Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: skillet chicken in onion sauce! This dish is a total lifesaver when I’m short on time but still want something that’s bursting with savory flavor. The chicken turns out so tender, soaking up the deliciously sweet and slightly tangy onion sauce. Plus, it all comes together in just about 35 minutes! That means more time to relax after a long day and less time slaving away in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it a regular on your dinner rotation!
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large onions, sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
How to Prepare Skillet Chicken in Onion Sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want that oil nice and hot so the chicken sizzles when it hits the pan!
- While the oil heats up, season your 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—this is where the flavor starts!
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook each side until it’s beautifully browned, about 5 minutes per side. You’re looking for that golden crust that makes everything taste better!
- When the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. We’ll bring it back soon, so don’t worry!
- Now, in that same skillet (hello, flavor!), toss in the sliced onions. Sauté them until they’re soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. The smell is going to be heavenly!
- Next, pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This is where all those flavors meld together, so don’t rush it!
- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the onions. Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 15 minutes. This will ensure your chicken is cooked through and super juicy!
- After the time’s up, check the chicken to make sure it’s cooked all the way through. If it is, you’re ready to serve! Spoon that luscious onion sauce over the chicken, and get ready to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that feels like a gourmet dish!
- Full of flavor: The savory onion sauce complements the tender chicken perfectly, creating a mouthwatering experience in every bite.
- Healthy and satisfying: Packed with protein and plenty of vegetables, this dish keeps you feeling full without all the guilt.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners: It’s so simple to make, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again after a busy day.
- Family-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this dish, making it a hit with kids and adults alike!
Tips for Success
Getting that perfect skillet chicken in onion sauce is all about a few simple tricks that can make a big difference! Here are my top tips to ensure you nail this dish every time:
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: If your skillet is too crowded, the chicken won’t brown properly. If you’re making a larger batch, cook the chicken in batches to keep that beautiful golden crust!
- Let the chicken rest: After cooking, let your chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps keep it juicy and tender!
- Adjust the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer a bit longer after adding the broth, or whisk in a bit of cornstarch mixed with cold water. Just be careful not to burn it!
- Use fresh herbs: If you have fresh thyme or parsley on hand, toss some in right at the end for an extra pop of flavor. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish significantly!
- Taste as you go: Don’t forget to taste your sauce before serving! You can adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. It’s all about personal preference!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this scrumptious dish. Enjoy the cooking process, and don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Variations of Skillet Chicken in Onion Sauce
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this skillet chicken in onion sauce! Here are some of my favorite variations that add a twist to the classic recipe:
- Mushroom Medley: Sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the onions for an earthy flavor that complements the dish beautifully. You can use button mushrooms, cremini, or even a mix of wild mushrooms for extra depth!
- Herb Infusion: Try swapping out the dried thyme for other herbs like rosemary or oregano. Fresh herbs can also make a big difference—just chop up some fresh parsley or basil to sprinkle on top before serving.
- Sweet and Savory: Add a touch of sweetness by tossing in some sliced apples or pears with the onions. The natural sugars from the fruit will caramelize beautifully, balancing out the savory flavors.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, throw in some red pepper flakes or fresh chopped jalapeños when you’re sautéing the onions. This will give your onion sauce a delightful spicy edge!
- Creamy Twist: For a creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end of cooking. This will make the sauce rich and luxurious, perfect for spooning over rice or mashed potatoes.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create a version that speaks to your taste buds. Cooking should be fun and experimental, so don’t hesitate to make it your own! Each variation offers a new way to enjoy this comforting dish. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this delicious skillet chicken in onion sauce ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve it with! The right side dish can elevate this meal to a whole new level, and I’ve got some fantastic ideas that pair perfectly with that savory, oniony goodness.
- Fluffy Rice: A classic choice! Whether it’s white, brown, or even a fragrant jasmine rice, the fluffy grains soak up all that luscious sauce beautifully. You’ll want every last drop!
- Mashed Potatoes: Ah, the ultimate comfort food! Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are perfect for creating a deliciously indulgent plate. Just imagine that onion sauce drizzled over the top—heavenly!
- Steamed Vegetables: For a lighter option, steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots add a lovely crunch and color to your meal. They also balance the richness of the chicken and sauce.
- Quinoa or Couscous: If you’re looking for something a bit different, try serving the chicken over fluffy quinoa or couscous. They bring a nice nutty flavor and texture that pairs wonderfully with the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t forget about bread! A fresh baguette or crusty rolls are perfect for mopping up the extra sauce. Trust me, you won’t want to leave any behind!
With these sides, your skillet chicken in onion sauce will be a complete meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy your delicious creation, and happy eating!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about what’s in this delicious skillet chicken in onion sauce! Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown per serving, which is one chicken breast with sauce. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 40g
This dish is not only comforting but also packed with protein, making it a satisfying option for your dinner table. Enjoy knowing you’re fueling your body well while savoring every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs would work wonderfully in this skillet chicken in onion sauce recipe. They tend to be a bit juicier and richer in flavor, so feel free to swap them in for a delicious twist.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can use vegetable broth or even water with a bit of seasoning. Just keep in mind that using broth adds a depth of flavor that really enhances the dish!
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the chicken and onion sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop when you’re ready to eat. It might even taste better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This skillet chicken in onion sauce is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no flour or gluten-containing ingredients. Just be sure your chicken broth is labeled gluten-free to keep everything safe!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

Skillet Chicken in Onion Sauce: 35 Minutes to Delight
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Tender chicken cooked in a savory onion sauce.
Ingrédients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add sliced onions to the skillet and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken to the skillet and cover.
- Cook for an additional 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Notes
- Serve with rice or mashed potatoes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 25 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 9g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 10g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 40g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 100mg
Mots-clés: skillet chicken in onion sauce