Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 large onions, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 pinch salt to season
- 1 pinch pepper to season
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (half of 2 teaspoons)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1/4 cup beef broth or stock (divided for onions)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to season
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded (or mozzarella cheese)
- 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup beef broth or stock (remaining, for baking dish)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (remaining from 2 teaspoons)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×12-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Caramelize the Onions: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and season with salt, pepper, and half of the fresh chopped thyme. Cook for 5-8 minutes until softened. Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramelized and jammy, about 15 minutes. Add 1/4 cup beef broth if pan dries out. Optionally, deglaze with balsamic vinegar and cook until sauce thickens.
- Finish Onion Mixture: Stir in minced garlic and cook about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Chicken Pockets: Cut chicken breasts horizontally to create pockets. Season both inside and outside of pockets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ground thyme.
- Stuff Chicken Breasts: Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of caramelized onions into each pocket. Add shredded Gruyere and grated Parmesan cheese inside each pocket. Seal with toothpicks to hold filling.
- Prepare Baking Base: Transfer remaining caramelized onions from skillet to baking dish. Mix in the remaining 1/4 cup beef broth. Spread evenly.
- Sear the Stuffed Chicken: Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts 4 minutes on each side until browned but not fully cooked.
- Bake the Casserole: Arrange seared chicken on top of the onion mixture in the baking dish. Spoon pan juices over each breast. Sprinkle with remaining fresh thyme. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F/75°C).
- Serve: Remove toothpicks. Serve chicken breasts topped with pan juices and caramelized onions.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella cheese for Gruyere if preferred.
- For a richer flavor, use beef broth; chicken broth can be substituted if needed.
- Allow onions to caramelize slowly for the best sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Chicken thickness may affect baking time; use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
- Optional balsamic vinegar enhances the depth of the onion sauce but can be omitted.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed greens or a fresh salad for a complete low-carb meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Low Carb