Skillet Onion Chicken Recipe
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Servings
8 Pieces
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Calories
1886 kcal
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Course
Dinner
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Cuisine
Mediterranean, Egyptian
Skillet Onion Chicken Recipe
Description
This recipe begins by slowly sautéing thickly sliced onions in olive oil over medium-high heat until they become soft, deeply caramelized, and sweet. Salt helps draw out moisture, and covering the pan traps steam to speed cooking. Once the onions are ready, the chicken thighs, simply seasoned with salt, are seared in the same pan without disturbing the caramelized onions. After both sides brown, broth is added to introduce moisture for finishing the cooking while also mingling with the onions to deepen flavor.
The result is tender chicken with a golden crust accompanied by richly sweet and savory caramelized onions. This dish delivers a contrast between the savory protein and the caramel notes in the onions.
This chicken recipe can be served as a simple main dish that pairs well with grains or vegetables. It can be adapted to use boneless thighs or breasts with adjustments to cooking liquid and time to ensure juiciness.
To achieve best results, be patient in caramelizing onions slowly and avoid rushing. Adjust broth amounts and cooking times if using boneless cuts. Optional spices like Baharat can be added for variation.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 onion sliced ½” thick or so, large
- 8 chicken thighs bone-in, skin removed, skinless
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook the onions. Heat about 2 to 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and season well with kosher salt. Sauté the onions, stirring often until they collapse and release their juices turning a beautiful deep golden brown in color, about 10 to 15 minutes (cover the pan to speed up the cooking time, if you like). Manage the heat to make sure the onions soften and caramelize without burning.
- In the meantime, season the chicken on both sides with kosher salt.
- Once the onions are nicely caramelized, push them to the edges of the pan. Add the chicken (meaty side down first) to the pan and sear on both sides until golden brown. Do not cover the pan this time. (If the onions are in the way, you can move them around and add them on top of the chicken so that there is enough room in the pan for the chicken to brown well).
- Once the chicken is nicely browned, add in the broth or water (you should have some juices in the pan from the chicken and the onions. Start with 1/4 cup of liquid and add more if needed to form a sauce).
- Turn the heat to medium-low and cover the pan. Cook for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and a meat thermometer inserted in the center of the chicken reads 165 degrees F. Serve over rice or with pita bread (the bread with the onion sauce is delish!)
Notes
- To caramelize onions well, cook them slowly until deeply golden without rushing; covering the pan helps soften them.
- You can use boneless chicken thighs by adding more liquid and reducing cooking time to about 12 minutes.
- For boneless chicken breasts, slice thinly and add 1/2 to 3/4 cup broth; cook until internal temperature reaches 160°F then rest before serving.
- This recipe is traditionally seasoned simply with kosher salt but can be enhanced with Baharat spice blend.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Pieces
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1886 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 188.6kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 5.2g | 2% |
| Protein | 22.5g | 45% |
| Fat | 8.2g | 13% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.7g | 9% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4g | 8% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4.2g | 21% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 107.3mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 105.1mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 363.5mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 0.9g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2.3g | 5% |
| Vitamin A | 28.2IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 4.1mg | 5% |
| Calcium | 23.2mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1.1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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