Description
Comforting french onion chicken soup blends classic French flavors with hearty chicken in a rich, savory broth. Caramelized onions and melted cheese create a luxurious depth that brings warmth to your dining experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
Cooking Fats and Liquid:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 sprigs of thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons sugar (optional, for caramelizing the onions)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping:
- 4 slices of crusty bread or baguette
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Create a flavor foundation by gently melting butter and olive oil together in a spacious pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat, ensuring even temperature distribution.
- Carefully layer sliced onions into the warm fat, stirring periodically to promote uniform caramelization and prevent burning during the 35-40 minute transformation process.
- As onions gradually turn a rich golden-amber color, optionally sprinkle a pinch of sugar to intensify their natural sweetness and enhance browning.
- Introduce minced garlic to the caramelized onions, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom for approximately 60 seconds.
- Pour white wine into the pot, using its acidic properties to deglaze and lift the concentrated flavor compounds stuck to the bottom of the cooking vessel.
- Incorporate chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf, creating a robust liquid base that will infuse the soup with deep, layered flavors.
- Nestle seasoned chicken pieces directly into the simmering liquid, allowing them to poach gently and absorb the surrounding aromatics.
- Allow the soup to simmer uncovered, periodically checking chicken’s doneness and ensuring liquid remains at a gentle, consistent temperature.
- Once chicken is perfectly cooked, carefully remove and slice into bite-sized portions, then return to the soup.
- Finish by topping with toasted bread and melted Gruyère cheese, creating a luxurious golden crust that adds textural complexity to the dish.
Notes
- Caramelize onions slowly on low heat for maximum flavor depth, allowing natural sugars to develop rich, sweet undertones without burning.
- Add a splash of cognac or brandy instead of white wine for an extra layer of complexity and traditional French cooking authenticity.
- Swap chicken for vegetarian options like portobello mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives to create dietary-friendly versions of this classic comfort dish.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, enabling home cooks to adjust seasoning precisely according to personal taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg