Creamy Caramelized Onion Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Caramelized Onion Chicken is a delicious, comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with rich, flavorful caramelized onions and a luscious cream sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 2-3 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon each garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup finely chopped or sliced onions
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon honey (or sugar)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper on both sides.
2. Step 2: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and honey, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the onions are glazed and flavorful.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Let it reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes.
6. Step 6: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
7. Step 7: If using, stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
8. Step 8: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy onion sauce over the top. Warm through for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning blend for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Use yellow or sweet onions for a milder caramelized onion taste.
• Swap avocado oil for olive oil if preferred, but avoid high heat to prevent burning.
• Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the onions while caramelizing for an herby twist.
• Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid curdling the cream sauce. If the sauce thickens too much when reheated, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay moist during cooking. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream alternative, and omit the parmesan cheese to make it dairy-free. The sauce will still be creamy and flavorful.

Creamy Caramelized Onion Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 72 reviews

This Creamy Caramelized Onion Chicken recipe features tender boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, velvety sauce made from caramelized onions, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and cream. The addition of parmesan cheese adds a savory depth, making it a comforting and elegant dish ideal for a hearty dinner.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 3 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2–3 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil

Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup finely chopped or sliced onions
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon honey (or sugar)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or stock)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts to ensure they are well seasoned.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Caramelize the onions: In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes until the onions are soft, translucent, and golden brown, releasing their natural sweetness.
4. Add flavorings: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and honey, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture is slightly reduced and syrupy.
5. Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate flavors.
6. Create the creamy sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
7. Incorporate parmesan cheese (optional): Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, adding a rich, savory element to the sauce.
8. Return chicken to the skillet: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb some of the sauce flavors and reheat.
9. Serve: Plate the chicken breasts and generously spoon the creamy caramelized onion sauce over the top. Pair with your favorite sides and enjoy immediately.

Notes

• For more depth of flavor, you can use yellow or sweet onions for caramelization.
• Chicken breasts can be substituted with boneless thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
• To make the dish lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and sour cream.
• Parmesan cheese is optional but recommended for an enhanced umami flavor.
• Ensure the chicken is cooked through by using a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking.

Keywords: Creamy caramelized onion chicken, chicken breasts recipe, caramelized onions, creamy chicken skillet, easy dinner recipes