Description
These caramelized onion and Gruyère chicken bowls are the ultimate comfort food. Juicy chicken, sweet caramelized onions, and melted Gruyère cheese come together over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for deeper caramelization)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or sherry vinegar
- For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Cheese Sauce and Assembly:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (about 4 oz)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Serving:
- 4 cups cooked rice or mashed potatoes
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until the onions are deep golden brown and very soft. If using, stir in the brown sugar in the last 5 minutes. Add the balsamic vinegar and cook for 1 more minute. Transfer onions to a bowl and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses until smooth. Add Dijon mustard if using, and season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked rice or mashed potatoes among serving bowls. Top with sliced chicken, then a generous spoonful of caramelized onions. Pour the cheese sauce over everything. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the milk and reduce the cheese by half. The caramelized onions can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 645
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Protein: 44g
