Description
A comforting, one-pan weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy onion gravy. This easy recipe delivers deep, savory flavors in about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for dredge)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for dredge)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for roux)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix flour with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge chicken breasts in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add sliced onions and cook slowly for 10-12 minutes until soft, golden, and caramelized.
- Sprinkle 3 tablespoons flour over the onions. Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux until it turns light golden.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens into a gravy consistency.
- Stir in heavy cream. Return chicken breasts to the skillet, nesting them into the gravy.
- Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, flipping halfway through.
- Remove lid. Adjust consistency with milk or broth if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not rush the onions; caramelizing them properly is key to the flavor. Pound the chicken to ensure even cooking. If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. This recipe does not freeze well due to the dairy content.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: smothered chicken, creamy onion gravy, one-pan dinner, comfort food, weeknight meals, chicken recipe, easy dinner