Ultimate One-Pan French Onion Chicken Skillet: Your New Favorite Easy Weeknight Dinner
Step into a world of comforting flavors with this incredible French Onion Chicken Skillet! Drawing inspiration from the beloved classic French onion soup, this dish transforms tender, juicy chicken into a protein-packed masterpiece. It’s the perfect solution for a hearty weeknight dinner that feels gourmet but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Imagine succulent chicken breasts, perfectly seared and then enveloped in a luscious blanket of deeply caramelized onions, rich savory sauce, and gooey melted Swiss cheese. This one-pan wonder offers all the cozy, soul-satisfying warmth of comfort food with the convenience of a quick and easy weeknight meal. Whether you’re looking for a delightful family dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this French Onion Chicken Skillet is designed to become a regular in your culinary rotation.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This French Onion Chicken Recipe
This isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s an experience! Here’s why this French Onion Chicken Skillet will quickly become one of your go-to recipes:
- A Classic Reimagined: We’ve taken the exquisite, deep, and savory flavors of traditional French onion soup – particularly the sweet caramelized onions and rich broth – and infused them into tender, juicy chicken. It’s a creative twist that brings familiar comfort in a brand new way.
- Effortless Comfort Food: Get all the satisfying warmth and cozy vibes of a hearty comfort meal on your table in under an hour. The one-pan method means less cleanup, making it ideal for busy evenings when you crave something truly special without the fuss.
- Protein-Packed and Satisfying: Featuring generous chicken breasts, this skillet meal is not only delicious but also incredibly filling. It’s a complete meal that will keep you energized and satisfied, making it perfect for active lifestyles or a fulfilling family dinner.
- Remarkably Versatile: While chicken breasts are the star, this recipe is highly adaptable. Easily swap out chicken for other proteins or experiment with different cheeses and vegetables to suit your preferences and what you have on hand.
- Meal Prep Dream: This dish holds up beautifully in the fridge, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping. Cook a batch on Sunday, and you’ll have delicious, ready-to-heat lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: With readily available ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry, this recipe proves that delicious, wholesome meals don’t need exotic components or complicated steps.
FREE Budget-Friendly Meal Plan!
Save thousands of dollars on food every year with my free budget-friendly meal plan ebook.
Essential Ingredients and Clever Substitutions for Your Skillet
Crafting this flavorful French Onion Chicken Skillet requires a few key ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and how you can adapt the recipe with common pantry staples:
- Olive oil: This forms the foundation for searing and sautéing, adding a mild, pleasant flavor. You can easily substitute it with any neutral cooking oil you prefer, such as avocado oil (for its high smoke point), canola oil, or even vegetable oil.
- Chicken breasts: We use large chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise to ensure they cook evenly and quickly. For a richer flavor and even more tender texture, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Chicken cutlets are also a great option for faster cooking. This recipe is also incredibly versatile with other proteins like pork chops, steak, or white fish, though cooking times will vary.
- Yellow onions: The star of the French onion flavor! Yellow onions caramelize beautifully, developing a deep sweetness. If you don’t have yellow, sweet onions or Vidalia onions are excellent choices. Red onions can also work, offering a slightly sharper flavor. For a milder touch, consider shallots or leeks.
- Flour: A small amount of all-purpose flour helps to create a roux, thickening the sauce to that perfect consistency. For a gluten-free version, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free flour, such as almond flour, tapioca flour, or a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Red wine: This adds a crucial layer of depth and acidity to the sauce, deglazing the pan and enhancing the savory notes. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, an equal amount of extra beef broth will work perfectly, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- Beef broth: The base of our rich sauce. Beef broth provides that classic umami depth found in French onion soup. A fantastic and convenient substitute is dissolving beef bouillon cubes or paste into hot water.
- Swiss cheese: Known for its nutty flavor and excellent melting properties, Swiss cheese creates that irresistible bubbly, cheesy topping. Emmental cheese is a very similar European alternative. For a milder flavor or if you prefer something with more stretch, pizza mozzarella or provolone would also be delicious.
Oven-Roasted Broccoli: The Perfect Sidekick
To round out this skillet meal, we recommend a simple yet flavorful side of oven-roasted broccoli:
- Broccoli: One head of fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets, roasts beautifully. You can easily substitute broccoli with other favorite vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, asparagus, or even bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
- Olive oil: Just like for the chicken, olive oil helps the broccoli roast to perfection and ensures even seasoning. See the substitution notes above if you need an alternative.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the best aroma and flavor to your roasted vegetables. However, if you’re short on time, pre-minced jarred garlic is a convenient option that works well in a pinch.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the broccoli. Adjust to your taste!
