French Onion Chicken Soup with Gruyère Toasts

Name: French Onion Chicken Soup with Gruyère Toasts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 95 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 6 whole medium yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 40 g unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 150 ml dry white wine; 1.5 l chicken broth; 350 g boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 whole bay leaf; 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 whole baguette, sliced; 180 g Gruyère, grated; 1 whole garlic clove, halved

This French onion chicken soup builds sweetness by slowly browning onions, then adds broth, a little wine and tender chicken.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 1 hr 35 minMakes 6 servings

Jump to Recipe

This French onion chicken soup builds sweetness by slowly browning onions, then adds broth, a little wine and tender chicken. The source reads like classic onion soup but includes chicken; this version keeps the chicken and uses toasted baguette with melted Gruyère as a practical topping. Cook the onions patiently for the deepest flavor. Heat oil and butter in a heavy pot; cook onions over medium-low 35 to 45 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden. Stir in flour for 1 minute; add wine and scrape the pot. Add broth, chicken, bay, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 20 to 25 minutes until chicken reaches 74°C (165°F); remove chicken, shred and return it to soup.

French Onion Chicken Soup with Gruyère Toasts

How to tell when it is ready

Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with bread and Gruyère, then broil carefully until bubbling and browned.

Tips

Heat oil and butter in a heavy pot.
Stir in flour for 1 minute.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 20 to 25 minutes until chicken reaches 74°C (165°F).
Toast baguette slices until crisp.

Troubleshooting

If onions catch, lower heat and add a spoon of water.
If broth tastes salty, dilute with unsalted stock.

Substitutions

Use dry sherry instead of white wine.
Use gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup.

Variations

Use vegetable broth and omit chicken for a meat-free onion soup.
Use Emmental in place of Gruyère.

Serving suggestions

Serve with extra Gruyère toast.
Add a green salad with sharp vinaigrette.
Scatter thyme leaves over each bowl.
Offer crusty bread alongside.

Make ahead

Measure the ingredients in advance and prepare the components described in the steps. Refrigerate soup separately from toast for up to 3 days; reheat soup until steaming hot.

Storage

Refrigerate soup separately from toast for up to 3 days; reheat soup until steaming hot.

Food safety

Cook chicken to 74°C (165°F); use oven-safe bowls under the broiler and handle them with protection.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know french onion chicken soup with gruyère toasts is ready?

Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with bread and Gruyère, then broil carefully until bubbling and browned.

How should I store french onion chicken soup with gruyère toasts?

Refrigerate soup separately from toast for up to 3 days; reheat soup until steaming hot.

Serve with extra Gruyère toast. Refrigerate soup separately from toast for up to 3 days; reheat soup until steaming hot.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

French Onion Chicken Soup with Gruyère Toasts