Servings
Font
Back
4.8 from 60 votes

Caramelized Onion Dutch Oven Chicken

The ideal chicken recipe for those who love the flavor of caramelized onion! The dairy-free cream sauce is everything here! Serve it up with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 383 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp avocado oil or more if needed*
  • 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 3 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs about 8 thighs
  • 1 tsp sea salt to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
  • 1.5 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat the avocado oil in a large pot such as a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You can also use a large skillet as long as it has a deep lip and a lid.
  2. Add the sliced onions and sprinkle it with a little sea salt. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to turn slightly brown, about 10 to 15 minutes. Lower the heat to medium heat or medium-low and continue sautéing the onion until it is very soft and a deeper golden brown color, about 40 more minutes. In the last few minutes of cooking, add the minced garlic and cook until the garlic is fragrant. If the onion begins to look too brown or crispy, lower the heat, stir more frequently, or add more oil to protect the onions from burning.
  3. While the onion is caramelizing, remove the chicken from its packaging and place it on a large plate or cutting board. Pat any excess moisture off of the chicken thighs with paper towels. Sprinkle it with sea salt and black pepper. Allow it to sit at room temperature as the onion cooks.
  4. In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the canned coconut milk, balsamic vinegar, honey, and lemon zest. Set aside until ready to use.
  5. Once the onion has caramelized, transfer it to a bowl and set it aside until ready to use. Place the pot back on the stove top. If needed, add more avocado oil to the pot to brown the chicken.
  6. Increase the heat to medium-high and allow the pot to heat back up for a few minutes.
  7. Place chicken thighs on the hot surface skin-side down in a single layer and brown for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the skin is a nice golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. This may need to be done in two batches depending on the size of your pot.
  8. Once all of the chicken is browned, add the caramelized onions to the pot and pour in the sauce.
  9. Cover the pot with a lid and cook over medium-low heat for 20 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken thighs reaches at least 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh to take the internal temperature.
  10. Serve caramelized onion chicken with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy!

Notes

  • *After caramelizing the onion, you may need to add more avocado oil to brown the chicken.
  • *After caramelizing the onion, you may need to add more avocado oil to brown the chicken.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1Serving (of 8) Calories 383kcal (19%) Carbohydrates 6g (2%) Protein 28g (56%) Fat 27g (42%) Saturated Fat 9g (45%) Polyunsaturated Fat 4g Monounsaturated Fat 11g Cholesterol 276mg (92%) Sodium 469mg (20%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 4g (8%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 383

% Daily Value*

Serving 1Serving (of 8)
Calories 383kcal 19%
Carbohydrates 6g 2%
Protein 28g 56%
Fat 27g 42%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g 24%
Monounsaturated Fat 11g 55%
Cholesterol 276mg 92%
Sodium 469mg 20%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 4g 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.