Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

If you love Chicken Cordon Bleu, you’re in for a treat with this flavorful and creamy soup. It combines all the elements of the beloved dish—tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese—but in a comforting, warm bowl of goodness. Whether you’re looking for a filling meal on a cold day or just want to enjoy a classic dish in a new form, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup will become your go-to comfort food. Let’s dive into how to make this incredible dish and explore a few tips to enhance your experience.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

This soup takes everything you love about the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu and transforms it into a delicious one-pot meal. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something rich, creamy, and filling but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Here are some highlights of this recipe:

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this hearty soup in under 45 minutes.
• Versatile: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
• Great for Leftovers: This soup stores well, making it an excellent option for meal prep or leftover lunches.
• Comforting: The creamy broth, combined with savory ham, chicken, and Swiss cheese, creates a soul-warming meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this soup, you’ll need a combination of classic ingredients that provide the signature Chicken Cordon Bleu flavor in every spoonful.

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and flavor.
• 1 small onion, diced: Provides a nice base flavor for the soup.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a savory depth to the broth.
• 3 cups chicken broth: The base of the soup, adding moisture and flavor.
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
• 1 cup ham, diced: Choose a good-quality ham for added flavor.
• 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, shredded: The essential ingredient that makes this soup reminiscent of Chicken Cordon Bleu.
• 1 cup heavy cream: For that rich, creamy texture.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the soup.
• ¼ cup milk: Balances out the richness of the cream.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang that enhances the flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right amount of seasoning.
• Salt to taste: Adjust based on your preference.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish and a pop of freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Soup

Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s dive into how to make this delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup. Follow these steps to get the best results every time.

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. This forms the base of the soup and gives it a nice depth of flavor.

2. Create the Roux

After the onions and garlic are softened, sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat the vegetables. Let it cook for an additional minute, which helps remove any raw flour taste and forms a roux that will thicken the soup.

3. Add the Chicken Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps from the flour. This creates a smooth base for the soup. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes, allowing the broth to thicken slightly.

4. Add the Chicken, Ham, and Mustard

Once the broth has thickened, stir in the shredded chicken, diced ham, and Dijon mustard. Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Stir in Cream and Milk

Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until it becomes creamy and smooth.

6. Add the Swiss Cheese

Gradually add the shredded Swiss cheese in small batches, stirring constantly to ensure it melts evenly into the soup. The cheese will give the soup its signature Chicken Cordon Bleu flavor and a luxuriously creamy texture.

7. Season and Serve

Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Once the soup has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is hearty and satisfying on its own, but you can elevate the meal with a few side dishes or toppings.

• Crusty Bread: Serve this soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up all the creamy goodness.
• Side Salad: Pair the soup with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
• Toppings: Add croutons, crispy bacon, or extra cheese on top for a fun twist.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This soup is great for leftovers, and the flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

To store:

• Place any leftover soup in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

• Simply warm the soup over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up.

Variations and Substitutions

There are plenty of ways to customize this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Low-Carb Option: Substitute the flour with almond flour or coconut flour to make the soup low-carb.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup instead of all-purpose flour.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken and ham for plant-based alternatives, like soy protein or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Extra Veggies: Add more vegetables to the soup, such as spinach, kale, or broccoli, for added nutrients and texture.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

• Shred the Cheese Yourself: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly into the soup. For the best results, shred your own Swiss cheese.
• Simmer Slowly: Make sure to simmer the soup on low heat when you add the cream and cheese. High heat can cause the cream to curdle or the cheese to separate.
• Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken works well for added convenience and flavor.

FAQs

Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?

Unfortunately, this soup doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy content. Cream-based soups tend to separate when frozen, resulting in a grainy texture. It’s best to make a fresh batch and store it in the fridge.

What can I use instead of Swiss cheese?

If you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, you can substitute it with Gruyère or even mozzarella for a creamier texture.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use whole milk instead of heavy cream, but keep in mind that the soup will be less rich. For a thicker consistency, consider adding an extra tablespoon of flour to the roux.

Conclusion

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is a must-try for anyone who loves comforting, creamy dishes. With its rich blend of shredded chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and flavorful broth, it’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or preparing it for a weeknight meal, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Be sure to make enough for leftovers because it tastes even better the next day! So, grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delightful and easy-to-make twist on the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu.

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