Do Share Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this French Onion Chicken Soup Recipe — it instantly became a comfort food classic in my kitchen. The smell of caramelized onions cooking low and slow filled the house and made me feel cozy before I even tasted a spoonful.

You can also enjoy similar flavors with Crispy Cauliflower Pita Sandwiches Recipe for a light vegetarian option. When I finally did, I loved how savory broth and tender chicken mixed with cheesy, toasty bread on top. It felt like all the best parts of French onion soup and chicken soup combined into one satisfying bowl.

For a refreshing side, pairing this with Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw Recipe adds a crisp texture and tangy flavor. Now it’s a recipe I make again and again for family dinners or when I need something warm and delicious.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this rich and flavorful French Onion Chicken Soup, along with tips to get the best results.

4 cups sweet onion, thinly sliced — Sweet onions caramelize beautifully and make the soup deeply flavorful.
2 cups shallot, thinly sliced — Adds delicate onion flavor that blends perfectly with the sweet onions.
1 teaspoon kosher salt — Enhances all the savory flavors as the onions cook.
1 2/3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil — Helps the onions soften and caramelize slowly without burning.
2 tablespoons all‑purpose flour — Lightly thickens the broth for a silky soup texture.
1/4 cup light white wine — Adds acidity and depth that balances the sweet onions.
1/4 cup sherry vinegar — Gives tang and richness in place of traditional sherry wine.
4 fresh thyme sprigs — Fresh herbs infuse aromatic flavor as the soup simmers.
2 dried bay leaves — Adds herbal undertones that deepen the broth.
8 cups chicken bone broth — A rich, protein‑packed base that makes this soup hearty.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts — Thighs are juicier; breasts are leaner.
6 slices baguette or sourdough bread (toasted) — Classic topping that soaks up broth.
12 thin slices Gruyere or Swiss cheese — Melts perfectly for golden, gooey cheesy topping.

Note: This recipe makes about 6 generous servings — perfect for family dinner or leftovers for the next day.

Variations

You can easily customize this French Onion Chicken Soup for different tastes and dietary preferences.

Go dairy‑free by omitting the cheese entirely.
Make it gluten‑free by using gluten‑free flour and bread.
Skip the wine and substitute extra broth for a wine‑free version.
Change herbs by using rosemary or oregano instead of thyme.
Try different cheeses like fontina or provolone for a milder topping.

Cooking Time

Here’s a breakdown of how long this delicious soup takes to make:

Prep Time: 15 minutes — slicing onions and shallots, prepping chicken.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes — caramelizing onions and simmering the soup.
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes — from start to finish for full flavor.

Equipment You Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch oven — For caramelizing onions and simmering the soup.
Sharp knife — To slice onions and shallots thinly.
Cutting board — Keeps prep organized and safe.
Wooden spoon — For stirring onions as they cook.
Measuring cups and spoons — To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
Oven‑proof bowls — To broil the soup with melted cheese on top.

How to Make French Onion Chicken Soup

Here’s a step‑by‑step guide to cooking this hearty and flavorful soup.

Caramelize the Onions

Start by heating olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium‑low heat. Add the sliced onions, shallots, and kosher salt. Cook slowly for about 30–40 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are soft, sweet, and golden brown.

Add Flour, Wine, and Vinegar

Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and cook for a few minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Pour in the white wine and sherry vinegar, add thyme and bay leaves, and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes to reduce the alcohol and build rich flavor.

Simmer with Broth and Chicken

Pour in the chicken bone broth and add the chicken pieces. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 25–30 minutes. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.

Prepare Bread and Cheese

Place toasted bread slices on top of each portion of soup in oven‑safe bowls. Layer with slices of Gruyere or Swiss cheese. Broil on low heat until the cheese bubbles and turns golden, about 2–3 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy

Take the bowls out of the oven carefully. Let them cool slightly before serving so the cheesy topping sets a bit. Spoon the soup into bowls with the melted cheesy bread on top for a delicious, restaurant‑style presentation.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Here are some things I’ve learned that make this soup even more delicious:

I caramelize the onions slowly and patiently — it brings out rich, sweet flavor.
I prefer bone broth for deeper savory notes and extra protein.
Toasting the bread before broiling helps it stay crisp under the cheese.
Using a mix of onions gives more complexity to the flavor.
I always taste for salt toward the end so it’s perfectly seasoned.

How to Serve French Onion Chicken Soup

Serve this soup hot with the melted cheese and bread on top for a classic look. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color. This goes wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables on the side. Pair it with warm crusty bread and a glass of white wine (optional) for a cozy family meal.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick snapshot of the nutrition per serving:

Calories: Approximately 437 — a rich and satisfying meal.
Protein: Around 40 g — thanks to chicken and broth.
Carbohydrates: About 29 g — from onions and bread topping.
Fat: Around 17 g — mainly from olive oil and cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerating

Let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and the flavors deepen over time.

Freezing

Freeze the soup without the bread and cheese for up to 3 months in freezer‑safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add the bread and cheese right before serving and broil for the best texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why this French Onion Chicken Soup is so wonderful:

It combines rich caramelized onions with savory chicken for cozy, deep flavor.
It’s packed with protein and makes a satisfying main course.
It’s a one‑pot meal with minimal cleanup and maximum comfort.
It’s versatile — easy to adapt for dietary needs or preferences.
It makes great leftovers — just reheat and enjoy with fresh cheesy bread.

Whether you’re making this for a special Sunday dinner or a weeknight treat, this French Onion Chicken Soup delivers classic flavors with a satisfying twist.

Ben Carraoli