If you’re craving a dish that feels both comforting and a bit fancy without all the fuss, the Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts packed with silky caramelized onions and melty cheese, all cooked in one pan for simplicity and deep flavor. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that impresses without requiring hours in the kitchen or a pile of dishes to wash afterward. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to meals when you want something cozy, rich, and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play starring roles in creating the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and cheesy. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture that transforms this dish from simple chicken into a standout meal.
- Butter – Essential for slowly caramelizing the onions, giving them that beautiful golden color and deep flavor.
- Onions (5–6 large) – The heart and soul of the dish, thinly sliced for maximum caramelization and sweetness.
- Fresh thyme – Adds an herby note that compliments the onions and chicken perfectly.
- Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Butterflied to create the perfect pocket for stuffing with cheese and onions.
- Mozzarella or gruyere cheese (1 cup) – Melts beautifully to create a gooey, rich filling.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (¼ cup) – Adds a sharp, nutty bite that balances the creamy mozzarella or gruyere.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons) – Used to get the chicken browning nicely in the pan.
- Chicken or beef stock (⅓ cup) – Adds moisture and depth to the pan sauce, enhancing every bite.
- Fresh thyme sprigs – Used both in cooking and as a garnish for that fresh herb aroma and look.
How to Make Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Begin by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Patience here is key because the slow cooking allows the onions to transform from sharp and pungent to irresistibly sweet and deeply flavorful. Stir regularly to prevent burning and cook until the onions are a beautiful golden brown and super tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the onions are caramelizing, mix your shredded mozzarella (or gruyere) with freshly grated parmesan in a bowl. This cheesy duo will create a luscious, melty center. Once the onions are ready, stuff each butterflied chicken breast with a generous portion of the cheese mixture and a heap of those sweet caramelized onions. Secure everything with toothpicks to keep the filling perfectly enclosed while cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet, add olive oil and heat it up over medium-high. Brown each stuffed chicken breast on both sides until golden and slightly crisp. Removing the chicken temporarily allows you to add the remaining onions and chicken or beef stock to the skillet, which deglazes the pan and picks up all those delicious browned bits. Nestle the chicken breasts back in, then transfer the skillet to a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the cheese inside to melt into molten heaven.
Step 4: Serve
Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes—this helps retain the juices. Carefully remove the toothpicks, then plate the chicken breasts. Spoon the remaining caramelized onions and pan juices over the top for an extra burst of flavor that ties the dish beautifully together.
How to Serve Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh thyme sprigs sprinkled on top add not only a fresh scent but also a lovely contrast in color, making the plate look as good as it tastes. If you want to add a little extra flair, a small drizzle of balsamic reduction pairs nicely with the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines alongside simple roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. You can even serve it with buttery garlic bread to soak up every last bit of those savory pan juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the stuffed chicken breasts crosswise to reveal the gorgeous layers of cheese and onion inside—this makes for a stunning presentation that’s perfect for dinner guests. You might also plate individual servings on a rustic wooden board for a cozy, casual vibe that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffed chicken can be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it tightly sealed helps maintain the moisture so the chicken stays juicy and flavorful.
Freezing
This stuffed chicken freezes well before baking. Simply wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with cooking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as slow warming preserves the chicken’s juiciness and keeps the cheese creamy rather than rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella, gruyere, and parmesan are classic choices for this recipe, feel free to experiment with fontina, cheddar, or even a creamy goat cheese for a different twist on flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
A heavy, oven-safe skillet works perfectly as well. The key is to have a pan that can go from stovetop to oven to get that lovely sear and finish the chicken in the oven.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute butter with olive oil for caramelizing the onions and choose a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it dairy-free while still enjoying the delicious flavors of the dish.
How do I butterfly chicken breasts?
Place the chicken breast on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, slice horizontally through the thickest part almost all the way through, then open it like a book. This creates an even surface perfect for stuffing.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It’s ideal for meal prep since you can make a batch ahead, store properly, and reheat as needed. The flavors often deepen after a day, making leftovers even tastier.
Final Thoughts
This Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe is a delightful mix of comforting flavors and effortless cooking that makes dinner time feel special. It’s one of those meals you’ll want to share with friends and family again and again. Give it a try and let it become your trusty, delicious shortcut to a fabulous homemade dinner.
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Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts stuffed with a savory blend of caramelized onions, mozzarella, gruyere, and parmesan cheeses. Cooked in a single skillet, the chicken is browned on the stovetop, then baked to perfection in the oven for a juicy, flavorful meal ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Onion Mixture
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5–6 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper
Chicken and Cheese Filling
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or gruyere cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Toothpicks, for securing chicken
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup chicken or beef stock
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme (for garnish)
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 turn golden brown and caramelized, releasing a rich and deep flavor. This process typically takes about 20-25 minutes and requires patience to avoid burning.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella or gruyere cheese with the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stuff each butterflied chicken breast evenly with the cheese mixture and a generous amount of the caramelized onions. Secure each breast tightly with toothpicks to ensure the filling stays inside during cooking.
- Brown the Chicken: Add olive oil to the same skillet used for the onions and increase heat to medium-high. Brown the stuffed chicken breasts on both sides until they develop a beautiful golden crust, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step seals in the juices and adds flavor.
- Deglaze and Bake: Remove the chicken briefly from the skillet. Add any remaining caramelized onions and the chicken or beef stock to the pan, scraping the bottom to lift any flavorful brown bits. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and transfer the entire skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese filling is melted.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Carefully remove the toothpicks from each breast. Plate the chicken and spoon the remaining caramelized onions and pan juices over the top to finish with a burst of flavor. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired before serving.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken breasts evenly helps ensure that the stuffing stays inside and cooks thoroughly.
- Use a cast iron skillet or any oven-safe skillet for seamless stovetop-to-oven cooking.
- Slowly caramelizing onions is key—do not rush this step for the best flavor.
- If you don’t have gruyere, mozzarella alone works fine as a substitute.
- Let the chicken rest after baking to retain juiciness.
- Removing toothpicks before serving is important for safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
