Tender chicken thighs seared to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, savory onion gravy—this Onion Smothered Chicken is a comforting one-pan wonder. With deeply caramelized onions, fragrant herbs, and a touch of balsamic for depth, this dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is pure comfort in a skillet. The chicken is crispy on the outside, tender inside, and simmered in a luscious onion-based gravy that’s full of depth and flavor. It’s gluten-free, Whole30, paleo-friendly, and dairy-free, making it suitable for a wide variety of diets. Plus, it all comes together in one pan, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Onion Smothered Chicken

Ingredients

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1 tablespoon arrowroot flour or tapioca starch (for thickening, optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 5–6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook on medium-low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring often until deeply caramelized.
Add garlic, thyme, balsamic vinegar, cayenne (if using), and a pinch of salt. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 3 minutes.
If using, whisk arrowroot flour with 1 tablespoon water and stir into the skillet to thicken the sauce slightly.
Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the onions.
Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 375 kcal per serving

Variations

Use boneless thighs or chicken breasts: Adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent drying out.
Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra umami flavor.
Make it creamier: Stir in a splash of coconut cream or dairy-free milk for a creamier gravy.
Spice it up: Increase the cayenne or add crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless thighs work well and will cook faster. Reduce simmering time to avoid overcooking.

Is this recipe Whole30 compliant?

Yes, if you use Whole30-compliant chicken broth and balsamic vinegar, this dish is compliant.

Can I use other types of onions?

Yes, red or white onions will work, though yellow onions provide the best sweet-savory balance when caramelized.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

It already is! There’s no dairy in the recipe.

What sides go well with onion smothered chicken?

Mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, roasted veggies, or rice pair perfectly.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. Make it a day ahead and reheat before serving. The flavors deepen with time.

How can I thicken the gravy more?

Add an extra teaspoon of arrowroot slurry if you prefer a thicker consistency.

What if I don’t have arrowroot flour?

You can use tapioca starch or cornstarch in equal amounts as a substitute.

Can I cook this in the oven?

Yes, after browning the chicken and onions, transfer everything to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer—chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

This Onion Smothered Chicken is comfort food at its finest—flavorful, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. With a one-pan prep and ingredients you likely already have, it’s a no-fuss dinner you’ll turn to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers big on flavor and ease.