How to Master the French Onion Chicken Skillet
Creating this flavorful dish is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result:
Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Chicken.
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large, oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron or another heavy-bottomed pan), heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, take your chicken breasts and slice them in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets, which will cook more evenly and quickly. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until they are beautifully golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions to Perfection.
Wipe any excess chicken residue from the skillet with a paper towel. Add 1 teaspoon of fresh olive oil to the same skillet. Add your thinly sliced yellow onions and reduce the heat to medium-low. This step is crucial for developing the deep, sweet flavor of French onion soup. Cook the onions for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Don’t rush this process; allow the onions to slowly soften and turn a rich golden brown. If they start to stick, add a tiny splash of water or broth to help loosen them.
Step 3: Roast the Broccoli Simultaneously.
While the onions are caramelizing, prepare your broccoli. In a medium bowl, toss the broccoli florets with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, the minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the seasoned broccoli in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and roast for 8-10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and slightly charred at the edges. This ensures a perfectly cooked vegetable side.
Step 4: Craft the Savory French Onion Sauce.
Once the onions have reached a beautiful golden hue and are wonderfully soft, sprinkle the flour over them in the skillet. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Then, pour in the red wine (or extra beef broth if substituting) and the beef broth, stirring vigorously to combine and scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and reaches a consistency you desire.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese to Golden Perfection.
Return the sautéed chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rich French onion sauce. Top each chicken piece generously with the grated Swiss cheese. If your skillet has a lid, place it on top. If not, you can cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Let it cook on low heat for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese has completely melted into a bubbling, golden crust.
Step 6: Serve and Savor Every Bite!
Carefully remove the skillet from the heat. Spoon extra caramelized onion sauce over the cheesy chicken and serve immediately alongside your perfectly roasted broccoli. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Get ready to dig into a truly unforgettable weeknight meal!
Tips & Delicious Variations for Your French Onion Chicken Skillet
- Slow and Steady Caramelization: The key to truly flavorful French onion chicken is perfectly caramelized onions. Resist the urge to rush this step! Cook the onions over low to medium heat, stirring frequently, to allow their natural sugars to break down slowly. This process can take 15-20 minutes, but it’s worth every minute for the depth of flavor it brings.
- Utilize an Oven-Safe Skillet: To achieve that beautifully melted, bubbly cheese topping without transferring dishes, make sure to use an oven-safe skillet. Cast iron or stainless steel skillets are ideal as they can go directly from stovetop to oven (if you choose to finish under the broiler for extra crispiness) or simply be covered with a lid on the stovetop.
- Embrace a Low-Carb Lifestyle: Easily adapt this French onion chicken skillet for a low-carb diet. Instead of serving with traditional starches, pair it with creamy cauliflower mash, savory roasted spaghetti squash, or extra roasted green vegetables like asparagus or spinach.
- Herbaceous Upgrade: Elevate the fresh flavors of your dish by garnishing with fresh herbs just before serving. A sprinkle of chopped fresh thyme, parsley, or chives will add a bright, aromatic finish.
- Boost Umami: For an even deeper, richer umami flavor in your sauce, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a tiny bit of balsamic vinegar along with the red wine and beef broth.
- Cheesy Alternatives: While Swiss cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Gruyere, provolone, or even a mix of mozzarella and parmesan can create delicious variations.
- Add a Touch of Spice: If you enjoy a hint of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the onions can give this comforting dish a subtle kick.
Frequently Asked Questions About French Onion Chicken Skillet
How do you achieve perfectly caramelized onions?
Caramelizing onions is a process that requires patience but yields incredible flavor. To get it right, slice your onions thinly but not too finely, as very thin slices can become crispy instead of tender. Use a good quality oil (like olive oil) and cook them over low to medium heat. Stir frequently, every few minutes, to ensure even browning and prevent sticking. The goal is a deep golden-brown color and a soft, sweet texture. If you notice them starting to burn or stick excessively, simply add a splash of water or beef broth to the pan and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom – this is called deglazing and adds even more flavor to your sauce. Continue cooking at a slightly lower temperature until they reach your desired sweetness and tenderness.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this skillet recipe?
Absolutely, chicken thighs are an excellent choice for this French Onion Chicken Skillet! They are naturally more forgiving and tend to stay juicier, adding an even richer flavor to the dish. When substituting, remember that chicken thighs might require a slightly longer cooking time than breasts, typically around 6-8 minutes per side, depending on their thickness. Always ensure chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for food safety.
What if my French onion sauce is too thin or too thick? How can I adjust it?
