French Onion Chicken Skillet

### Ingredients:

– **4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts**
– **2 tablespoons olive oil**
– **2 large onions**, thinly sliced
– **3 cloves garlic**, minced
– **1/2 cup beef broth** (or chicken broth if you prefer)
– **1/2 cup dry white wine** (optional, can substitute with more broth)
– **1 teaspoon dried thyme**
– **1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary**
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **1 cup Gruyère cheese**, shredded (or Swiss cheese)
– **1 tablespoon butter** (optional, for extra richness)
– **Fresh parsley** (for garnish)

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Cook the Chicken Breasts
Start by heating **1 tablespoon of olive oil** in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the **chicken breasts** with **salt** and **pepper** on both sides. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about **5-7 minutes per side**, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

#### Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
In the same skillet, add the remaining **1 tablespoon of olive oil**. Add the **sliced onions** and a pinch of **salt**, then cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You want to **caramelize** the onions, which should take about **15-20 minutes**. The onions should turn a rich golden brown color and become tender. Be patient during this step, as slow-cooking the onions brings out their natural sweetness and deep flavor.

#### Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs
Once the onions are caramelized, add the **minced garlic**, **dried thyme**, and **dried rosemary** to the pan. Stir well and cook for another **1-2 minutes**, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and the herbs to infuse the onions with flavor.

#### Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the **beef broth** (or chicken broth) and **white wine** (if using). Stir the mixture, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate into the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for **3-4 minutes**, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld together.

#### Step 5: Return Chicken to the Skillet
Place the cooked **chicken breasts** back into the skillet, nestling them into the onion and broth mixture. Spoon some of the onions over the chicken, and let everything simmer together for an additional **5-7 minutes** to ensure the chicken is heated through and absorbs the flavor from the sauce.

#### Step 6: Add Cheese
Sprinkle the **shredded Gruyère cheese** (or Swiss cheese) generously over the chicken breasts and onions. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the cheese to melt for **2-3 minutes**. The cheese should become gooey and bubbly, creating a perfect cheesy topping for the tender chicken and caramelized onions.

#### Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with some **fresh parsley** for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the French Onion Chicken Skillet with your favorite side dishes—such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad—and enjoy!

### Why You’ll Love French Onion Chicken Skillet:

1. **Rich, Savory Flavor**: The caramelized onions provide a natural sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory chicken, while the rich broth and melty cheese create a decadent, comforting dish.

2. **One-Pan Wonder**: This recipe is easy to make and cleanup is a breeze since everything is cooked in a single skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights or a no-fuss dinner.

3. **Juicy, Tender Chicken**: The chicken stays incredibly moist and flavorful, as it simmers in the savory onion broth mixture and absorbs all of the delicious flavors.

4. **Customizable**: You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences. If you don’t have Gruyère, try Swiss, mozzarella, or cheddar for different variations of melted cheese. You can also add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor profile.

5. **Impressive Yet Simple**: This dish looks and tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant, but it’s simple enough to prepare at home. It’s perfect for family dinners or even for impressing guests at a dinner party.

### Tips for Success:

– **Don’t Rush the Onions**: Caramelizing onions takes time and patience, but it’s worth it for the deep, sweet flavor they add to the dish. Keep the heat medium-low, and stir occasionally to prevent them from burning.

– **Use a Lid for Melting the Cheese**: After adding the cheese, covering the skillet with a lid helps the cheese melt evenly and quickly, ensuring it becomes beautifully gooey and bubbly.

– **Adjust for Saltiness**: Since beef broth can be quite salty, taste the sauce before adding extra salt to ensure the dish isn’t too salty. You can always adjust with more pepper or a touch of garlic powder for extra flavor.

– **Make It Ahead**: You can caramelize the onions and make the broth mixture in advance, then simply reheat it and add the chicken and cheese when you’re ready to serve.

### Conclusion:

**French Onion Chicken Skillet** is the perfect blend of comforting, savory flavors with minimal effort required. The combination of tender chicken, caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese makes this dish an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this skillet meal is sure to satisfy and impress. Plus, with its one-pan convenience, cleanup is quick and easy, allowing you to enjoy the meal without any added stress. Try it tonight and make your next dinner a flavorful, cheesy delight!