If you’re looking to spice up your classic French Onion Soup with a hearty twist, this French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe will make your taste buds dance with delight. With a rich broth, perfectly caramelized onions, and tender chicken, this dish brings comfort and flair to your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Classic: This French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe takes a beloved dish and adds a satisfying twist.
- Heart-Warming Flavors: The richness of caramelized onions and savory chicken create a perfect balance of flavors.
- Easily Adaptable: Customizable to suit various dietary needs or available ingredients.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Impress your guests with a dish that’s both elegant and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The essence of this French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe lies in its simple yet tantalizing ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in shaping the soup’s textures and taste profile.
- Yellow Onions: Caramelized to perfection, these provide a sweet, deep flavor base.
- Unsalted Butter: Ensures a smooth, rich mouthfeel while letting you control the salt levels.
- Dry White Wine: Adds complexity and enhances the flavors of the soup.
- Gruyère Cheese: Melts beautifully over the toasted bread for the ultimate cheesy topping.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to tweak this French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Here are some delightful ways to switch it up!
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté some mushrooms along with the onions for an earthy twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth for a hearty, meat-free version.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a hint of heat.
- Herb Swap: Use fresh thyme instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
How to Make French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
In a large Dutch oven, melt butter and sauté your sliced onions over medium heat. Stir frequently, for about 35 to 45 minutes, until they turn a rich, amber brown. This step infuses the soup with that signature depth of flavor.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Chicken
Add carrots, celery, and minced garlic into the pot, letting them cook until the carrots brighten. Then, incorporate your seasoned chicken for that added protein, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Simmer and Serve
Pour in the wine and sherry, deglaze the pot, then stir in flour to slightly thicken the broth. Add chicken broth and simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Shred the chicken, return it to the pot, and top your soup with cheesy toasts!
Pro Tips for Making French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe
- Caramelization Perfection: Patience is key. Allow onions to caramelize slowly to achieve that perfect sweetness.
- Wine Choice: Choose a good quality dry white wine; it makes a remarkable difference in flavor.
- Flavor Boost: A dash of Worcestershire sauce can elevate the savory notes of your soup.
- Cheese Melting: Broil your cheesy toasts just until bubbly for irresistible gooeyness.
How to Serve French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme adds a lovely pop of color and freshness to your soup, complementing the hearty flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with a simple green salad or roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in rustic bowls for a cozy feel, or elevate your dinner by presenting it in a bread bowl, absorbing the rich flavors while adding a delightful, edible touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your soup to cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well up to 3 days, making it perfect for a become-ahead meal.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Simply transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat until it’s warmed through, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed to maintain the perfect consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and can add an extra depth of flavor to this French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe. Simply adjust cooking time as needed.
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Is it necessary to use dry sherry?
While the sherry adds a touch of sweetness and complexity, it can be omitted or replaced with additional chicken broth if preferred.
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How can I make the soup thicker?
To thicken your soup, simply add more flour in the cooking process or let it simmer a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
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What’s a good substitute for Gruyère cheese?
Swiss cheese can be a great alternative to Gruyère as it offers similar meltability and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. So grab those onions, roll up your sleeves, and delight in creating a dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to enjoy. Give it a try and let it become your new favorite.
Print
French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: about 11 cups
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French-inspired American comfort food
Description
This comforting French Onion Chicken Soup combines caramelized onions, tender shredded chicken, and a savory broth, topped with cheesy toasts for a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for any cozy meal.
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, plus more as needed
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 baguette2 ounces Gruyère cheese (about heaping 1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Make the soup: Peel, halve, and thinly slice 3 pounds yellow onions (about 10 cups).
- Caramelize the onions: Melt 4 tablespoons of the unsalted butter in a Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onions, thyme, bay leaves, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring often and scraping the bottom to prevent burning, until onions are soft and amber brown, about 35 to 45 minutes.
- Prepare vegetables: Meanwhile, peel and cut carrots into 1/4-inch rounds, chop celery into 1/4-inch pieces, and mince garlic cloves. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the pot.
- Cook vegetables: When butter is melted, add carrots, and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender and brightened in color, about 5 minutes.
- Cook chicken: Season chicken with remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Pour white wine and sherry into the pot and cook until mostly evaporated, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in flour, cook for 1 minute, then add broth. Place chicken in a single layer, bring to a simmer, and cook until chicken reaches at least 165°F, about 10 minutes for thighs or 12-20 minutes for breasts.
- Shred chicken and finalize: Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board, shred with forks, return to the pot, discard bay leaves, and taste for seasoning, adding salt if necessary.
- Prepare cheesy toasts: Preheat broiler, cut baguette into 1-inch slices, grate cheese. Arrange bread on a baking sheet, sprinkle with cheese, and broil until melted and bubbly, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Serve: Top each bowl of soup with a cheesy toast, and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Ensure onions are caramelized slowly to develop rich flavor.
- Use chicken thighs for more tender, moist meat, but breasts work well too.
- For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free thickener.
- The cheese toasts add extra richness but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
