– **Title**: French Onion Chicken Soup
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 cups onions, thinly sliced (about 4-5 medium onions)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 French baguette, sliced
– 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 20-30 minutes.
2. If using white wine, pour it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking the onions to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
3. Once the onions are caramelized, add the chicken broth, shredded chicken, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove the bay leaf.
4. While the soup simmers, preheat your broiler. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
5. To serve, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl and generously sprinkle with Gruyère cheese.
6. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
7. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious French Onion Chicken Soup!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Yellow onions are best for this soup since they caramelize beautifully, creating a rich flavor. If you’re in a pinch, white onions work too; they won’t be as sweet but still taste great.
Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken is super convenient! It adds amazing flavor without much prep. If you don’t have that, poached chicken is also a good option. Just make sure it’s shredded well.
Broth: Homemade chicken broth enhances flavor, but store-bought works great too. If you want a lighter version, vegetable broth can be used for a subtle taste.
Cheese: Gruyère is a classic choice for its melting qualities, but mix it with mozzarella if you like a stretchier cheese. If Gruyère isn’t available, Swiss or even a sharp cheddar could substitute nicely.
Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme on hand, it really elevates the dish. Otherwise, dried thyme works, but use a bit less since dried herbs are stronger in flavor.
How Can I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions is key to the deep flavor of this soup. Patience is the secret here; rushing can lead to burnt onions rather than sweet, golden goodness.
- Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and stir them occasionally, cooking for about 25-30 minutes.
- Cook them until they are soft and caramel-colored, which means the sugars have been released slowly.
This will create that sweet base you want in your soup. If you find the onions sticking, add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pot. Enjoy the process; it’s worth the wait!
How to Make French Onion Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced (yellow or white)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (use rotisserie or poached chicken)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or a few sprigs of fresh thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 4 slices of crusty French bread
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or a mix of Gruyère and mozzarella)
- Optional: Fresh thyme for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious French Onion Chicken Soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 45 minutes to cook. This includes caramelizing the onions, simmering the soup, toasting the bread, and melting the cheese—perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently. Keep cooking until the onions turn caramelized and golden brown; this should take about 25-30 minutes. It’s worth the wait for that sweet flavor!
2. Add the Garlic:
Once the onions are nicely browned, add the minced garlic. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring until the garlic is fragrant but be careful not to burn it!
3. Combine the Soup Ingredients:
Stir in the chicken broth, shredded chicken, dried thyme, bay leaf, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. This time allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.
4. Prepare the Toasted Bread:
While the soup is simmering away, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take your slices of French bread and place them on a baking sheet. Toast the bread in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until they are lightly crisped—yum!
5. Melt the Cheese:
Take the baking sheet out of the oven. Now, sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese generously over the toasted bread. Pop the baking sheet back in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
6. Serve the Soup:
Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaf from the soup. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. To serve, ladle the warm soup into bowls, top each bowl with a cheesy slice of bread, and garnish with fresh thyme if you like.
Enjoy your comforting bowl of French Onion Chicken Soup!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Gruyère is traditional, you can substitute it with Swiss cheese or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the melting properties will vary slightly.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’ve assembled it with the cheesy bread, it’s better to store them separately to maintain the bread’s texture. Reheat in a pot on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it seems too thick.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the shredded chicken. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or carrots for extra flavor and texture!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No problem! If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use 1/3 of the amount dried thyme instead, since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. You can also omit the herbs if you want a simpler flavor, but they do add a nice depth!
