If you love dishes that bring comfort and elegance together in one skillet, you will absolutely adore this One Pan French Onion Chicken & Mushrooms Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, caramelized onions, earthy mushrooms, and rich melted Gruyere cheese, all cooked in a single pan to make both the cooking and cleanup a breeze. This dish transforms humble ingredients into a warm, savory meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort. Let me walk you through this crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making this One Pan French Onion Chicken & Mushrooms Recipe truly shine. Each component adds its own unique texture and flavor, harmonizing to create a dish that’s hearty, luscious, and packed with comforting depth.
- 1 ½ Pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-size pieces for quick and even cooking.
- 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish perfectly.
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balances the richness.
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- 2 Tablespoons Arrowroot/Corn Starch/Tapioca Flour: Helps the chicken develop a lovely crisp exterior.
- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil: For sautéing and melding all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 Large Yellow Onion: Thinly sliced to caramelize and infuse sweet, golden richness.
- 10 Ounces White or Brown Mushrooms: Thinly sliced to soak up savory juices and add meaty texture.
- ½ Cup White Wine: Adds acidity and brightness, deglazing the pan for extra depth.
- 3 Cloves Garlic: Mashed to release fragrant, savory notes.
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard: Brings tang and a touch of heat to the sauce.
- 2 Teaspoons Fresh Thyme: Chopped for a fragrant herbaceous layer.
- ½ Cup Chicken Broth: Creates a luscious base to marry all the flavors.
- 1 Cup Gruyere: Shredded for creamy, nutty, melty goodness on top.
- Chopped Parsley: For a fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens each bite.
- 1 ½ Cups Cooked Jasmine Rice (optional): The perfect fluffy bed to soak up every bit of sauce.
How to Make One Pan French Onion Chicken & Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375F and heating a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Meanwhile, pat the chicken dry—this step ensures it browns beautifully. Toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and starch of your choice to create a light coating that crisps up in the pan. When the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook without moving for about 4 minutes until it develops a golden crust. Flip the pieces gently and brown on the other side. This initial sear locks in juices and builds flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Mushrooms
Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, add the thinly sliced onions and mushrooms. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits. This creates a rich base full of umami. Cook the vegetables until the onions soften and turn golden and the mushrooms release their moisture, about 6-7 minutes. These caramelized onions and tender mushrooms are the heart of this recipe’s deep, comforting flavor.
Step 3: Build the Flavor with Garlic, Mustard, and Thyme
Add the mashed garlic, Dijon mustard, and freshly chopped thyme to the pan. Stir well to combine and let the mixture cook until it’s fragrant, allowing those bold flavors to mingle and intensify. This step really makes the sauce sing and ties the chicken and vegetables together in a beautiful harmony.
Step 4: Add Broth and Return Chicken to Pan
Pour in the chicken broth to create a luscious sauce that keeps everything moist and flavorful. Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet and toss everything together gently to coat the chicken in that irresistible mixture. The liquid will simmer slightly and soak into the chicken, giving you every last bit of savory goodness.
Step 5: Top with Gruyere and Bake to Melt
Take the skillet off the heat and spread the shredded Gruyere evenly over the top. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted into a bubbly, golden blanket of creamy deliciousness. For an extra touch, give it a brief 1-minute broil to achieve a beautifully browned, slightly crisp cheese topping — that final flourish everyone adores.
How to Serve One Pan French Onion Chicken & Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of chopped parsley over the finished dish just before serving. The bright green flecks bring a fresh aroma and a pop of color to contrast the rich sauce and melted cheese. It’s a simple touch that elevates the whole presentation and adds a bit of herbal brightness to each bite.
