Name: French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 3 pounds yellow onions (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; 1/2 baguette; 2 ounces Gruyère cheese (about heaping 1/2 cup)

Jump to Recipe

Imagine the legendary comfort of French onion soup married with tender, juicy chicken—welcome to French Onion Chicken Soup. This hearty, soulful bowl is the ultimate dinner for cozy nights, combining mountains of caramelized onions, juicy slow-simmered chicken, and cheesy, broiled toasts. Each spoonful feels like a warm hug, rich with sweet, savory onion flavor, a pop of wine, and the nourishing taste of classic chicken soup—trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen.

French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in French Onion Chicken Soup comes from everyday ingredients, each playing a special role. From the deep flavor of caramelized onions to the richness of Gruyère, every element builds toward irresistible results. Here’s what you’ll need and why each piece matters.

Yellow onions: The backbone of the dish, these melt into sweet, jammy goodness after a slow, patient caramelization.
Unsalted butter: Key for both sautéing and boosting the onions’ richness.
Dried thyme: Adds an herbal, slightly minty note that lifts the deep flavors.
Bay leaves: Infuse the soup with complex, subtle background aroma—just remember to fish them out before serving!
Kosher salt: Essential for building and balancing flavor at every stage.
Freshly ground black pepper: A bit of mellow heat that brightens the soup’s richness.
Carrots: Bring sweetness and color—a classic in any chicken soup.
Celery: Adds gentle bitterness and crunch to balance sweet onions and carrots.
Garlic: A savory base note that makes the flavors sing.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The protein that transforms this from soup to a full meal—choose thighs for extra-tender results.
Dry white wine: Brightens and deglazes the pan, bringing everything together.
Dry sherry: Adds a touch of nutty depth, a nod to classic French onion soup.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the broth just enough to make it silky without being heavy.
Low-sodium chicken broth: The soup’s base—low sodium lets you control the seasoning.
Baguette: (Optional) Sliced, toasted, and ready to soak up all the soup’s rich flavors.
Gruyère cheese: (Optional) Nutty, melty, and utterly irresistible when broiled atop crusty bread.

How to Make French Onion Chicken Soup

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

This is where the magic happens! Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, then add your thinly sliced onions, thyme, bay leaves, 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir, scrape the bottom often (the golden bits are pure flavor!), and be patient. After 35 to 45 minutes, you’ll be rewarded with a pile of deeply golden-brown, irresistibly sweet onions.

Step 2: Prep and Sauté the Veggies

While your onions transform, slice your carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. Toss them into a bowl as you go for an easy dump-and-go. When your onions are ready, melt in the last 2 tablespoons butter, then add all these veggies. Sauté until the carrots are bright and crisp-tender—about five minutes of color and vibrancy.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Season

Season your chicken generously with that last teaspoon of kosher salt. If you’re using thicker chicken breasts, butterfly them so they cook evenly and absorb more flavor. The chicken will take on all the aroma from the onions and veggies as it poaches.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Broth

Pour in that dry white wine and sherry. Stir as the mixture simmers and those yummy brown bits lift from the pot. Sprinkle in the flour, stir for a minute to cook out the raw taste, then slowly pour in the chicken broth. Slip your chicken pieces in, bring everything to a lively simmer on medium-high, then lower the heat and let it all gently bubble until the chicken is juicy and cooked through—about 10 minutes for thighs, up to 20 for breasts.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken & Finish the Soup

With tongs, pull the chicken out and onto a clean board. Use two forks (the classic way!) to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Then, pop it back into the soup and say goodbye to those bay leaves. Taste and season—this is when you can fine-tune salt and pepper so every spoonful pops.

Step 6: Make Cheesy Toasts (Optional, but Highly Recommended!)

Get your broiler hot and your rack about 3 to 4 inches from the heat. Slice half a baguette crosswise into hearty hunks, lay them on a sheet pan, and sprinkle generously with grated Gruyère. Broil until melted and bubbling, just 30 seconds to a minute. Place one atop each bowl of soup for the ultimate finish.

How to Serve French Onion Chicken Soup

Garnishes

Classic Gruyère toasts are the gold standard, but you can customize! Try a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or even a dash of chopped chives if you love a little color and freshness. The bubbling cheese crust and a little greenery make each bowl look irresistibly inviting.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple and let French Onion Chicken Soup shine. A green salad with a sharp vinaigrette cuts the richness perfectly. For a heartier meal, add roasted potatoes or a platter of marinated olives—and don’t forget lots of extra baguette to swipe up the broth.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the classic soup bowl! For a dinner party wow-factor, ladle the soup into mini oven-proof crocks, top with cheesy toasts, and broil right before serving. Or, make individual portions in wide mugs for a cozy, fireside feeling nobody can resist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

French Onion Chicken Soup keeps beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch possibly even better than tonight’s dinner.

Freezing

Absolutely freezer-friendly! Once cooled, scoop the soup (sans cheesy toasts) into sturdy containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to three months. Label and date for easy meal planning.

Reheating

To reheat, simmer gently in a pot over medium heat until hot throughout—no need to boil. If you saved cheesy toasts, rebroil them quickly and top each steamy serving for another melty moment.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?

Absolutely! Just shred your rotisserie chicken and add it in after the soup base is done simmering. It makes French Onion Chicken Soup weeknight-fast while keeping that homemade flavor.

What if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?

No problem—Swiss or even shredded mozzarella will work. Gruyère gives that authentic French onion flavor, but feel free to use your favorite melty cheese in a pinch.

Can I make this gluten free?

Yes! Simply replace the flour with your favorite gluten-free blend, or thicken the soup with cornstarch mixed with a little water stirred in at the end.

How can I make French Onion Chicken Soup vegetarian?

Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. For extra heartiness, try adding canned white beans, lentils, or even cubes of roasted vegetables—the base is just as luscious and savory.

What’s the best wine to use?

Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio—the acidity balances the sweetness of the onions and really brightens the whole pot of French Onion Chicken Soup. Don’t use anything labeled “cooking wine”—real wine delivers better flavor, even if it’s the least expensive bottle you have.

Final Thoughts

If you crave cozy flavors and soul-warming comfort, you absolutely need French Onion Chicken Soup in your life. It’s simple, customizable, and endlessly satisfying. Give it a try—and don’t be surprised when it becomes your new go-to soup for family nights and dinner parties alike!

French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 17 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This French Onion Chicken Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the flavors of French onion soup with tender chicken. The soup is rich, flavorful, and topped with cheesy toasts for the perfect finishing touch.

Instructions

Make the soup: Peel, halve, and thinly slice 3 pounds yellow onions. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a Dutch oven. Add the onions, thyme, bay leaves, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook until soft and brown.
Prepare carrots, celery, and garlic. Add remaining butter to the pot. Cook carrot mixture until crisp-tender. Season chicken with salt. Pour in wine and sherry. Sprinkle with flour. Add chicken and broth. Simmer until chicken is cooked.
Make the cheesy toasts: Cut baguette into slices. Grate Gruyère cheese over the bread. Broil until cheese is melted. Serve over soup.