French Onion Soup is a classic dish known for its rich, savory flavors and comforting warmth. By adding chicken to the traditional recipe, you create a heartier version that’s perfect for a satisfying meal. Follow this step-by-step guide to make French Onion Chicken Soup at home.

Ingredients:

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine (optional, can be replaced with extra chicken broth)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (about 2 chicken breasts)
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 slices of French bread (or other crusty bread)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Onions:

• Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they become caramelized and golden brown. This process usually takes about 25-30 minutes. Patience is key here, as this step is crucial for developing the rich flavor of the soup.

2. Add Garlic:

• Once the onions are caramelized, add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Deglaze the Pot:

• If using white wine, pour it into the pot and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes until it’s mostly evaporated. If you’re not using wine, simply proceed to the next step.

4. Add Broth and Seasonings:

• Pour in the chicken broth, and add the thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Add Chicken:

• Stir in the shredded chicken and let the soup heat through for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

6. Prepare the Bread:

• While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the slices of French bread on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until they are golden brown on both sides.

7. Assemble and Broil:

• Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted French bread on top of each bowl of soup. Sprinkle the Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses generously over the bread.

8. Broil the Soup:

• Place the bowls under the broiler and cook until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. This usually takes about 2-4 minutes, so keep a close eye on them.

9. Serve:

• Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful French Onion Chicken Soup!