Description
This Creamy Caramelized Onion Chicken recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce made from caramelized onions, balsamic vinegar, honey, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy stovetop dish that combines savory and slightly sweet elements for a delicious, comforting meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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
Caramelized Onion Sauce
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Season both sides of the chicken evenly with this spice mixture.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until fully cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Caramelize Onions: In the same skillet, add butter and chopped onions. Cook over low-medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions soften and turn golden brown. Stir in balsamic vinegar and honey, and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Make Sauce: Increase heat to high and whisk in chicken broth, bringing it to a boil. Reduce heat to low, then add heavy cream and gently simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. If the sauce becomes too thick, whisk in more chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the chicken without fully submerging it. Serve immediately alongside rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For thinner chicken breasts, slicing horizontally helps them cook evenly and quickly.
- Be patient when caramelizing onions—they develop the sauce’s signature deep flavor.
- You can substitute honey with sugar if preferred, but honey adds a subtle richness.
- Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more or less chicken broth as needed.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but enhances the creamy sauce with a savory note.
- This dish pairs well with starches like rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes and green vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
