Elevate your dinner game with this French Onion Stuffed Chicken recipe, a delightful twist on the classic French onion soup. This dish features tender chicken breasts stuffed with caramelized onions and gooey Gruyère cheese, then baked to perfection. The combination of rich, savory flavors and melted cheese makes this a show-stopping meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 large onions, halved and thinly sliced
- A dash of salt and pepper, for seasoning
- 2 teaspoons fresh chopped thyme, divided
- 2 tablespoons white wine, sherry, or balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth or stock, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or mozzarella cheese)
- 4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Caramelize the Onions:
- In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of the fresh chopped thyme and continue to cook for an additional minute.
- If using, add the white wine, sherry, or balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until most of the liquid has reduced. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until it becomes aromatic.
- Add 1/4 cup of the beef broth to the onions, stir well, and allow it to simmer until the onions absorb the broth, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a sharp knife, make a pocket in each chicken breast by cutting horizontally into the thickest part of the breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, ground thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts, including inside the pockets.
- Stuff the Chicken:
- Stuff each chicken breast with a generous amount of the caramelized onions, reserving a small portion of the onions for topping. Then, add a portion of the shredded Gruyère cheese inside each pocket.
- Secure the chicken breasts with toothpicks if necessary to keep the filling inside.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish. Top each breast with the remaining caramelized onions and the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the remaining 1/4 cup of beef broth into the baking dish to keep the chicken moist.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with the remaining fresh thyme for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve hot with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Conclusion:
This French Onion Stuffed Chicken is a deliciously indulgent dish that captures the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup in a unique and satisfying way. The combination of tender chicken, caramelized onions, and melted Gruyère cheese creates a gourmet meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough for guests, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness of this dish with your loved ones!