Side Dishes
This One Pan French Onion Chicken & Mushrooms Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice, which is fantastic for soaking up all those savory pan juices. You could also serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread for sopping up the sauce. A crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables make excellent, refreshing complements to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, consider serving the chicken and mushrooms directly from the skillet at the table — it makes such a rustic, inviting statement! For a more elegant affair, plate individual portions over a nest of rice or polenta, then drizzle some of the pan sauce and cheese on top. Garnishing with fresh thyme sprigs or edible flowers can add an extra wow factor effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this dish keep really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it slightly before storing to preserve the texture and flavor. The sauce will thicken in the fridge, which actually makes reheating even more satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to save this One Pan French Onion Chicken & Mushrooms Recipe for later, freezing is definitely an option. Transfer portions to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Just know that the texture of the vegetables might soften a bit after thawing, but the flavors will still be delicious and comforting.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, cover and warm in the oven at 350F until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, to maintain the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with cremini, shiitake, or even a wild mushroom blend — whatever you have on hand will add its own unique touch to the dish without losing that comforting, earthy flavor.
Is it necessary to use Gruyere cheese?
Gruyere is ideal for its creamy melt and nutty taste, but you can swap it with Swiss cheese or mozzarella if you prefer something milder. Just aim for a good melting cheese to get that luscious cheesy layer on top.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Skip the Gruyere and instead top with a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well, or simply enjoy the dish without cheese. Using olive oil or vegan butter during cooking also keeps this recipe friendly for dairy-free diets.
What wine should I use for cooking?
A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works beautifully here. It adds acidity and depth without overpowering the flavors. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with extra chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
This dish is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free starch like arrowroot or tapioca flour for dusting the chicken and ensure your broth and mustard are gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure, but this recipe’s framework is quite adaptable for gluten-free cooking.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan French Onion Chicken & Mushrooms Recipe is a fantastic way to create a comforting, restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen without the fuss. The combination of tender chicken, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and melted Gruyere cheese will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try for your next dinner and enjoy a hearty dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to make.
Print
One Pan French Onion Chicken & Mushrooms Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This One Pan French Onion Chicken & Mushrooms is a flavorful, comforting dish combining tender chicken breasts with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich Gruyere cheese topping. Cooked in a single oven-safe skillet, it’s a perfect weeknight meal with a beautiful golden cheese crust and savory herb notes from fresh thyme. Serve it over jasmine rice for a filling and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ Pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika
- 2 Tablespoons Arrowroot, Corn Starch, or Tapioca Flour
- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Vegetables & Flavorings
- 1 Large Yellow Onion, thinly sliced
- 10 Ounces White or Brown Mushrooms, thinly sliced
- ½ Cup White Wine
- 3 Cloves Garlic, mashed
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 2 Teaspoons Fresh Thyme, chopped
- ½ Cup Chicken Broth
Toppings & Garnish
- 1 Cup Gruyere, shredded
- Chopped Parsley for garnish
Optional
- 1 ½ Cups Cooked Jasmine Rice
Instructions
- Preheat and heat skillet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm up.
- Prepare chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Toss them with kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, and arrowroot (or corn starch/tapioca flour) to evenly coat for a flavorful crust and thickening effect.
- Sear chicken: Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes to develop a golden brown crust. Then flip the pieces carefully and cook the other side until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions, mushrooms, and white wine. Stir to combine and scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the pan bottom. The wine will help deglaze the pan.
- Add aromatics and cook down: Mix in the mashed garlic, Dijon mustard, and chopped fresh thyme. Cook for 6-7 minutes until mushrooms have softened and the onions have caramelized to a golden brown.
- Add broth and combine chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir everything together so the chicken is coated with the onion and mushroom mixture.
- Top with cheese and bake: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyere evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Browning cheese finish: For a lovely golden cheese crust, finish by briefly broiling or boiling the skillet contents for about 1 minute until the cheese browns slightly. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and herbaceous aroma. Serve warm, optionally over cooked jasmine rice for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to seamlessly finish the dish in the oven without transferring to a baking dish.
- If you prefer, substitute Gruyere with Swiss or mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.
- Arrowroot, corn starch, or tapioca flour all work to lightly coat the chicken and thicken the sauce; choose based on availability.
- White wine adds acidity and flavor but can be replaced with chicken broth or apple cider vinegar if desired.
- Keep an eye on the cheese during the broil/boil step to prevent burning, as it happens quickly.
- This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
