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Caramelized Onion Soup Chicken

A comforting bowl of caramelized onion soup chicken featuring sweet onions and tender chicken, perfect for cozy evenings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Soup
  • 4 large large onions (yellow or sweet), thinly sliced Choose high-quality, fresh onions.
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil High-quality for better flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 5 cups chicken broth Homemade if possible for richer flavor; low-sodium recommended.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
  • Crusty bread or baguette, sliced For serving.
  • Shredded cheese (Gruyère or Swiss) Optional, for topping.
  • Fresh parsley, for decoration Optional, for garnish.

Method
 

Caramelizing the Onions
  1. In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown.
Add Garlic and Broth
  1. Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the 5 cups of chicken broth, and add dried thyme and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 15 minutes.
Prepare the Chicken
  1. While the soup simmers, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing.
Final Touches
  1. Once the soup has simmered, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
  2. Remove the bay leaf before serving. In bowls, ladle the soup and top with sliced chicken.
Optional Garnish
  1. For a delightful finish, place toasted bread on top, add a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and broil until melted and bubbly.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

This recipe can be prepared ahead of time. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and chicken with chickpeas or mushrooms.