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Rich Onion Chicken Broth

Featured in Warm, Comforting Soups & Stews.

A mix of caramelized onions and chicken with optional cheesy bread on top. This cozy soup is perfect when you need something warm and comforting.

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Emily Watson
Updated on Thu, 20 Mar 2025 02:31:04 GMT
A delicious pot featuring broth with caramelized onion, tender chicken, carrots, and savory herbs. Pin it
A delicious pot featuring broth with caramelized onion, tender chicken, carrots, and savory herbs. | thefamilycooks.com

I've gotta tell you about my top combo that mixes two soup classics! This French Onion Chicken Soup combines all the good stuff from sweet caramelized onions with filling chicken soup. Your house will smell amazing while those onions slowly turn golden and sweet. And when you add those melty Gruyère bread toppers? Just wow!

What Makes This Soup Special

I totally fell for this dish because it takes all the great things about French onion soup and makes them even better with juicy chicken and veggies. It's now my favorite comfort food that's still fancy enough when friends come over. I love that I can stick some in the freezer for those crazy busy nights too!

Must-Have Components

  • Onions: They're the main attraction and need plenty of time to get that wonderful sweetness.
  • Chicken: Thighs give more flavor but you can definitely use breasts if you want.
  • Vegetables: The carrots and celery bring nice bright colors and flavor layers.
  • Wine and Sherry: Even a tiny bit transforms everything in the pot.
  • Gruyère Cheese: That gooey topping really makes the whole dish!

Creating Something Amazing

Those Beautiful Onions
Here's where you need to wait it out as they slowly turn into golden sweet gems.
Adding Flavor Layers
Tossing in those crunchy veggies adds such great freshness to your soup.
The Must-Do Move
Always deglaze the pot because those stuck bits have tons of flavor.
Getting the Chicken Right
Let everything bubble away until your chicken gets perfectly tender.
Putting It All Together
Pulling apart the chicken means you get some in every spoonful.

Insider Tricks

Take my word on cooking those onions the full 35 45 minutes it's totally worth the wait! And keep an eye on those cheesy toasts under the broiler they can go from perfect to ruined in just a moment!

Change It Up

I make a meatless version sometimes that tastes just as good. If you're into stronger flavors try using chicken thighs for extra richness. This soup stores great and freezes really well just warm it up slowly when you want it.

Tasty Companions

This soup goes so well with a crisp green salad the flavors balance each other perfectly! Always have extra bread ready for soaking up all that tasty broth. When I want a bigger meal I'll add some roasted veggies on the side.

The Science Behind The Yumminess

There's something truly magical about how everything works together. Every cooking step builds another taste dimension from the caramelized onions to the flavorful broth. My friends ask for this recipe more than any other!

Wrapping It Up

This soup really does bring two amazing worlds together! It works when you want something cozy or when you need to wow dinner guests. Make it once and you'll see why it's a permanent fixture in my cooking lineup!

A close-up view of a bowl of chicken soup with carrots, onions, and butter, garnished with thyme, alongside slices of bread. Pin it
A close-up view of a bowl of chicken soup with carrots, onions, and butter, garnished with thyme, alongside slices of bread. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it okay to make this in advance?

Absolutely! Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Just prepare the cheesy bread fresh when ready to serve.

→ Which wine works best?

Pick a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. A good drinkable bottle will bring the best flavor.

→ Can I try another cheese?

Sure! Swiss or a mix of Parmesan and Swiss makes a tasty substitute for Gruyère.

→ Do I have to add the cheesy bread?

Not at all! The soup is delicious solo or paired with simple crusty bread instead.

→ Why split thick chicken breasts?

Cutting thicker breasts ensures even cooking, matching them to the time needed for other ingredients.

Conclusion

Blending caramelized onions and juicy chicken, this soup delivers deep flavors in every bite. Add cheesy toast for a rich and cozy experience.

Onion Chicken Broth

This heartwarming dish combines tender chicken and deeply caramelized onions, finished with optional cheesy toast for an ultimate comfort meal.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
85 Minutes
Total Time
105 Minutes

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 8 Servings (11 cups)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 4 medium onions (3 pounds total).
02 6 tablespoons butter, split into two portions.
03 2 sizable bay leaves, dried.
04 1 teaspoon thyme, dried.
05 2 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, use in parts.
06 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper.
07 3 celery stalks, medium.
08 3 cloves of garlic, peeled.
09 3 carrots, medium in size.
10 2 pounds of chicken, thighs or breasts without bones or skin.
11 3/4 cup of a dry white wine.
12 1 tablespoon sherry, dry variety.
13 1/4 cup plain flour (all-purpose).
14 6 cups chicken broth, low-sodium.
15 A half baguette (optional for serving).
16 2 ounces Gruyère cheese for optional topping.

Instructions

Step 01

Chop onions finely. Cook them with thyme, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and some butter until they’re soft and golden-brown, about 35-45 minutes.

Step 02

Dice celery and carrots into small chunks, mince the garlic. Stir them into the softened onions along with the rest of the butter.

Step 03

Sprinkle chicken with a little salt. Cut thick chicken breasts open if needed to make them thinner.

Step 04

Pour in the wine and sherry, letting them simmer until most of the liquid cooks off. Blend in the flour and stir for a minute.

Step 05

Pour in chicken broth and add the chicken pieces. Simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Shred the chicken and stir it back into the pot.

Step 06

If you want to, slice the baguette, sprinkle Gruyère on top, and broil until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

Notes

  1. Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  2. Can stay frozen for 3 months and still taste good.
  3. The cheese-covered bread is optional but tasty.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot or Dutch oven.
  • Sheet pan for baking.
  • Cheese grater.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, butter).
  • Includes wheat (flour, baguette).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 410
  • Total Fat: 13.5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 34.8 g
  • Protein: 33.9 g