Name: Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced); 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried); 1/2 cup beef broth; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese; toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing chicken)

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Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s comfort food and dinner-party showstopper all at once: the Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe. Imagine juicy chicken breasts filled with a gooey blend of Gruyère and mozzarella, all wrapped up in sweet, deeply caramelized onions. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen either—this recipe brings all the classic flavors of French onion soup, but in a hearty chicken main that’s as simple as it is stunning. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and a little wow-factor for your table!

Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe lies in its handful of straightforward ingredients, each contributing a special touch—richness, sweetness, creaminess, and that irresistible savory finish. Here’s what you’ll need, plus helpful notes for success.

Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy stuffing and maximum juiciness.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and drawing out the best flavor in every bite.
Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and depth to the chicken.
Garlic Powder: A quick way to infuse mellow garlic flavor throughout—evenly coats the chicken.
Olive Oil: Great for sautéing the onions and helping everything brown beautifully in the pan.
Yellow Onions: Use large ones—these caramelize into sweet, golden perfection and form the soul of the dish.
Butter: Gives the onions richness and helps them caramelize with a buttery finish.
Thyme: Fresh or dried, it brings a subtle herby aroma that pairs perfectly with the rich onion-cheese filling.
Beef Broth: This little splash deglazes the pan and intensifies the savory, French onion flavor—don’t skip it!
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible cheesy pull when you cut into the chicken.
Gruyère Cheese: Adds a nutty, classic French onion tang—Swiss cheese also works in a pinch.
Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine: These keep all that cheesy goodness tucked safely inside the chicken while it bakes.

How to Make Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grab each chicken breast and, with a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket along the side—just be sure not to go all the way through. This pocket will soon be packed with savory, cheesy goodness! Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for that foundational flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

This step is pure magic! In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced onions, then toss in the butter and thyme. Sauté gently and take your time—let them get really golden and sweet, about 20 to 25 minutes. They’ll shrink down and become jammy, filling your kitchen with an aroma that’s better than any candle.

Step 3: Add the Beef Broth

Pour in the beef broth while the onions are sizzling and scrape up all those flavorful brown bits at the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 or 3 minutes—this enriches the onions and gives them that signature French onion soup taste. Now, scoop out half of the onions and set them aside for stuffing the chicken.

Step 4: Stuff the Chicken

Time to assemble! Take each chicken breast and pack it with some of the reserved caramelized onions, plus a generous scoop of the shredded mozzarella and Gruyère cheeses. The more cheese, the meltier the center! Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to gently secure the pockets—no one wants their filling sneaking out mid-bake.

Step 5: Sear and Assemble

Nestle the stuffed chicken breasts right back into the skillet, on top of the remaining onions. Spoon extra onions over each chicken breast, savoring every tangle. Sprinkle any leftover cheese over the tops to form a melt-in-your-mouth crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer your skillet straight into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy (an instant-read thermometer should register 165°F inside the thickest part). If you want an extra bubbly top, broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes. Let everything rest for 5 minutes before digging in—trust me, the cheese inside will be molten!

How to Serve Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A few finishing touches can make a world of difference. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or a few sprigs of thyme for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness. If you love that classic French onion effect, add a touch more shredded cheese just before broiling so it gets beautifully golden and gooey.

Side Dishes

This Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe is rich and craveworthy, so think about balanced, comforting sides. Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the sauce beautifully, or try it with fluffy white rice for a lighter feel. Even a crisp green salad works wonders, contrasting the lusciousness of the chicken with a little freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Want impressive plating? Slice each chicken breast on the diagonal to show off those gorgeous, cheesy layers and caramelized onions. Drizzle a spoonful of the pan sauce over the top, and nestle each serving atop a bed of mashed potatoes or a tangle of wilted greens. For a dinner party, serve directly from the skillet at the table—rustic and dramatic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and become even more delicious overnight, so tomorrow’s lunch might be a taste sensation!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the cooked, cooled stuffed chicken. Wrap each breast tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container; they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F, loosely covered with foil, until heated through. This helps keep the chicken juicy and the cheese from drying out. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw completely first for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

You can, but breasts work best here because they’re large and easy to stuff. If you opt for thighs, choose large, boneless ones and be aware they may cook more quickly.

What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese?

Swiss cheese is a great stand-in for Gruyère—it’s nutty and melts well. Provolone or a sharp white cheddar can also work if those are what you have on hand.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Stuffing the breasts with onions and cheese already helps, but don’t overbake! Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature just hits 165°F. Resting the chicken before slicing also locks in those flavorful juices.

Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the stuffed chicken a few hours or even a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. Let it sit out for 15 minutes before baking to take off the chill for even cooking.

Is this Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe contains no flour or gluten-containing ingredients. Just double-check your broth label to be sure, and you’ll have a naturally gluten-free main course.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to impress your family or dinner guests with something both comforting and special, make this Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe your new go-to. It’s heartwarming, surprisingly effortless, and every bite is packed with French-inspired flavor—so go ahead and give it a try, and prepare for rave reviews!

Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of this Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken recipe. Caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and tender chicken come together for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil

Caramelized Onions:

2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
1/2 cup beef broth

Cheese Stuffing:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing chicken)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Prepare the chicken: Slice a pocket into each chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Caramelize the onions: In a skillet, cook onions with butter and thyme until caramelized. Add beef broth and simmer.
Stuff the chicken: Fill each chicken breast with caramelized onions and cheese. Secure with toothpicks or twine.
Bake: Top chicken with onions and cheese. Bake until cooked through.
Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest before serving.