Crispy Chicken with Caramelized Onions (Printable)

Golden panko-crusted chicken topped with caramelized onions and melted cheeses, baked until bubbly for a comforting main.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
05 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1 teaspoon paprika
08 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Caramelized Onions

10 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
13 - 1 teaspoon sugar
14 - ¼ teaspoon salt
15 - 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

→ Cheese & Assembly

16 - 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
17 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
18 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

# How-To:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deep golden and soft, about 20 to 25 minutes. Stir in balsamic vinegar during the last few minutes if using. Set aside.
03 - Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Dredge each breast in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Do not cook through. Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking sheet.
05 - Top each chicken breast with a generous spoonful of caramelized onions. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over each piece.
06 - Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 - Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The crunch of Parmesan laced panko against juicy chicken is the kind of texture contrast that makes you close your eyes on the first bite.
  • Those slow cooked caramelized onions are worth every patient minute you spend stirring them.
  • Double cheese means every piece gets those gloriously stretchy pulls that make everyone at the table reach for seconds.
02 -
  • Do not rush the onions, turning up the heat to save time will burn them instead of caramelizing them.
  • Let the breaded chicken rest for five minutes before searing so the coating adheres properly and does not slide off in the pan.
03 -
  • Use one hand for the egg wash and the other for the flour and panko to avoid breading your fingers into clumsy claws.
  • Broil for the last 60 seconds if you want those gorgeous browned cheese spots that make everyone think you spent all day cooking.

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