Description
This French Onion Chicken Skillet is like French onion soup meets a hearty chicken dish—but lightened up! Pan-seared chicken breasts are smothered in caramelized onions and topped with melty Swiss cheese, making it a comfort-food favorite without the extra calories. This one-pan meal is easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Serve with potatoes and a veggie for a complete meal!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, sliced into 6 thinner pieces
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
- 2 lbs onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth, divided
- 1/2 cup sherry cooking wine
- 6 slices ultra-thin or reduced-fat Swiss cheese
- Fresh thyme, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the chicken & onions: Slice the chicken into six thinner pieces and season both sides with salt and pepper. Thinly slice all the onions and set aside.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and coat with olive oil spray. Add chicken and cook for a few minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Caramelize the onions: Add more olive oil spray to the pan. Add onions, cover with a lid, and let them steam for 5 minutes.
- Deglaze & cook down: Remove the lid, toss the onions, and add ¼ cup chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Allow the broth to absorb, then cover again. Repeat this process until all the broth is used and onions are deeply caramelized (about 30-40 minutes).
- Add sherry & simmer: Pour in sherry wine, stir, and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Return chicken to the pan: Coat chicken in the caramelized onion mixture, then top each piece with Swiss cheese.
- Broil & serve: Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh thyme, if desired.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Caramelize the onions in advance to save time.
- Pairing Ideas: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Substitutions: Use mozzarella, provolone, or gruyère instead of Swiss cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 259
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg