Name: Creamy Caramelized Onion Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2-3 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon avocado oil; 4 tablespoons butter; 1 cup finely chopped or sliced onions; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon honey (or sugar); 1/2 cup chicken broth (or stock); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 3 reviews

If you are craving a dish that brings together rich, silky sauce with deeply flavorful notes of sweet caramelized onions, then this Creamy Caramelized Onion Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Every bite of tender, perfectly seasoned chicken soaked in a luscious cream sauce enhanced by balsamic vinegar and parmesan is pure comfort food at its finest. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to share when you want to wow friends or family with something special and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black frying pan with a gold handle filled with a rich brown sauce that has visible thin sliced onions cooked in it, the sauce looks thick and glossy. On top, white cream is being poured in a swirl by a white ceramic jug held by a woman's hand, mixing partially with the brown sauce creating a marbled effect. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Creamy Caramelized Onion Chicken Recipe relies on straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in building its incredible flavor and texture. From the tender chicken breasts to the meltingly soft onions and rich heavy cream, every component matters and complements one another beautifully.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Slicing these thin allows for quicker cooking and more even seasoning absorption.
Garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper: A simple spice blend that adds warmth and depth without overpowering the dish.
Avocado oil: This high smoke point oil ensures a perfect sear on the chicken without burning.
Butter: Adds creaminess and richness to caramelize the onions to perfection.
Onions: Finely chopped or sliced, they become sweet and golden when cooked slowly.
Balsamic vinegar: Gives a tangy brightness that balances the buttery onions and creamy sauce.
Honey: Just a touch to enhance the natural sweetness of the onions and balsamic glaze.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and savory depth to the sauce.
Heavy cream: The star that makes this dish creamy and indulgent.
Parmesan cheese (optional): Brings a salty, nutty finish that rounds out the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Creamy Caramelized Onion Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Begin by slicing each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This step ensures your chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy. Whisk together garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, then generously season both sides of the chicken. This spice mix brings an aromatic foundation that will enhance the creamy sauce later.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat avocado oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add your seasoned chicken cutlets and cook them for 4 to 5 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust and are cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate—it will rest while you make the mouthwatering sauce.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

In the same skillet, melt butter and add the finely chopped or sliced onions. Keep the heat at low-medium to allow the onions to soften slowly and turn golden brown, stirring occasionally for about 10 to 15 minutes. Once the onions are perfectly caramelized, stir in balsamic vinegar and honey and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This step intensifies the sweetness and adds a bright acidic kick.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Turn the heat up to high and whisk in chicken broth, bringing it to a boil briefly. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, allowing the sauce to gently simmer for a minute or two until it thickens slightly. Feel free to adjust the sauce consistency by whisking in more chicken broth if needed. The transformation here is magical—from rich onions and broth into a velvety cream sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Combine

Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring to melt it smoothly. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, carefully spooning sauce over the top without fully submerging the chicken so it stays tender. Now your Creamy Caramelized Onion Chicken Recipe is ready to serve and enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Caramelized Onion Chicken Recipe

A close-up view of browned chicken pieces in a black pan layered with a creamy light beige sauce speckled with bits of black pepper and onions, a silver spoon held by a woman's hand drizzling more of the thick sauce over the chicken, the sauce covering much of the pan’s bottom and slowly spreading among the chicken pieces, all set against a white marbled textured background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of vibrant color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the creamy richness. For extra texture and flavor, crushed toasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts make a delightful topping.

Side Dishes

This dish goes beautifully with starchy or green sides alike. Serve alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, soft buttered pasta, or steamed rice to soak up the luscious sauce. Lightly steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables such as green beans, asparagus, or broccoli make a perfect contrast to the creamy chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style presentation, arrange the chicken cutlets in a platter and ladle the sauce and caramelized onions on top. For an elegant touch, place each chicken breast individually over a nest of rice or creamy polenta, then drizzle the sauce artistically around the plate. Using colorful plates can also make the dish pop visually.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate. The Creamy Caramelized Onion Chicken Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for planned lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When freezing, let the chicken cool completely and try to minimize air exposure to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Gently reheat the leftovers on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. Stir frequently until warmed through and creamy again.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will give you a juicier, more flavorful result. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or a cashew cream in place of heavy cream. The texture will be slightly different but still deliciously creamy.

Can I prepare the caramelized onions ahead of time?

You can caramelize the onions in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Warm them gently in the skillet before adding to the sauce to maintain the best flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?

A good red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar with a touch of extra honey can substitute for balsamic vinegar to keep the balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely! It reheats well and keeps nicely in the fridge. Portion it out with your favorite sides for an effortless and indulgent meal throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

If you want a deliciously elegant meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you need to try this Creamy Caramelized Onion Chicken Recipe. It’s truly one of those dishes that turns simple ingredients into something special, and I promise it will quickly become a favorite go-to for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to savor every creamy, oniony, tender bite!