This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is a cozy bowl of creamy goodness! It combines tender chicken, ham, and cheese in a warm, flavorful broth that will hug your tummy. It’s like a twist on a classic dish!
The best part? It’s so easy to whip up! I love making a big pot and enjoying it with some crusty bread. It’s great for sharing or just for a comforting night in with a spoon and a smile! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: This adds richness to the soup. You can substitute with olive oil or dairy-free butter if you’re looking for a lighter option or need to avoid dairy.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics form the base of flavor. If you’re in a hurry, consider using onion powder and garlic powder instead, but fresh is always best!
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great if you’re short on time! Leftover roasted chicken is also an excellent option. For a vegetarian version, use mushrooms or chickpeas for protein.
Ham: If you’re not a fan of ham or don’t have any, turkey or smoked sausage could be delicious substitutes. You could also skip it entirely and adjust the seasonings a bit.
Swiss Cheese: This cheese gives that classic Cordon Bleu flavor. Gruyère or mozzarella can be used instead if you’re looking for a different cheese or prefer something milder.
How Do I Make a Creamy and Thick Soup?
Creating a creamy texture is essential for this soup! Start by making a roux, which is a mixture of flour and fat (like butter) that thickens sauces and soups.
- Melt the butter on medium heat and whisk in the flour until smooth; this prevents lumps from forming later.
- Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring constantly. This helps incorporate the roux without any clumps. The soup will thicken as it heats.
- Stir in the half-and-half or cream slowly to maintain that creamy texture. Be sure to lower the heat to keep it from boiling to prevent curdling.
- Let the soup simmer gently after adding the meats and cheese. This will help blend all the flavors beautifully.
This method ensures a velvety soup that’s sure to excite your taste buds! Enjoy the warming goodness of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup!
Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1 cup croutons (for garnish)
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This delicious soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook, for a total of approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes softened and translucent, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This will create a flavorful base for your soup!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen should start smelling amazing by now!
3. Make the Roux:
Gradually stir in the flour, cooking for approximately 2 minutes to create a roux. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent it from browning, as you want it to remain light in color.
4. Add Broth:
Whisk in the chicken broth gradually while continuing to stir. This will help avoid any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken slightly for about 3-5 minutes.
5. Incorporate Cream:
Lower the heat and carefully stir in the half-and-half (or heavy cream) slowly to maintain that smooth, creamy texture.
6. Mix in Meats and Cheese:
Add the shredded chicken, diced ham, shredded Swiss cheese, and Dijon mustard. Stir until everything is well combined and the cheese has melted into the soup, creating that deliciously creamy consistency.
7. Season the Soup:
Season your soup with salt, pepper, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning to taste. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick.
8. Serve:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls. Top each serving with some croutons, extra shredded Swiss cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or parsley for a colorful touch.
9. Enjoy:
Serve hot with crusty bread on the side if desired. Now, dig in and enjoy this creamy, flavorful twist on classic Chicken Cordon Bleu!
This soup is sure to be a hit and will keep you cozy with every spoonful!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Soup?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before shredding it. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Cook it and shred it before adding it to the soup.
What Can I Substitute for Swiss Cheese?
If you don’t have Swiss cheese, Gruyère, Gouda, or mozzarella make great substitutes! Each will bring a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious in the soup.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream if it needs it. Keep in mind, the soup may thicken after refrigerating, so adjust with additional broth or cream as needed.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Just be sure to leave some space in the container for expansion when freezing!