Ingredients
4 large chicken breasts
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep the Chicken: Cut a horizontal slit in each chicken breast to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Cook the Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Add Garlic and Thyme: Stir in the garlic and thyme and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Stuff the Chicken: Stuff each chicken breast with a generous portion of the onion mixture and about 1/4 cup of the shredded cheese. Secure the opening with toothpicks if needed.
Brown the Chicken: In the same skillet over medium-high heat, brown the stuffed chicken breasts on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet.
Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for a few minutes until slightly reduced.
Bake the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Add More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the chicken and return to the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Serve the French Onion Stuffed Chicken hot with a side of mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite vegetable.
Notes
Be patient with caramelizing the onions; the slow cooking process brings out their natural sweetness.
If you don’t have an oven-proof skillet, you can transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish for the baking step.
For added flavor, you can add a splash of white wine or sherry to the sauce.
French Onion Stuffed Chicken is a dish that’s sure to impress with its rich flavor and elegant presentation. It’s perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner at home.
