Easy Crock Pot French Onion Soup

Make this easy crock pot French onion soup, with melted cheese and pulled chicken – It’s a delicious take on a cult classic.

There’s something magical about a meal that combines the ease of a slow cooker with the timeless elegance of French onion soup. Picture this: tender, juicy chicken nestled in a rich, caramelized onion broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. My easy crock pot french onion soup is a love letter to cozy nights, hearty flavours, and effortless cooking.

With layers of deeply caramelized onions, perfectly seasoned chicken, and a broth so flavorful it could stand alone, this dish transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Better yet, the slow cooker does all the flavour development, making it ideal for busy weekdays or those times when you want a hands-off dinner that still wows.

As the onions slowly cook down and the broth develops its rich, savoury profile, the entire house fills with an aroma that will have everyone asking, “What’s cooking?” Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or want to impress without the stress, this recipe delivers comfort and class in every spoonful. Let’s dive in—you won’t regret it!

Ingredients for Easy Crock Pot French Onion Soup

When it comes to crafting the perfect french onion soup with chicken, the ingredients truly shine. Each one plays an essential role, working together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and effortless. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—you likely already have most of these items in your kitchen.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Yellow Onions: The star of the show, these onions caramelize to golden perfection, lending sweetness and depth to the soup.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender chicken adds heartiness to the dish, soaking up all the incredible flavours from the broth.
• Beef Broth: A robust broth forms the foundation of this soup, tying everything together with its savoury richness.
• Garlic: Just a few cloves make all the difference, infusing the soup with subtle warmth and aroma.
• Thyme and Bay Leaves: These herbs provide a fragrant, earthy balance to the sweetness of the onions.
• Apple cider vinegar and balsamic: A splash of these kinds of vinegar adds acidity and enhances the depth of flavour.
• Parm rind: This takes your broth to the next level as it stews away in the slow cooker
• Baguette Slices and Gruyère Cheese: No French onion soup is complete without crusty bread and gooey, melted cheese on top!

Each ingredient has been carefully chosen for its ability to elevate the dish while keeping preparation straightforward. Moreover, the slow cooker takes care of the heavy lifting, ensuring that every bite is infused with the rich, caramelized onion flavour that makes this soup so special.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! First up, we need to brown our chicken on both sides and then set aside to rest. I find this process ensures the chicken protein remains tender.

Now let’s prep those onions. Slice them thinly – the thinner, the better. I recommend using a mandolin. They’ll melt down into delicious, caramelized goodness. To speed the caramelization process, use a big pan, allowing the moisture to escape quickly.

Now, let’s set up that crock pot. Pour in your beef broth, and caramelized onions and add the rest of the ingredients (other than, bread and shredded cheese). Nestle your chicken under the liquid near the top.

Set your crock pot to low and let it work its magic for about 8-10 hours. The longer it cooks, the more intense the flavour becomes. If you’re in a hurry, you can crank it up to high for 4-6 hours. 30 minutes before serving remove and shred the chicken and place back in the soup to soak up more flavours.

Before serving, portions into oven save bowls, add a layer of grated cheese, crusty bread slice, and top with more chees. Place them in the oven on broil until the cheese is melted and bubbling. You’re ready to serve.

Serving and Presentation of French Onion Soup

Traditionally, French onion soup is served in individual oven-safe bowls. Pop those bowls under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melty and bubbly with those irresistible brown spots. Keep an eye on it though – it can go from perfect to burnt in the blink of an eye!

For a little extra flair, sprinkle some fresh thyme leaves or chives on top. It adds a pop of color and freshness that really takes it to the next level.

Tips for the Perfect Crock Pot French Onion Soup

Want to really make your soup sing? Here are a few tricks. First, don’t rush the onions. The longer they cook, the sweeter and more caramelized they become. That’s where all the flavour is!

If you’re short on time during the week, you can prep everything the night before or even just the onions. Just store the crock pot insert in the fridge overnight and pop it in the base in the morning. Dinner will be ready when you get home!

Having trouble getting your onions to caramelize? Try adding a pinch of sugar at the beginning. It helps kickstart the caramelization process.

Pairing Suggestions

Wondering what to serve with your French onion soup? When it comes to wine, a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir or a crisp white like Chablis pairs beautifully. My husband and I presently just paired it with a 2022 Chianti Classico, Pèppoli from Antinori… chef’s kiss.

For side dishes, keep it simple. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a nice contrast to the rich soup. Or, if you’re really hungry, a crusty baguette on the side for extra dipping never hurts.

Want to make it a complete meal? Serve smaller portions of the soup as a starter, followed by a simple roast chicken or a juicy steak. It’s French bistro dining at home!

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s wrap up with some common questions. Can you use different types of onions? Absolutely! While yellow onions are traditional, red onions or shallots can add interesting flavours. If you are following this recipe make sure you compensate for size.

Wondering about leftovers? This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Can you freeze it? You bet! It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just leave off the bread and cheese until you’re ready to serve.

And finally, what’s the difference between stovetop and crock pot versions? The main difference is time and effort. The stovetop requires more hands-on time, while the crock pot does most of the work for you. The flavours are similar, but many find the crock pot version even richer due to the long, slow cooking time.

Looking For Another Recipes?

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