Ingredients
For the Onions
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp chicken broth (divided from total)
- Pinch of salt
For the Chicken and Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, freshly grated
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions start to caramelize, about 20 minutes.
- Add Broth and Soy Sauce: Pour 2 tablespoons of chicken broth into the skillet with the onions and continue cooking for about 10 more minutes until the onions are deeply browned and caramelized. Stir in soy sauce and cook for an additional minute. Remove onions from skillet and wipe skillet clean with a paper towel.
- Cook the Chicken: Return skillet to medium heat. Add olive oil. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place chicken smooth side down in skillet, cooking for 6-8 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate. While chicken cooks, whisk together remaining 3/4 cup chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, and cornstarch in a bowl.
- Sauté Garlic and Thyme: Add minced garlic and fresh thyme to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce and Combine: Pour the chicken broth mixture into the skillet. Add chicken thighs back into the skillet. Top each thigh with the caramelized onions and sprinkle with Gruyere cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 3-5 minutes on medium heat until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Season with additional salt, pepper, and fresh thyme or parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For best caramelization, use a large skillet and don’t rush the onions.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Gruyere cheese can be replaced with Swiss or mozzarella if unavailable.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free or replace with tamari.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave to preserve texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired
