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Meat, Classics and bistro fare

Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Mashed Potatoes

Chicken with caramelized onions and mashed potatoes is a braised dish for 4 people, ready in 1 hour 20 minutes, rated easy, at about €2.90 per person. Chicken thighs cook slowly on a bed of onions softened in white wine, and the key to success is cooking the onions very gently so they turn sweet instead of burning.

Chicken thighs simmering on a bed of onions caramelized in white wine, with creamy mashed potatoes for soaking up every bit of sauce.

Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Mashed Potatoes
Total time
1 h 20
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€2.90
Calories per person
530 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Winter, Fall
The kids
They generally like it

Here, the onions take their time melting in butter until they turn golden and almost jammy. The chicken then simmers on top with a splash of white wine, which reduces slowly and flavors the meat all the way through. The result is a fork tender thigh coated in a concentrated onion sauce, served alongside mashed potatoes that soak up every drop.

This is a weeknight dish that needs little attention once everything is simmering, yet it feels like a proper Sunday dinner. Kids love it for the creamy mash, and adults appreciate the caramelized onions as a change from plain roast chicken. It is the kind of recipe where patience with the onions makes all the difference.

The ingredients

4 people

Butcher

  • Chicken thighs 4

Fruits and vegetables

  • Onions 6
  • Potatoes 1 kg
  • Thyme 4 sprigs

Pantry

  • Dry white wine 20 cl
  • Sugaroften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Sunflower oiloften in the pantry 1 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Dairy

  • Butter 90 g
  • Milk 15 cl

Allergens Lactose

The step by step recipe

  1. Thinly slice all the onions.

    Chill the onions before cutting to keep your eyes from stinging.

  2. Cook them gently in half the butter with the sugar, salt, and thyme. 25 min

    Stir regularly, they should turn golden, never burnt.

  3. Brown the chicken thighs separately in the oil, then place them on top of the onions. 8 min

    Keep the skin facing up so it stays crisp.

  4. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer gently, covered. 35 min

    The wine should reduce well to concentrate the flavor.

  5. Make the mash with the cooked potatoes, the remaining butter, and the hot milk, then serve with the chicken. 20 min

    Pass the mash through a sieve for a silky, creamy texture.

Our tips to get it right

  • Pick yellow onions, they caramelize better than white or red onions and bring more natural sweetness by the end of cooking.
  • If the sauce looks too thin at the end of simmering, uncover the pan for the last ten minutes so it reduces further.
  • Warm the milk before stirring it into the mashed potatoes, the potatoes absorb it better and the texture stays smoother.

The variations

  • Swap the chicken thighs for boneless thighs for a slightly shorter cooking time and meat that is easier to serve.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with whole button mushrooms browned in a pan, then simmer them with the onions and wine.
  • To save time, use instant mashed potato flakes and put all your attention into the onions and chicken.

What to serve it with

  • A sharply dressed green salad
  • Steamed green beans
  • A glass of the same white wine

Storage

The dish keeps for 2 to 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container, with the chicken and mash stored separately. The chicken and onions freeze well for up to 2 months, though the mash loses some texture after thawing. Reheat gently in a pan or oven with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Questions about this dish

Can you make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken with onions a day ahead, it actually tastes better reheated. Make the mashed potatoes closer to serving time so they stay creamy.

What white wine works best for this recipe?

A dry, lightly oaked white wine works well, like a muscadet or a simple sauvignon blanc. Avoid sweeter wines, they would throw off the balance of the already caramelized onions.

Can chicken breasts replace the thighs?

You can, but breasts dry out faster during the 35 minute simmer. If you use them, cut the cooking time a bit and check them often.

How do you get the onions really soft?

The secret is low heat and time, you cannot rush this step. Stir regularly so they turn golden without sticking or burning at the bottom of the pan.

How long does it take to make chicken with caramelized onions and mashed potatoes?

Count 1 h 20 in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in chicken with caramelized onions and mashed potatoes?

About 530 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does chicken with caramelized onions and mashed potatoes cost?

About €2.90 per serving, or €11.60 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains lactose. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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