French Onion Chicken

35m
Serves 4
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Directions

  1. 1Add half of the butter and oil to a large oven-safe pan over medium heat, then add the thinly sliced onions.
  2. 2Fry the onions for 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are soft and golden.
  3. 3Stir in the balsamic vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. 4Turn the heat to medium-low and continue gently frying the onions until very soft, sticky, and sweet, which takes approximately 20 minutes.
  5. 5Remove the caramelized onions from the pan.
  6. 6Horizontally slice each chicken breast through the center to create 4 even-sized breasts.
  7. 7Season the chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, thyme, and pepper.
  8. 8Wipe out the pan if needed, raise the heat to medium-high, and add the remaining oil and butter.
  9. 9Add the chicken to the pan and fry both sides for a few minutes until golden on the outside and just about cooked through the center.
  10. 10Remove the chicken and place it on a plate, then turn the heat to medium-low.
  11. 11Preheat the grill/broiler to high.
  12. 12Add the caramelized onions back to the pan and stir in the flour.
  13. 13Gradually pour in the beef stock, stirring as you go to avoid lumps.
  14. 14Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and the resting juices from the chicken.
  15. 15Check for seasoning.
  16. 16Add the chicken back into the pan.
  17. 17Spoon some of the onions over the chicken.
  18. 18Top the chicken with grated Gruyère cheese.
  19. 19Place the pan under the grill/broiler just until the cheese melts, then remove immediately to avoid overcooking the chicken.
  20. 20Spoon over some more of the onions.
  21. 21Garnish with finely diced fresh chives.
  22. 22Serve and enjoy with sides like roasted potatoes and asparagus.

Ingredients

  • 30 g Butter
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 large White Onions
  • 1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
  • 2 x 250g/9oz Chicken Breasts
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 0.25 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
  • 0.25 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tbsp Plain Flour
  • 240 ml Beef Stock
  • 0.5 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 100 g Grated Gruyere
  • Fresh Chives

Equipment

Large oven-safe panWooden spoonTongsPlate

Tips

  • Don't rush the caramelizing of the onions - low and slow is key. If the onions dry out, add a dash of water to loosen them up.
  • Be careful not to overcook the chicken when melting the cheese under the grill/broiler.