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French Onion Chicken Soup

French Onion Chicken Soup: Comfort in Every Spoonful

This French Onion Chicken Soup blends tender chicken with caramelized onions for a comforting, hearty meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 4 large Yellow Onions Essential for caramelization
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Can be substituted with olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Use fresh thyme in a pinch
  • 2 leaves Dried Bay Leaves Remove before serving
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Adjust according to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust according to taste
  • 2 medium Carrots Diced, adds sweetness
  • 1 stalk Celery Diced, provides aromatic base
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced, enhances flavor
For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs Thighs add more flavor
For Cooking and Flavoring
  • 0.5 cup Dry White Wine For deglazing; use broth for non-alcoholic option
  • 0.5 cup Dry Sherry Can be omitted if preferred
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Can be replaced with cornstarch for gluten-free option
  • 6 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth Homemade or store-bought
For Serving
  • 1 loaf Baguette For cheesy toast toppings
  • 1 cup Gruyère Cheese Can be substituted with mozzarella or Swiss

Equipment

  • heavy-bottomed pot
  • Baking Sheet
  • broiler

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Slice four large yellow onions into thin rings. Melt four tablespoons of unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onions and a pinch of kosher salt, cooking for 35-45 minutes until caramelized.
  2. Once onions are caramelized, add one teaspoon of dried thyme, two dried bay leaves, and black pepper to taste. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Dice two carrots and one celery stalk, adding them to the pot along with three minced garlic cloves. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Pour in half a cup of dry white wine and half a cup of dry sherry, stirring to deglaze the pot. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle two tablespoons of all-purpose flour, stirring until thickened.
  5. Gradually add six cups of low-sodium chicken broth while maintaining a gentle simmer. Add two boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and cover. Simmer for 12-20 minutes.
  6. Remove the cooked chicken and shred using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
  7. Preheat your broiler. Slice a baguette into thick pieces, place on a baking sheet, top with grated Gruyère cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes until melted.
  8. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a cheesy toast. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure onions are caramelized for best flavor. Adjust seasoning before serving. Shred chicken after cooling slightly to avoid burns. Watch toasts while broiling to prevent burning. When freezing, leave space for expansion.

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