along with their answers related to French Onion Chicken:
- Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless skinless chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for this recipe, but you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the chicken cooks through completely.
- What can I use as a substitute for Gruyère cheese?
- If you can’t find Gruyère cheese, you can substitute it with Swiss cheese or another type of melty cheese like provolone or mozzarella.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour mix in place of all-purpose flour. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well, including the Worcestershire sauce.
- How can I prevent the chicken from becoming dry while cooking?
- To prevent the chicken from becoming dry, be sure not to overcook it. Cook the chicken just until it’s cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Additionally, covering the skillet while melting the cheese helps to keep the chicken moist.
- Can I make French Onion Chicken ahead of time?
- While it’s best to serve French Onion Chicken fresh, you can prepare the onions and cook the chicken in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then reheat the chicken and assemble just before serving.
- What can I serve with French Onion Chicken?
- French Onion Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a fresh green salad. Choose your favorite sides to complete the meal.
- How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
- The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature or cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink and the juices run clear.
These answers should help address common queries and ensure a successful cooking experience with French Onion Chicken.
To achieve the perfect French Onion Chicken, here are some secrets and tips:
- Caramelize the Onions Slowly: Take your time when caramelizing the onions. Cooking them slowly over low to medium heat allows them to develop rich, sweet flavors. Stir them occasionally to prevent burning.
- Use Gruyère Cheese: Gruyère cheese has a nutty flavor and melts beautifully, giving your French Onion Chicken an authentic taste. If you can’t find Gruyère, Swiss cheese is a good alternative.
- Season the Chicken Well: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper before cooking. This enhances the flavor of the chicken and ensures it’s well seasoned throughout.
- Dredge the Chicken in Flour: Dredging the chicken in seasoned flour before cooking helps create a crispy coating and thickens the sauce slightly. It also adds flavor and helps the chicken brown evenly.
- Deglaze the Pan: After caramelizing the onions, deglaze the skillet with a little water, balsamic vinegar, or broth. This helps to loosen any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, adding depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken breasts, as they can become dry and tough. Cook them just until they’re no longer pink in the center, and the juices run clear.
- Monitor the Cheese Melting: Once you’ve assembled the dish and added the cheese, cover the skillet and cook over low heat. This allows the cheese to melt evenly without overcooking the chicken.
- Serve Immediately: French Onion Chicken is best served immediately after cooking while the cheese is still gooey and melted. Serve it hot with your favorite side dishes for a delicious meal.
By following these tips, you’ll create a mouthwatering French Onion Chicken that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress your family and friends.