French Onion Stuffed Chicken
French Onion Stuffed Chicken is a quick and easy weeknight recipe featuring juicy boneless chicken breasts filled with rich caramelized onions and melted Gruyere cheese. This comforting and flavorful dish combines the sweetness of slow-cooked onions with creamy, nutty cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s versatile, simple, and ideal for a cozy meal without fuss.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Filling
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for searing)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or herbs of choice)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing chicken)
- Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions and cook them slowly in a pan over low heat with butter and olive oil. Stir frequently for 15-20 minutes until the onions turn a deep golden brown and emit a sweet fragrance.
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts: While the onions cook, create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing carefully without cutting all the way through. Season the inside and outside of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the Chicken: After the onions have cooled slightly, mix them with shredded Gruyere cheese and fresh thyme. Spoon the mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket. Secure the openings using toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent filling from falling out.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Sear each stuffed chicken breast for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted inside.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks or twine, slice diagonally if desired, and serve with your preferred sides.
Notes
- Patience is essential when caramelizing onions—cook low and slow to avoid burning.
- Use a sharp knife to carefully slice the chicken breasts to prevent puncturing the opposite side.
- Secure the chicken pockets well with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the stuffing during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Allow the chicken to rest for juicy, tender results after cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: French onion, stuffed chicken, caramelized onions, Gruyere cheese, quick dinner, comfort food, gluten-free chicken recipe