Ingredients
Method
- Season chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Pound them to even thickness for uniform cooking. Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until the butter foams and subsides.
- Add chicken to the hot skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken doesn't need to cook through completely. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add minced garlic and thyme, stirring for another 30 seconds until aromatic. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and gradually stir in shredded Swiss cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Transfer to a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Notes
Pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking. Don't skip resting time after baking. Remove from heat before adding cheese to prevent curdling. Can substitute Gruyere or sharp white cheddar for Swiss cheese. Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days and reheat gently. Can be made ahead through step 4.
