Description
A simple, comforting weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich, savory sauce made with deeply caramelized onions and heavy cream.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3 large yellow onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Pound to an even 1-inch thickness if necessary.
- Heat olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown but slightly underdone in the center. Remove to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining butter and sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are deep golden brown and jammy.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the onions; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in heavy cream and thyme. Return chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Nestle chicken into sauce.
- Cover and simmer on low for 8-10 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not rush the caramelization of the onions; low and slow heat is essential for sweet, jammy results. Ensure the sauce does not boil after adding cream to prevent curdling. Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 40
Keywords: chicken dinner, caramelized onions, creamy sauce, easy weeknight meal, comfort food, 5-ingredient recipe, gluten-free dinner