French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe

If you love French onion soup, then you’re going to adore the French Onion Chicken Soup! It’s a savory, deeply flavorful twist on the classic, combining the rich, caramelized onions with hearty chicken and a deliciously cheesy topping. This soup is comforting, filling, and perfect for any season, whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or looking for a meal that warms you from the inside out.

The great thing about this recipe is that it elevates the traditional French onion soup by adding chicken to make it a more substantial meal. It still delivers all the familiar flavors-sweet, caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and that perfect melt of cheese-but with the bonus of tender, juicy chicken.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests, meal prep for the week, or simply indulge in something savory and satisfying, this soup is the perfect choice. Let’s dive right into the recipe and break down the steps, ingredients, and tips for making this dish your new favorite comfort food!

French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering French Onion Chicken Soup. It’s pretty simple, with a few key ingredients that pack a lot of flavor.

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Skinless, boneless, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Yellow Onions: A key ingredient! You’ll need several large yellow onions, as they’ll cook down and caramelize, creating that deep, sweet flavor.
• Chicken Broth: For the base of the soup. You can go with low-sodium or regular, depending on your preference.
• Beef Broth: A mixture of both chicken and beef broths gives the soup that classic French onion taste-rich, savory, and well-rounded.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a punch of aromatic flavor that blends beautifully with the caramelized onions.
• Dry White Wine: Optional, but it adds a nice layer of acidity to balance the sweetness of the onions.
• Herbs: A combination of thyme, bay leaves, and a little bit of rosemary will infuse the soup with a fragrant, herby flavor.
• Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing the onions and chicken.
• Gruyère Cheese: A classic French cheese with a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that melts beautifully. You can also use Swiss cheese as a substitute.
• Crusty Bread: To float on top of the soup, helping to hold all that melted cheese in place.

Cooking Instructions

Making French Onion Chicken Soup is a bit of a process, but trust me, it’s totally worth the effort! Here’s how to do it:

1. Caramelize The Onions

   • Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil or butter.
   • Add the sliced onions to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes. The goal is to cook them low and slow, allowing them to caramelize and turn golden brown. Be patient-this step is what gives the soup its deep, rich flavor.
   • Once the onions are soft and browned, add minced garlic and cook for another minute or two.

2. Add The Chicken

   • While the onions are cooking, season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a little thyme.
   • In a separate skillet, sauté the chicken in a bit of oil or butter until browned and cooked through. You don’t need to fully cook it through here, as it will finish cooking in the soup.
   • Add the cooked chicken to the onions.

3. Deglaze The Pot

   • If you’re using white wine, pour a splash into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom. This adds a ton of flavor!

4. Add The Broth

   • Pour in the chicken broth and beef broth, stirring to combine. Add the bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary.
   • Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

5. Prepare The Bread & Cheese

   • While the soup simmers, slice your crusty bread into thick pieces.
   • Toast or broil the bread until it’s nice and crispy on both sides. This will hold up better in the soup and prevent it from getting soggy too quickly.
   • Shred your Gruyère cheese.

6. Assemble The Soup

   • Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls. Place a piece of toasted bread on top of each serving, and then pile on the shredded Gruyère cheese.
   • If you want that cheesy, golden, bubbly topping like you see in traditional French onion soup, broil the bowls in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

7. Serve

   • Serve the soup hot, garnished with a little fresh thyme or parsley if you’d like.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a moment to appreciate some of the key ingredients in this recipe, and why they’re essential:

• Yellow Onions: These are the perfect variety for caramelizing because they have a nice balance of sweetness and depth of flavor. As they cook down, they transform into a golden, rich base that defines the soup’s flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth and Beef Broth Combo: Using both broths gives the soup a unique, layered taste. The chicken broth is lighter and a bit more neutral, while the beef broth imparts that signature French onion flavor-rich and savory.
• Gruyère Cheese: This cheese is a must for that authentic French onion soup experience. It’s smooth, melty, and adds a slightly nutty flavor that’s perfect when paired with the sweetness of the caramelized onions.
• Crusty Bread: A hearty, rustic bread is necessary to create the perfect vehicle for holding that glorious melted cheese. It provides texture and absorbs some of the soup, adding to the richness of the dish.

Expert Tips

Want to make sure your French Onion Chicken Soup is as delicious as possible? Here are some expert tips to elevate your dish:

• Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Don’t rush the caramelization of the onions. The slower you cook them, the sweeter and more flavorful they’ll become. If you cook them too quickly, they won’t develop that deep, caramelized taste.
• Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you have the time and patience, cooking with bone-in chicken thighs will add extra depth to your broth. Simply remove the bones before serving.
• Add a Splash of Balsamic Vinegar: If you want to add a little acidity and tang to balance out the sweetness of the onions, a small splash of balsamic vinegar during the last few minutes of simmering can do wonders.
• Make It Ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge for a couple of days. The flavors only get better after sitting for a while, so it’s great for meal prepping or making in advance.
• Watch the Cheese: Be careful when broiling the cheese. It melts fast, and you don’t want to burn it. Keep an eye on it while it’s under the broiler to get that perfect golden-brown crust.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable. Here are a few variations to consider:

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add mushrooms for extra umami flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give the soup a little heat.
• Different Cheeses: If Gruyère isn’t available, you can use Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or even a mix of cheddar and Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• Herb Variations: While thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves are traditional, you could experiment with tarragon or sage for a unique twist.

Final Words

French Onion Chicken Soup is one of those meals that takes a little time but is absolutely worth the effort. The layers of flavor-from the caramelized onions to the tender chicken and melty cheese-make it a comforting, satisfying meal that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe will never disappoint.