This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is a warm and cozy dish that brings the flavors of the classic meal into a creamy bowl. With tender chicken, ham, and gooey cheese, it’s a real treat!
Who doesn’t love soup that tastes like a fancy dinner? I love pairing it with some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious goodness. It’s like a hug in a bowl! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: This is used to sauté the onions and garlic. You could also use olive oil or even a dairy-free butter if you’re looking for a healthier option.
Onion: A small onion adds flavor. If you’re not a fan, try using shallots for a milder taste or skip it altogether and add a bit more garlic.
Chicken and Ham: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience. If you’re vegetarian, try using hearty veggies like mushrooms and add some smoked tofu to mimic that ham flavor.
Swiss Cheese: It gives a lovely melt and flavor. For a sharper taste, you could substitute with Gruyère cheese or even a mix of mozzarella and cheddar.
Half-and-Half or Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use whole milk or a non-dairy alternative like cashew milk. Just be cautious as non-dairy options might alter the flavor slightly.
How Do You Create a Smooth and Creamy Soup?
The key to a silky soup is making sure your roux is cooked well before adding any liquids. Follow these steps:
- In your pot, melt butter and cook the onions until they’re soft and translucent.
- Once they’re ready, sprinkle in flour and stir it well for about 1-2 minutes. This helps eliminate any raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth while ensuring to break up any lumps. This is crucial for a nice texture.
- Simmer the mixture until it thickens slightly before adding your main ingredients like chicken and cheese. This ensures everything mixes well and flavors meld perfectly.
- Finally, when adding cream, do it slowly over low heat to maintain that creamy consistency without curdling.
With these tips, you can look forward to a comforting bowl of Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup that’s rich in flavor and easy to make!
Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Components:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese, divided
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
Seasoning and Garnishing:
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
- Optional: crumbled cooked bacon for topping
- Bread slices, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook. You’ll enjoy a quick method for a comfort food classic that warms your soul!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
Start by melting the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted, add in the finely diced onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. This is where the magic begins!
2. Create the Roux:
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes. This allows the flour to cook a bit and forms a roux base, which makes the soup thick and creamy.
3. Add the Broth:
Now, gradually whisk in the chicken broth while ensuring you break up any lumps. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. You’ll want to cook it for about 5 minutes, or until it starts to thicken slightly.
4. Mix in the Protein and Cheese:
Once thickened, add the diced cooked chicken, cooked ham, and 1 cup of the shredded Swiss cheese. Stir it all together until everything is well combined and the cheese starts melting into the soup.
5. Make It Creamy:
Lower the heat to a gentle setting and slowly stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream. This step is crucial for giving your soup that luxurious, creamy texture we all love!
6. Season to Taste:
Sprinkle in the dried thyme, ground nutmeg, and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Let the soup cook gently for an additional 5-7 minutes until it’s heated through and the cheese has fully melted. Just don’t let it boil—you want it to be warm and delightful!
7. Serve It Up:
Ladle the soup into bowls, and top each bowl with the remaining Swiss cheese, a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions, and some crumbled bacon if you like. It adds a delicious crunch!
8. Enjoy:
Serve your Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup immediately with crusty bread on the side for dipping. Each spoonful is packed with flavors that mimic the classic dish!
Enjoy this rich, creamy soup that captures the iconic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu in every mouthful! It’s perfect for cozy nights in. 🥣✨
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken for This Soup?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken and add it to the soup in place of the cooked chicken breast.
What If I Don’t Have Swiss Cheese?
No problem! Swiss cheese can be substituted with Gruyère or even mozzarella. Each cheese will bring a slightly different flavor, but they’ll still melt beautifully in the soup.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, just add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2 months, but keep in mind that the cream may change texture upon reheating. Just stir well when warming it back up!
