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High Protein Caramelized Onion Creamy Chicken

High Protein Caramelized Onion Creamy Chicken

  • Author: Harper Callahan
  • Total Time: 45 mins

Description

Back in 2018, I tried to impress my now-husband with “fancy” chicken. I burned the onions, nearly set off the fire alarm, and almost gave up. But I tried again—slowly this time. The result? Caramelized perfection and a memory that now lives in every batch I make. This dish is creamy, rich in flavor, and surprisingly simple. It’s not just food—it’s a feeling. Whip this up and turn your meal prep into a little act of love. No apron required!

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1000g chicken breast, cubed

  • 350g red or white onions, thinly sliced

  • 80g sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

  • 180g light cream cheese

  • 380ml skim milk

  • 50g Parmigiano Reggiano, grated

  • Zest & juice of 1 lemon

  • 2 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter (for chicken)

  • 1 tbsp butter (for onions)

  • Salt, pepper to taste

  • 1 tsp each: garlic powder, oregano, smoked paprika, basil

  • Pinch of chili flakes

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • Cooked rice (for serving)

  • Fresh parsley (garnish)

Instructions

  • Sear Chicken: Season chicken with spices. In a large skillet with oil & butter, sear chicken in batches—5 mins per side. Set aside.

  • Caramelize Onions: In the same skillet, melt butter, add onions, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes. Cook on low for 10-12 mins, stirring. Add garlic & sun-dried tomatoes, cook 1 min.

  • Make Sauce: Lower heat. Stir in milk and cream cheese until smooth. Add Parmigiano. Adjust thickness as needed.

  • Bring it Together: Return chicken to the pan, simmer 3 mins. Taste and adjust.

  • Lemon Herb Rice: In a separate pot, melt butter, add garlic & herbs. Mix in cooked rice, lemon zest & juice. Let rest 5 mins.

  • Serve & Smile: Spoon chicken over rice. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

  • Golden Rule of Caramelizing: Low and slow wins the race! Stir occasionally and don’t rush—those sweet, jammy onions are worth every second.

  • Crispy Chicken Hack: Let chicken sit undisturbed for 3 minutes per side when searing. That’s how you get golden, flavorful edges without drying it out.

  • Zest First, Juice Later: Always zest your lemon before cutting it. It’s nearly impossible the other way around!

  • Creamy Fixes:

    • Sauce too runny? Let it bubble gently for 2 more minutes.

    • Too thick? Add a splash of milk and stir like you’re serenading it.

  • Rice Upgrade: Let your lemon-herb rice rest covered for 5 minutes before fluffing—it soaks in more flavor and stays ligh

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins

Nutrition

  • Calories: 520 kcal per serving
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Protein: 56g

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Find it online: https://toplushrecipes.com/high-protein-caramelized-onion-creamy-chicken/