Get ready for a true showstopper: the Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe is everything you love about French onion soup—sweet, caramelized onions, oozy cheese, and savory broth—wrapped up in juicy chicken breasts and all made in a single skillet. It’s weeknight-friendly, wildly flavorful, and looks like you worked for hours, but comes together in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just want a cozy, comforting meal, this dish is guaranteed to become a new favorite.

Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to this recipe’s magic is in its simplicity. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll build layers of flavor, color, and irresistible meltiness. Each component brings something essential to the table, creating a dish that’s so much more than the sum of its parts.

Chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for all that cheesy, oniony goodness—look for plump, boneless, skinless ones.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the onions and chicken brown beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Essential for classic French onion flavor and that golden, glossy finish on the onions.
Yellow onions: Their natural sweetness is transformed into deep, caramelized perfection.
Salt: Enhances every flavor and helps draw moisture from the onions as they cook.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and complexity.
Dried thyme: A pinch brings subtle earthiness that’s classic in French-inspired dishes.
Garlic: Gives a lovely aromatic kick—don’t skip it!
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts like a dream for that stretchy, gooey factor.
Grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese: Adds nutty, tangy depth and classic French onion soup vibes.
Beef broth or chicken broth: Creates a savory, sippable sauce around the chicken.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A pop of green freshness for the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by heating olive oil and butter together in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add those thinly sliced onions and let them cook slowly—this is where patience pays off! Stir often and keep the heat moderate; after about 15–20 minutes, they’ll turn soft, sweet, and deeply golden. In the last few minutes, add the garlic, salt, pepper, and dried thyme to build up those classic French onion flavors. Once done, scoop the onions out and set them aside. You’ll want to sneak a taste—they’re irresistible!

Step 2: Prepare and Stuff the Chicken

While the onions cool slightly, grab your chicken breasts and carefully cut a pocket into the side of each one. Don’t cut all the way through—you want a nice little pouch for the filling. Stuff each breast generously with some caramelized onions and a good sprinkle of both cheeses. If your chicken is particularly plump or you stuffed it to the brim, secure it with toothpicks so everything stays in place. Finally, season the outside with a little more salt and pepper for flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Pop the stuffed chicken breasts back into the same skillet (no need to wash it—yay for easy cleanup!). Sear them for 2–3 minutes per side over medium heat until the outside is lightly golden and the cheese starts to peek out in tempting bubbles. This quick step locks in the juices and sets you up for a beautifully finished dish.

Step 4: Add Broth and Bake

Nestle the rest of those caramelized onions around the chicken, then pour the broth into the pan. This creates a luscious, savory sauce that keeps everything moist as it bakes. Transfer the whole skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes—just until the chicken is perfectly cooked and reaches 165°F (74°C) inside.

Step 5: Broil for a Golden Finish

For that over-the-top, melty cheese finish, sprinkle a little extra cheese over each chicken breast and pop the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes. Watch closely! The cheese should bubble and turn golden brown in spots, just like the best part of French onion soup. A final scattering of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley instantly brightens the dish, making it look as good as it tastes. You can also add a crack of black pepper or even a few crispy fried onions on top for an extra touch of French onion flair. These little finishing touches take your Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe from homey to restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This dish is practically begging to be paired with something that can soak up all the savory juices. Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even a hunk of crusty bread work beautifully. For a lighter touch, try crisp green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simply dressed salad. The Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe is so hearty that even simple sides will feel special.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, slice the stuffed chicken breasts and fan them out on a platter, letting the cheesy filling peek through. Drizzle with extra pan sauce and scatter parsley over everything for a stunning presentation. Or, for a cozy weeknight vibe, serve straight from the skillet with plenty of pan juices spooned over the top—family-style at its best!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each stuffed chicken breast individually and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Add a splash of broth to the pan to keep things moist. You can also microwave leftovers, but be sure to cover them and use low power to avoid drying out the chicken or making the cheese rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, though they’re smaller—so you may want to use more of them and adjust stuffing amounts accordingly. They’ll still taste fantastic in this Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe.

What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese?

Gruyère is classic for that nutty, French onion soup flavor, but Swiss, provolone, or even sharp white cheddar will work. Use what you love or have on hand; the results will still be delicious.

How do I keep the filling from spilling out during cooking?

If your chicken breasts are stuffed to the brim, securing them with toothpicks before searing and baking helps keep all that cheesy, oniony goodness inside. Just remember to remove the toothpicks before serving!

Can this be made dairy-free?

You can try using your favorite dairy-free cheeses and opt for plant-based butter. While the flavor will be a bit different, you’ll still get that gooey, savory effect that makes this Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe so comforting.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe contains no gluten as written. Just check your broth and cheeses to be sure they’re gluten-free if you’re cooking for someone with allergies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort food that feels special but is secretly easy, you simply have to try the Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of cozy, cheesy, and satisfying—sure to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Gather your ingredients, pour a glass of something you love, and get ready to enjoy every bite!

Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy One Pan French Onion Stuffed Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts stuffed with caramelized onions and a blend of melted cheeses, all cooked in a flavorful skillet and finished under the broiler for a golden, bubbly top. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this dish combines classic French onion flavors with juicy chicken in a simple, gluten-free preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Stuffing

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese

Onions & Seasoning

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning chicken
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more for seasoning chicken
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Finishing

1/4 cup beef broth or chicken broth
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Caramelize Onions: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently until they turn golden and caramelized. During the last few minutes, stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to infuse the onions with flavor. Remove the caramelized onions from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, making sure not to slice all the way through. Spoon a portion of the caramelized onions into each pocket, then add a generous mix of mozzarella and Gruyère (or Swiss) cheese. If necessary, secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the stuffing inside. Lightly season the outside of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
Sear the Chicken: Return the skillet to medium heat and add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear them for 2–3 minutes on each side until the chicken develops a golden-brown crust. This step locks in flavor and improves texture.
Add Remaining Onions and Broth: Surround the seared chicken breasts with the remaining caramelized onions in the skillet, then pour the beef or chicken broth around the chicken. This will keep the chicken moist and add depth of flavor during baking.
Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken breasts for 15–20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy.
Broil for Finish: For a bubbly, golden finish, sprinkle extra cheese on top of the chicken breasts and place the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the toothpicks if used, garnish the chicken with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Accompany with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the savory juices.

Notes

Gruyère cheese imparts authentic French onion soup flavor, but Swiss or provolone cheese are great alternatives.
Adjust seasoning according to taste by adding more salt or herbs if desired.
Serve alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to enjoy the flavorful pan juices.
Ensure the chicken is cooked through by using a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature.
For a dairy-free version, substitute cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and butter with olive oil.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop + Baking
Cuisine: French-American