If you are searching for a delicious dinner that feels gourmet but comes together with ease, this Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender chicken breasts filled with creamy melty cheese and sweet caramelized onions, all cooked in a single pan to keep things simple without sacrificing flavor. Each bite is a cozy, satisfying blend of savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet—perfect for a weeknight meal or impressing guests without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient has a role in creating the textures and flavors that make this recipe so irresistible, from the soft butter to the sharpness of freshly grated parmesan.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Essential for slowly caramelizing the onions to golden perfection, adding rich depth.
- 5–6 large onions, thinly sliced: The star ingredient that transforms into sweet, tender caramelized goodness.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme: Adds a fragrant herbal note that complements the onions beautifully.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the natural flavors and helps with caramelization.
- Pinch of pepper: Adds just a touch of warmth and balance.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied: The hearty protein ready to be stuffed and cooked.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or gruyere cheese: Provides creamy, gooey richness inside the chicken.
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to heighten the cheesy filling.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the chicken with a lovely golden crust.
- 1/3 cup chicken or beef stock: Keeps the chicken juicy during finishing in the oven.
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme: For garnish and layering fresh, aromatic notes on top.
How to Make Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by heating a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and melting the butter. Add your thinly sliced onions along with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir them regularly and be patient as they slowly turn golden and develop that rich, sweet flavor that makes French onion dishes so beloved. This step creates the luscious caramelized base for the stuffing.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing and Chicken
While the onions are working their magic, mix together the shredded mozzarella or gruyere with freshly grated parmesan in a bowl. Take each butterflied chicken breast and fill it generously with the cheese mixture and a hearty scoop of those caramelized onions. This marriage of flavors inside the tender chicken brings everything you want in a comforting meal. Secure the breasts with toothpicks so nothing escapes as they cook.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken and Finish in the Oven
Pour olive oil into the same skillet to keep all those flavorful bits and heat it up for browning. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts over medium-high heat until they develop a beautiful golden crust on both sides. Then, briefly remove the chicken to add any leftover caramelized onions and the stock to the pan, creating a savory sauce. Nestle the chicken back in, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes until the chicken is perfectly cooked and the cheese filling is melted and gooey.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once baked, let the skillet rest outside the oven for a few minutes so the juices settle and the flavors deepen. Carefully remove the toothpicks, then plate the stuffed chicken breasts. Spoon the extra caramelized onions and pan juices over the top for an elegant and flavorful finish that ties the whole dish together beautifully.
How to Serve Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A few sprigs of fresh thyme are not just for looks—they add a fresh, herbaceous aroma that brightens the rich, savory flavors of the dish. A light sprinkle of extra parmesan can also add a salty punch just before serving.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides like buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up all those pan juices. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad can add color, crunch, and a refreshing contrast to the melty, cheesy chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, slice the stuffed chicken into medallions to showcase the cheesy, onion-filled center beautifully. Alternatively, serve it whole with artfully arranged sides and garnishes for a rustic, elegant platter that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and chicken together helps retain moisture and flavor for later enjoyment.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed chicken breasts before baking for a convenient ready-to-cook meal. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet or oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, taking care not to overcook and dry out the meat. Adding a splash of stock or water can help keep it juicy while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella, gruyere, and parmesan work beautifully here, you can experiment with cheeses like fontina, provolone, or even a sharper cheddar depending on your taste preferences.
Is it necessary to butterfly the chicken breasts?
Butterflying the chicken breasts creates a pocket for the stuffing and ensures even cooking. It also helps the fillings stay inside rather than spilling out during cooking.
What if I don’t have beef or chicken stock on hand?
You can substitute with vegetable stock or even a splash of white wine mixed with water to add flavor, but try to avoid plain water as it won’t provide the same depth to the pan sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use a non-dairy cheese alternative that melts well and swap butter for a plant-based oil or vegan butter. Keep in mind that the flavors will shift slightly.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger group?
Yes, it scales up nicely! Just ensure you have a large enough skillet or use two pans to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent proper caramelization of the onions and browning of the chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe delivers that special wow factor with minimal effort, perfect for busy days or laid-back weekends when you want something comforting yet impressive. Give it a try and watch how this harmonious blend of caramelized onions, melty cheese, and juicy chicken quickly becomes one of your favorite recipes to share with loved ones.
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Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender, butterflied chicken breasts stuffed with a cheesy mixture and rich caramelized onions. Cooked in a single cast iron skillet, it delivers a perfect harmony of melted mozzarella, gruyere, parmesan cheese, and savory onions with fresh thyme. Ideal for a comforting yet elegant meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5–6 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or gruyere cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup chicken or beef stock
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced onions, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir regularly and cook slowly until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, developing a deep rich flavor, about 20-25 minutes.
- Prepare the Stuffed Chicken: In a bowl, mix the shredded mozzarella or gruyere cheese with the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stuff each butterflied chicken breast with a portion of the cheese mixture and a generous amount of caramelized onions. Secure the stuffed chicken breasts tightly with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Brown the Chicken: Add olive oil to the same skillet and brown the stuffed chicken breasts on both sides over medium-high heat until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken briefly from the skillet.
- Deglaze and Bake: Add any remaining caramelized onions and the chicken or beef stock to the skillet to deglaze. Then place the stuffed chicken breasts back in and transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese filling is melted.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. Carefully remove toothpicks from each breast. Plate the chicken breasts and spoon the remaining caramelized onions and pan juices over the top for a flavorful finish.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken breasts helps them cook evenly and allows more space for the cheese and onion stuffing.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron to ensure even cooking and good heat retention.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, verify the chicken or beef stock is gluten-free.
- Fresh thyme adds an aromatic touch, but dried thyme can be substituted if needed at half the quantity.
- For extra flavor, allow the caramelized onions to cook slowly until deeply browned but not burnt.
- Secure the chicken well with toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
