Onion Glazed Chicken Steaks are a simple, yet flavorful meal that will quickly become a family favorite. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection and then topped with a savory-sweet onion glaze made with brown sugar, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar. The result is a satisfying, juicy chicken dish that’s packed with flavor—perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick and delicious dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This onion glazed chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that blends savory, sweet, and tangy flavors beautifully. The golden, caramelized onions create a rich and flavorful glaze that soaks into the tender chicken, making every bite irresistibly delicious. It’s quick to prepare, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, making it ideal for busy nights when you still want a wholesome meal. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 large onion, thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
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Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown.
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Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, and dried thyme to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly.
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Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of the onion glaze over them. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors of the glaze.
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Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
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Serve the glazed chicken steaks with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 4 servings
Variations
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Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.
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Honey Glazed Chicken: Swap out the brown sugar for honey for a different sweet touch.
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Herb Variations: Feel free to use fresh thyme or rosemary instead of dried thyme for a more aromatic glaze.
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Chicken Thighs: For a juicier option, use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat the chicken and glaze in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, covering it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe, as they are more tender and juicy. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Can I make the onion glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the glaze can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before using it to glaze the chicken.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?
You can substitute brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar, but keep in mind that this may change the flavor slightly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Ensure that the soy sauce you use is gluten-free or opt for a gluten-free alternative like tamari.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part. You can check with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Can I use regular vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar?
You can use regular vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but balsamic vinegar gives the glaze a rich, slightly sweet flavor that complements the chicken and onions.
What sides go well with onion glazed chicken?
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. You could also serve it with sautéed greens like spinach or kale for a balanced meal.
Can I cook the chicken in the oven instead of a skillet?
Yes, you can sear the chicken in a hot oven-safe skillet and then transfer it to a 375°F (190°C) oven to finish cooking, about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
If you want a thicker glaze, cook it for a bit longer to allow it to reduce further. To thin it out, add a little extra soy sauce or water to achieve your desired consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Simply cook the chicken and store it with the glaze in an airtight container. Reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Conclusion
Onion Glazed Chicken Steaks offer a deliciously savory, slightly sweet, and tangy meal that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. With its quick prep time and simple ingredients, it’s an easy yet impressive dish that will satisfy your taste buds. The golden, caramelized onions and flavorful glaze elevate the chicken to another level, making this a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether paired with your favorite side dishes or served on its own, this recipe is sure to become a dinner staple.
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Onion Glazed Chicken Steaks Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Onion Glazed Chicken Steaks are a simple yet flavorful meal with tender chicken breasts, pan-seared to perfection and topped with a savory-sweet onion glaze. Made with brown sugar, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar, this dish combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors for an irresistible meal. Quick and easy, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. -
Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. -
Caramelize the Onions:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown. -
Make the Glaze:
Add brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, and dried thyme to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly. -
Glaze the Chicken:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of the onion glaze over them. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the glaze. -
Serve:
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Notes
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.
Honey Glazed Chicken: Swap out brown sugar for honey for a different sweet touch.
Herb Variations: Use fresh thyme or rosemary instead of dried thyme for a more aromatic glaze.
Chicken Thighs: For juicier chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 kcal per serving
