Pan-Seared Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Rosemary

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts seared until golden, paired with deeply caramelized onions and fragrant rosemary for a simple yet elegant weeknight dinner. This american-inspired keto (keto) ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, olive oil, medium yellow onion, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 196 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 196 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 24 oz chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Add 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced, and cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and golden brown.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tsp fresh rosemary, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to skillet, add 1 tbsp lemon juice, and cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through and combine flavors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Rosemary take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Rosemary?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Rosemary?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Rosemary for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pan-Seared Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Rosemary keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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