The Best Caramelized Onion Creamy Smothered Chicken
If you’re craving a comforting dish, The Best Caramelized Onion Creamy Smothered Chicken is the one to try! Tender chicken breasts are topped with golden, caramelized onions and a creamy, savory sauce that makes every bite rich and satisfying. The sweet onions blend beautifully with the creamy sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this dish is perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress without the fuss.
INGREDIENTS YOU’ll NEED:
- 4 Chicken Breasts (halved into cutlets): Tender chicken breast halves provide a juicy, protein-rich base for the dish, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Salt and Black Ground Pepper (to taste): Adds essential seasoning to the chicken cutlets, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 3 Tbsp Butter (or Bacon Grease/Avocado Oil): A fat source for browning the chicken, adding richness and helping develop a golden crust.
Flour Dredge:
- ½ Cup Flour: The main coating for the chicken, helping create a light, crispy texture.
- 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder: Provides a savory, slightly sweet taste that complements the other spices.
- 1 Tbsp Onion Powder: Adds a concentrated onion flavor, deepening the taste of the dish.
- 1 Tsp Paprika: Gives a mild, smoky warmth and a hint of color.
- ½ Tsp Thyme: This herb adds an earthy, subtle aroma to the chicken.
Creamy Smothered Sauce:
- 3 Onions (sliced): Caramelize to develop deep sweetness and flavor, forming the base of the sauce.
- 2 Tbsp Flour Dredge (saved from above): Thickens the sauce to give it a creamy consistency.
- 2 Cups Chicken Stock: Adds moisture and a savory base that pairs well with the onions.
- 2 Tsp Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the sauce with a rich, tangy depth.
- ½ Cup Heavy Cream: Adds creamy richness, making the sauce smooth and velvety.
WHY SMOTHERED CHICKEN WILL BE A FAMILY FAVORITE?
- Rich Flavor: The combination of caramelized onions and creamy sauce creates a deliciously rich flavor that everyone will love.
- Comfort Food: This dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s a quick meal that can fit into any busy schedule.
HOW TO PREPARE SMOTHERED CHICKEN BREAST?
Time needed: 1 hour
- Prepare the Chicken:
Halve the chicken breasts to create thinner cutlets, then season both sides with salt and black pepper to taste.
In a shallow bowl, combine ½ cup of flour with 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and ½ teaspoon of thyme. Stir until well mixed. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s fully coated, and save 2 tablespoons of this mixture for the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of butter (or bacon grease/avocado oil) over medium heat until melted and hot. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. - Caramelize the Onions:
Using the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, which should take about 20-25 minutes. - Make the Creamy Smothered Sauce:
Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of saved flour dredge over the caramelized onions. Stir to combine, allowing the flour to absorb any remaining fat in the pan. Slowly pour in 2 cups of chicken stock while stirring, ensuring there are no lumps. Add 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce and stir until the sauce starts to thicken. Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream, combining until smooth. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until it’s thick and creamy. - Add Chicken to Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning the creamy onion sauce over each piece. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for a few minutes until everything is heated through.
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot. Enjoy your savory, creamy caramelized onion-smothered chicken!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Searing each side for 3-4 minutes and finishing in the sauce helps keep it tender and moist.
Ensure you’re using the flour dredge to thicken the sauce. Adding a bit more can help if it still feels too thin.
Heavy cream is best for a creamy texture, but whole milk can be used as a lighter option (though it may not be as rich).
Yes! The flavors intensify as it sits, making it a great make-ahead option. Reheat gently to preserve the sauce’s texture.
Onion-Braised Creamy Chicken Breast RECIPE ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS:
- Chicken Breasts: Substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier texture or use turkey cutlets for a leaner option.
- Heavy Cream: Replace with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version or to make it dairy-free.
- Butter: Use olive oil or avocado oil for a healthier fat option.
- Onions: Try shallots or leeks for a different flavor profile.
- Chicken Stock: Substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or homemade stock for more flavor.
- Flour: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free version of the sauce.
WHAT IS COMMONLY SERVED WITH CREAMY SMOTHERED CHICKEN BREAST?
Caramelized Onion Creamy Smothered Chicken goes great with cozy, classic sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or rice are perfect for soaking up all that tasty sauce. Roasted veggies like carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts add nice color and flavor, while a fresh salad or crusty bread keeps things lighter. Together, these sides make a satisfying meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but also special enough for a nice dinner.
HOW DO YOU STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER Creamy Onion-Glazed Chicken?
To store leftovers of Creamy Onion-Glazed Chicken, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This will help keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Place it in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, and add a splash of chicken stock or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Enjoy your delicious meal!
CAN SMOTHERED CHICKEN BE FROZEN FOR LATER CONSUMPTION?
To freeze leftovers of Caramelized Onion Creamy Smothered Chicken, start by letting the dish cool completely to prevent ice crystals from forming. Then, portion the chicken and sauce into airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container or bag, as the liquid may expand when frozen. Label the containers with the date and contents, then place them in the freezer, where they can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR MORE CHICKEN RECIPES? TRY THESE!
Easy 30-minute Thai Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk: It’s packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a rich, creamy coconut sauce that brings all the delicious Thai flavors right to your kitchen.
Sticky Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe: Combining the irresistible sweetness of honey with the rich depth of garlic, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors that’s sure to satisfy. The chicken is cooked to golden perfection and coated in a luscious, sticky glaze, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Asiago Mushroom Chicken Breast: This dish combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy Asiago mushroom sauce, creating a rich and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
The Best Caramelized Onion Creamy Smothered Chicken
Equipment
- Large Dutch Oven Skillet
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Breasts (halved into cutlets)
- Salt and Black Ground Pepper (to taste)
- 3 Tbsp Butter Bacon Grease/Avocado Oil
Flour Dredge: (Save 2 Tbsp for the Sauce)
- ½ Cup Flour
- 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 Tsp Paprika
- ½ Tsp Thyme
Creamy Smothered Sauce:
- 3 Onions (sliced)
- 2 Tbsp Flour Dredge (saved from above)
- 2 Cups Chicken Stock
- 2 Tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- ½ Cup Heavy Cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Halve the chicken breasts to create thinner cutlets, then season both sides with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Set Up Flour Dredge: In a shallow bowl, combine ½ cup of flour with 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and ½ teaspoon of thyme. Stir until well mixed. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s fully coated, and save 2 tablespoons of this mixture for the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of butter (or bacon grease/avocado oil) over medium heat until melted and hot. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Caramelize the Onions: Using the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, which should take about 20-25 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Smothered Sauce: Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of saved flour dredge over the caramelized onions. Stir to combine, allowing the flour to absorb any remaining fat in the pan. Slowly pour in 2 cups of chicken stock while stirring, ensuring there are no lumps. Add 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce and stir until the sauce starts to thicken. Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream, combining until smooth. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until it’s thick and creamy.
- Add Chicken to Sauce: Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning the creamy onion sauce over each piece. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for a few minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot. Enjoy your savory, creamy caramelized onion smothered chicken!