This French Onion Chicken Soup is warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. Juicy chicken and sweet, caramelized onions come together in a tasty broth topped with cheesy goodness.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sipping this soup straight from the pot! I love to serve it with some crusty bread for dipping. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onion: The onions are essential for flavor. Yellow onions are great for caramelizing, but you can use red onions for a sweeter taste or white onions if that’s all you have. Just remember, they should be sliced thinly for even cooking!
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time, but any cooked chicken will work. Leftover grilled or baked chicken can be fantastic too. If you’re vegetarian, try using chickpeas or tofu for protein instead.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and green bell pepper bring freshness. You can swap green bell pepper with red or yellow ones for a sweeter flavor. Other veggies like zucchini or corn can give a nice twist.
Herbs: Dried thyme and basil enhance the soup remarkably. If you have fresh herbs, use those instead! Just remember that fresh herbs are usually stronger, so use about three times the amount.
How Do I Caramelize Onions Just Right?
Caramelizing onions takes time but provides a rich flavor base for your soup. Start by heating olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook them patiently.
- Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Once they turn translucent, keep cooking until they are golden brown, which usually takes another 5-10 minutes.
Don’t rush this step — slowly cooked onions will give your soup a delightful sweetness!
How to Make French Onion Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to simmer. So, you’re looking at a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook them until they become soft and see-through. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to stir them occasionally, so they don’t burn and caramelize nicely!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, sprinkle in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes. You’ll know it’s time to move on when you start smelling that lovely garlic aroma—it means it’s fragrant and perfectly cooked!
3. Incorporate the Vegetables:
Now, add the diced carrots, celery, and green bell pepper to the pot. Cook everything together for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the vegetables soften up and gets those delicious flavors started.
4. Pour in the Broth:
Time to bring it all together! Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried basil, bay leaf, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir and bring your mixture to a simmer.
5. Let It Simmer:
Add the Worcestershire sauce and let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes. This is when all those beautiful flavors meld together into a comforting bowl of goodness!
6. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, take a moment to taste your soup. You can adjust the seasoning as needed. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf—it’s there for flavor but isn’t meant to be eaten!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your French Onion Chicken Soup is ready! Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated cheese on top if you like. Enjoy your warm, hearty creation!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any veggies you have on hand, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or even frozen mixed vegetables. Just make sure to dice them so they cook evenly. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the vegetable types—some may need a bit longer to soften.
Can I Substitute the Chicken Broth?
Yes, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or even water, though the flavor will be less robust. If using water, consider adding extra herbs or a bouillon cube to enhance the taste!
How to Store Leftover Soup
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you expect to keep it longer, consider freezing it in portions. Just be sure to leave some space in the container as the soup may expand when frozen!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Definitely! This soup tastes even better the next day. You can prepare it a day in advance and simply reheat it on the stove over low heat. If it thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