Achieving the perfect sauce consistency is easy! If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by creating a simple cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the simmering sauce in the skillet and continue to cook for another minute or two, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your liking. If your sauce is too thick, simply add a tablespoon or two of extra beef broth or water at a time, stirring well, until it reaches your desired consistency.
What to Serve Alongside Your French Onion Chicken Skillet
This hearty French Onion Chicken Skillet is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to complete your dinner. Consider your family’s preferences and what kind of meal you’re craving:
For a lighter, nutrient-rich option, roasted or steamed vegetables are always a winner. Besides the suggested roasted broccoli, green beans, carrots, or asparagus are fantastic choices. Their freshness and slight crunch provide a beautiful contrast to the rich chicken and sauce. If you’re looking for something more substantial, classic starches like fluffy white rice, brown rice, or creamy roasted or mashed potatoes are excellent for soaking up every last drop of that savory French onion sauce.
No French onion-inspired meal would be complete without some crusty bread! A warm, crusty loaf of French bread is absolutely perfect for scooping up the luscious sauce and caramelized onions. For those nights when you need something quick and easy, don’t hesitate to serve it with some frozen fries or homemade sweet potato tater tots. And if you’re aiming to keep it low-carb or simply want to add some freshness, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a delightful and refreshing accompaniment.
Storing and Reheating Your Delicious French Onion Chicken Skillet
One of the best things about this French Onion Chicken Skillet is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Here are some tips to keep it tasting great:
- Storing in the Fridge: Once completely cooled, transfer any leftover French Onion Chicken Skillet into airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This makes it an ideal candidate for meal prepping your lunches or dinners throughout a busy week. You can even divide it into single-serving portions for ultimate grab-and-go convenience.
- Reheating for Freshness: For individual portions, simply microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly warmed. If you’re reheating a larger quantity or prefer an oven-crisped finish, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and sauce in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. You can remove the foil for the last few minutes to get a slightly crispier topping.
- Freezing for Future Meals: This recipe freezes exceptionally well, making it a fantastic option for make-ahead dinners. Allow the cooked dish to cool completely. Transfer it to freezer-safe meal prep containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Freezing Caramelized Onions Separately: To save time on future meals, consider making a large batch of caramelized onions. Once cooled, freeze them in small portions – an ice cube tray works perfectly for this, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag. Caramelized onions can be stored in the freezer for up to 5 months and are a wonderful topping for meats, burgers, soups, and other dishes, adding instant depth of flavor.
More Delicious Chicken Skillet Dinners to Explore
If you loved this French Onion Chicken Skillet, you’re in for a treat! We have many more incredible one-pan chicken skillet recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying meals. Each recipe brings unique flavors and the same convenience you enjoy in this dish.
-
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet
-
Skinny Easy Chicken Marsala Skillet
-
Creamy Basil Chicken Skillet {One Pan}
Essential Meal Prep Tools for This Recipe
To make your French Onion Chicken Skillet cooking and meal prepping experience as smooth as possible, consider having these helpful tools on hand:
- Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on transforming this incredible French onion chicken skillet meal into convenient and ready-to-eat lunches or dinners for the entire week. They’re perfect for portioning and reheating.
- I source all my high-quality, free-range chicken from Butcher Box. Their service offers the convenience of having premium frozen meats delivered directly to your door, ensuring you always have excellent ingredients on hand.
- Ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly and safely every time by using a reliable meat thermometer. It’s the easiest way to check for doneness, guaranteeing juicy and tender results without overcooking.
- A good quality, large oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) is essential for this one-pan recipe, allowing you to seamlessly transition from stovetop searing to stovetop cheese melting.
French Onion Chicken Skillet
Print
Pin
Rate
SEND ME MY PLAN
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 4 yellow onions, sliced
- 2 tsp flour
- 2 tbsp red wine
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, grated
Oven-roasted broccoli
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 tsp each salt & pepper
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 425 F. Add 1 tbsp olive oil to a large skillet over med-high heat. Meanwhile, slice chicken in half lengthwise then season with salt and pepper.
-
Saute chicken for 4-5 minutes each side, then remove from heat and wipe pan clean with a paper towel. Add 1 tsp olive oil to skillet then add onions and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until onions brown.
-
Meanwhile, toss broccoli with 1 tsp olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until broccoli is tender.
-
Once onions are softened and somewhat browned, mix in flour and then add red wine and beef broth, mixing well to combine.
-
Add chicken back to skillet and cover with onion mixture, then top with cheese and put lid on top of skillet to let cheese melt, about 2 minutes.
-
Serve chicken with broccoli and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Try serving the onion sauce with another protein like pork chops, steak or fish.
Store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few minutes or in the oven at 350 F for 20 minutes.
Freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight then reheat as normal.
Nutrition
