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French Onion Stuffed Chicken

French Onion Stuffed Chicken

French Onion Stuffed Chicken is a comforting and gourmet dish that combines tender chicken breasts stuffed with sweet, caramelized onions, melted Gruyère cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs. This recipe delivers rich, savory flavors with juicy chicken, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, while remaining easy to prepare and customizable to fit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Stuffing

  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

Cooking Fats & Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for searing)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté slowly for about 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and caramelized, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This slow cooking unlocks their natural sweetness and deep flavor.
  2. Butterfly the Chicken Breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket without cutting all the way through. This technique ensures space for the stuffing and helps keep it secure during cooking.
  3. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the caramelized onions, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and shredded Gruyère cheese. Mix well to evenly distribute all ingredients for a flavorful stuffing.
  4. Stuff and Secure: Spoon the onion and cheese mixture into the butterflied chicken breasts. Fold the chicken over to enclose the filling, and use toothpicks if necessary to keep the filling inside while cooking.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of olive oil. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts on both sides until they develop a golden brown crust, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Notes

  • Don’t skip caramelizing the onions; this step is essential for the dish’s foundational flavor.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked, juicy chicken without overcooking.
  • Butterfly the chicken breasts carefully to avoid cutting through and losing the stuffing during cooking.
  • Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to retain juices and enhance tenderness.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as mixing Gruyère with mozzarella, for varied textures and flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Onion Stuffed Chicken, caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, stuffed chicken breast, gluten free dinner, easy gourmet recipe