Ah, the warmth and comfort of a steaming bowl of soup! Today, I’m delighted to share a cherished dish that wraps the rich flavors of French cuisine around a cozy hug. This *French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe* is a medley of sweet caramelized onions, tender chicken, and savory broth, topped off with cheesy toasts that are sure to bring a smile to your face.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Savory: The caramelized onions combined with tender chicken create a broth that is both rich and deeply flavorful.
- Simple Ingredients: With everyday kitchen staples, you can whip up this gourmet-like meal without breaking the bank.
- Comfort Food Delight: Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup offers a hearty meal that soothes the soul.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable for different dietary needs while still delivering amazing taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This *French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe* is built on the foundation of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each element plays a key role in building the soup’s rich depth of flavor and comforting texture.
- Yellow Onions: The caramelization process transforms these into sweet morsels that are the star of the show.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich base that enhances the onions’ sweetness.
- Dried Thyme and Bay Leaves: These herbs infuse the soup with an aromatic depth that elevates the overall flavor.
- Carrots and Celery: They add color and a subtle crunch, balancing the dish’s savory notes.
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Offer tender, juicy protein that makes the soup a satisfying meal.
- Dry White Wine: Adds a layer of acidity that brightens up the dish.
- Gruyère Cheese: When melted atop the toast, it creates a heavenly, gooey finish.
Variations
Get creative with this *French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe*! It’s so flexible, making it easy to cater to different palates or dietary needs without compromising on flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the flour for a gluten-free alternative, like cornstarch, to thicken the broth without gluten.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Lighter Fare: Use chicken breast only and skip the cheesy toast if you’re watching calories.
How to Make French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by melting butter in a sturdy pot, then add your sliced onions with thyme and bay leaves. Let them cook slowly, stirring often. This step is pivotal as it coaxes out the sweetness and develops that characteristic rich, brown color. Patience is key here; give them a good 35 to 45 minutes.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Add the rest of the butter and diced carrot mixture to the pot, letting them sizzle until bright and tender, about five minutes. Pour in the wine and sherry for that tangy lift, then sprinkle with flour, stirring to weave all the flavors into a thickened blend.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Introduce the seasoned chicken in a single layer, followed by a gentle pour of chicken broth. Raise the heat to welcome a friendly simmer, allowing the chicken to poach and absorb the broth’s richness. Use a thermometer if needed, but approximately 12 to 20 minutes should fully cook those tender cuts.
Step 4: Serve with Cheesy Toasts
While the soup finishes to perfection, prepare the cheesy toasts. Simply lay sliced baguette pieces in the oven with Gruyère cheese sprinkled on top. Broil until bubbling and golden, then crown each bowl of soup with a slice for that ultimate French flavor infusion.
Pro Tips for Making French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe
- Caramelization Mastery: Allow the onions to reach that perfect amber hue by taking your time, which enriches the soup’s flavor significantly.
- Wine Choice: Choose a wine you’d enjoy drinking; its quality will reflect in the soup’s taste.
- Texture Balance: Ensure the vegetables remain slightly firm to provide the right bite against the tender chicken.
- Cheese Choice: Opt for Gruyère for its melting quality and nutty flavor, but feel free to explore with Comté or Emmental.
How to Serve French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives, which adds a touch of color and herbaceous freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. The acidity of the salad complements the rich soup beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this delightful soup in rustic, oversized mugs to create a homey feel, finished with a dramatic draping of the cheese toast over the edges.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will deepen, making it even more enjoyable the day after.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup without the cheese toast for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if it becomes too thick during storage.
FAQs
-
Can I use red onions instead of yellow?
While yellow onions are preferred for their sweetness, red onions can provide a slightly sharper flavor. Just ensure they’re well caramelized to blend seamlessly.
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What’s a good substitute for Gruyère cheese?
If you can’t find Gruyère, Comté or Emmental are great alternatives. They offer similar meltability and flavor profiles.
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Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Follow the steps for caramelizing the onions, then transfer the ingredients to a slow cooker to finish with the chicken on low heat for about 3-4 hours.
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Is there a way to make it spicier?
Certainly! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a gentle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Final Thoughts
I hope this *French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe* finds a special place in your kitchen repertoire. Its warmth and rich flavors are perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Don’t you think it’s time to embrace a new family favorite, one comforting spoonful at a time?
Print
French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Soup
- Cuisine: French
Description
This French Onion Chicken Soup combines the rich, caramelized flavor of traditional French onion soup with tender shredded chicken, making it a hearty and comforting dish. It’s topped with melted Gruyère cheese toasting on baguette slices, perfect for a satisfying meal any time.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 3 pounds yellow onions (about 4 large or 6 medium)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 medium carrots
- 3 medium stalks celery
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
For the Cheesy Toasts (optional):
- 1/2 baguette
- 2 ounces Gruyère cheese (about heaping 1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Make the soup: Peel, halve, and thinly slice 3 pounds yellow onions (about 10 cups). Melt 4 tablespoons of the unsalted butter in a Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onions, dried thyme, bay leaves, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring often and scraping the bottom of the pot, until the onions are soft and amber brown, about 35 to 45 minutes.
- Prepare vegetables and chicken: Meanwhile, peel and cut carrots into 1/4-inch rounds; cut celery into 1/4-inch pieces; mince garlic. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the onions. When melted, stir in carrots, cook until brightened and crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Season chicken with remaining salt. Pour wine and sherry into the pot, cook until mostly evaporated, 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle flour, cook for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth, add chicken in a single layer, bring to a simmer. Cook until chicken reaches at least 165°F, about 10-20 minutes depending on cut.
- Shred chicken and finish the soup: Transfer chicken to a cutting board; use forks to shred. Return shredded chicken to the pot. Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
- Prepare cheesy toasts: Cut baguette into 1-inch slices, grate Gruyère cheese. Preheat broiler, toast bread until cheese melts and bubbles, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Serve: Top each bowl with a cheese toast. Enjoy the warm, hearty flavor!
Notes
- Ensure onions are caramelized well for optimal flavor.
- Shredded chicken adds protein and makes the soup more filling.
- Use a good quality dry white wine for depth of flavor.
- The cheese toasts are optional but highly recommended for authentic flair.
- You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 940 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
