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Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, as this will help achieve a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and the butter has melted, carefully add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook them for about six to seven minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should register at 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the onion and mushroom mixture.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. The goal here is to caramelize the onions slowly, allowing their natural sugars to develop and deepen in flavor. This process will take about 15 to 20 minutes. If you notice the onions starting to stick to the bottom of the pan, you can add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pan and help lift the brown bits.
Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Continue to cook for an additional five to seven minutes, or until the mushrooms have released their moisture and become tender. Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and balsamic vinegar, allowing the mixture to cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Next, pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all those delicious bits and flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about five minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly.
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the onion and mushroom mixture. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the top of the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low, letting everything simmer together for about five minutes, or until the cheese has melted and everything is heated through.
As you wait, take a moment to appreciate the delightful aromas wafting from the skillet. This is where the magic happens, as the flavors meld beautifully. When the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from the heat.
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a touch of color and freshness.
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