Sautéed Chicken with Caramelized Onion and Smoked Paprika

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

Cooked with sweet caramelized onions and smoky paprika for a flavorful, quick weeknight meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs large, thinly sliced yellow onion, smoked paprika, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized.
  2. Step 2: While onions cook, season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika on both sides.
  3. Step 3: Push the caramelized onions to the side of the pan, add 1 tbsp olive oil to the center, and add the chicken breasts. Sauté over medium-high heat for 5 minutes per side until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 cup chicken broth to the pan, stirring to combine with onions and chicken. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant and the sauce slightly thickens, coating the chicken.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Caramelized Onion and Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Sautéed Chicken with Caramelized Onion and Smoked Paprika?

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 smoked paprika from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Caramelized Onion and Smoked Paprika?

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 Sautéed Chicken with Caramelized Onion and Smoked Paprika for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

What goes well with Sautéed Chicken with Caramelized Onion and Smoked Paprika?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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