Description
Skillet Chicken with Mushrooms and Caramelized Onions Recipe
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 large onion, thinly sliced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Caramelize Onions:
In the same skillet, add butter and sliced onions.
Cook over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until soft and golden.
Add Mushrooms and Garlic:
Add sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes.
Stir in garlic, thyme, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in chicken broth and balsamic vinegar, scraping up browned bits.
Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
Combine and Serve:
Return chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Garnish and Enjoy:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Juicy chicken with savory mushrooms and sweet caramelized onions!
#OnePanMeal #ComfortFood #EasyDinner
Step-by-Step Guide
For best results, follow this detailed guide. First, ensure your chicken breasts are of even thickness by gently pounding them to about 1/2 inch. This guarantees even cooking. When searing, do not move the chicken for the first 5 minutes to achieve a perfect golden crust. For the onions, patience is key. Cook them over medium, not high, heat to truly caramelize the sugars without burning. When adding the broth and vinegar, scrape the pan vigorously to incorporate all the flavorful fond. Finally, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after the final simmer before slicing to retain its juices.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic comfort meal, serve over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, try it with cauliflower mash, zucchini noodles, or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. A crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce on the plate.
How-to Summary
Season and sear chicken until golden. Remove. In the same pan, cook onions until caramelized. Add mushrooms, garlic, and thyme. Deglaze with chicken broth and balsamic vinegar. Return chicken to the pan, simmer to heat through, and garnish with parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely. Bone-in, skin-on thighs add incredible flavor. Increase cooking time by 3-5 minutes per side when searing, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How can I make this sauce thicker? After simmering the broth, create a slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Stir it into the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
What’s a good substitute for balsamic vinegar? Red wine vinegar or a splash of dry white wine are excellent alternatives. If using wine, let it simmer for a minute before adding the broth.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
Can I prepare any components ahead of time? Yes. You can caramelize the onions and slice the mushrooms a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge to streamline dinner preparation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crowding the Pan: Searing too many chicken pieces at once steams them instead of creating a sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Rushing the Onions: Cooking onions over too high a heat will burn them before they caramelize. Low and slow is the rule.
- Adding Garlic Too Early: Garlic burns quickly. Add it with the mushrooms, not with the onions at the start.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer. Remove chicken from the pan at 160°F, as it will continue to cook while resting.
Conclusion
This Skillet Chicken with Mushrooms and Caramelized Onions is more than just a recipe; it’s a blueprint for a reliably delicious, elegant weeknight dinner. The combination of savory mushrooms, sweet onions, and tangy balsamic creates a complex sauce with minimal effort, all in one pan. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can master this restaurant-quality dish at home. It’s a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication that is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.