Print

French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★

3.8 from 84 reviews

French Onion Chicken Soup is a comforting, hearty dish combining the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with tender shredded chicken. Slow-cooked onions, aromatic herbs, and a splash of white wine create a flavorful broth enhanced with vegetables. Topped with optional cheesy toasts, this soup makes a perfect meal for cozy dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the soup:

  • 3 pounds yellow onions (4 large or 6 medium), peeled, halved, and thinly sliced
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more as needed
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick rounds (about 1 1/4 cups)
  • 3 medium celery stalks, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick pieces (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, seasoned with 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 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, sliced 1-inch thick on a bias (about 8 slices)
  • 2 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (about heaping 1/2 cup)

Instructions

  1. Prepare onions: Peel, halve, and thinly slice the yellow onions to yield about 10 cups. This forms the base flavor of the soup.
  2. Caramelize onions: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add the onions, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 2 bay leaves, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring often and scraping the pot’s bottom, for 35 to 45 minutes until onions are soft and amber brown.
  3. Prepare vegetables: While onions cook, peel and slice carrots and celery, and mince garlic, putting them all in a medium bowl.
  4. Cook vegetables with onions: Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the onion mixture. After melting, add prepared carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables are crisp-tender and vibrant.
  5. Season chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Butterfly thick breasts if needed.
  6. Deglaze pot: Pour in dry white wine and dry sherry. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mostly evaporated, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  7. Thicken broth: Sprinkle flour over vegetable mixture, cook and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out raw flour taste.
  8. Add broth and chicken: Pour in chicken broth gradually while stirring. Add chicken pieces in a single layer. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a lively simmer.
  9. Simmer soup: Reduce heat to maintain gentle simmer. Cook, stirring and scraping bottom, until chicken reaches 165°F internally, about 10 minutes for thighs or 12 to 20 minutes for breasts.
  10. Prepare cheesy toasts (optional): Arrange oven rack 3-4 inches from broiler and preheat broiler. Slice baguette on a bias and arrange on baking sheet. Sprinkle with grated Gruyère cheese.
  11. Shred chicken and finish soup: Remove chicken to cutting board and shred with forks. Return shredded chicken to soup. Discard bay leaves and adjust seasoning with kosher salt if needed.
  12. Broil cheesy toasts: Place baking sheet under broiler for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
  13. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a piece of cheesy toast.

Notes

  • Butterflying thick chicken breasts ensures even cooking.
  • Caramelizing onions slowly develops the soup’s signature deep flavor.
  • Use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution.
  • Cheesy toasts are optional but add a delicious, traditional finish.
  • If you don’t have dry sherry, a dry white wine or additional broth can be used.
  • Adjust salt at the end to taste since broth and cheese add saltiness.

Keywords: French onion soup, chicken soup, caramelized onions, cheesy toast, comfort food, slow simmer

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/french-onion-chicken-soup-recipe/