Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup: just the name conjures up images of creamy, cheesy goodness, doesn’t it? Forget wrestling with finicky chicken breasts and complicated layering – we’re taking all the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu and transforming them into a comforting, slurp-worthy soup that’s ready in a fraction of the time.

Chicken Cordon Bleu, a dish with debated origins but often attributed to either Switzerland or France, has long been a symbol of elegant comfort food. The combination of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese is simply irresistible. But let’s be honest, sometimes we crave those flavors without the fuss of the traditional preparation. That’s where this soup comes in!

People adore Chicken Cordon Bleu for its delightful blend of textures and tastes. The saltiness of the ham perfectly complements the mild chicken, while the creamy cheese sauce ties everything together in a harmonious symphony. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup captures all of that magic in a bowl. It’s the perfect weeknight meal – quick, easy, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ham! Get ready to experience all the deliciousness of Chicken Cordon Bleu in a warm, comforting, and incredibly convenient form. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 8 ounces cooked ham, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Salt to taste

Preparing the Base:

1. First, grab a large pot or Dutch oven. Heat the olive oil over medium heat. This is where the magic begins!
2. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re softened and the onion is translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. We want them to release their flavors and create a delicious base for our soup.
3. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma should be amazing at this point!
4. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. This is where the flavors really start to meld together.
5. Add the shredded chicken and diced ham to the pot. Stir to combine. Make sure the chicken and ham are evenly distributed throughout the broth.
6. Season with dried thyme, ground nutmeg, and black pepper. Stir well. These spices add a warm and comforting flavor to the soup.
7. Season with salt to taste. Remember, you can always add more salt later, but you can’t take it away. So, start with a little and adjust as needed.

Creating the Creamy Texture:

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and milk until smooth. This will create a slurry that will thicken the soup. Make sure there are no lumps!
2. Slowly pour the flour mixture into the simmering soup, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the soup begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes. Patience is key here!
3. Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until it’s completely melted and incorporated into the soup. The cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture that’s essential to Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup.
4. Stir in the shredded Swiss cheese until it’s melted and the soup is smooth and cheesy. The Swiss cheese adds a nutty and slightly tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Final Touches and Serving:

1. Simmer the soup for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. This will also help to thicken the soup further.
2. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or thyme to your liking.
3. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. The parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the soup.
4. Serve hot and enjoy! This soup is perfect on a cold day or any time you’re craving a comforting and flavorful meal.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few tips and variations to make this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup even more amazing:

• Use leftover rotisserie chicken: This is a great way to save time and add even more flavor to the soup. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the pot.
• Add a splash of dry sherry: A splash of dry sherry can add a depth of flavor to the soup. Add it after you’ve added the cream cheese and Swiss cheese.
• Use different types of cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Fontina, or Provolone. Each cheese will add a unique flavor to the soup.
• Add vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the soup, such as mushrooms, peas, or green beans. Add them along with the carrots and celery.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a little kick.
• Serve with crusty bread: Crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up all the delicious flavors.
• Make it ahead of time: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before serving.
• Freeze it: This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Detailed Ingredient Notes:

Chicken:

I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe because they are lean and easy to shred. You can cook them in a variety of ways: poaching, baking, or even using a slow cooker. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just be sure to remove the skin and shred the meat.

Ham:

Diced ham adds a salty and savory element that’s crucial to the Chicken Cordon Bleu flavor profile. You can use leftover ham from a holiday meal, or purchase pre-diced ham from the grocery store. Look for a good quality ham that isn’t too salty.

Chicken Broth:

The quality of your chicken broth will significantly impact the overall flavor of the soup. I recommend using a good quality chicken broth or stock. Homemade chicken stock is always the best, but store-bought broth works just fine. Low-sodium broth is a good option if you’re watching your salt intake.

Swiss Cheese:

Swiss cheese is the traditional cheese used in Chicken Cordon Bleu, and it adds a nutty and slightly tangy flavor to the soup. I recommend using a block of Swiss cheese and shredding it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. If you can’t find Swiss cheese, Gruyere is a good substitute.

Cream Cheese:

Cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture to the soup. Make sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best results. It’s also important to soften the cream cheese before adding it to the soup, as this will help it melt more easily and prevent lumps from forming.

Thyme and Nutmeg:

These spices add a warm and comforting flavor to the soup. Dried thyme is a classic herb that pairs well with chicken and ham. Ground nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor. Don’t skip these spices!

Flour and Milk:

The flour and milk mixture is used to thicken the soup. It’s important to whisk the flour and milk together until smooth before adding it to the soup, as this will prevent lumps from forming. You can also use cornstarch instead of flour, but you’ll need to use less cornstarch (about 2 tablespoons) and mix it with cold water before adding it to the soup.

Parsley:

Fresh parsley is used as a garnish to add a pop of color and freshness to the soup. You can also use other herbs, such as chives or dill.

Troubleshooting:

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

• Lumpy Soup: If your soup is lumpy, it’s likely due to the flour not being properly incorporated. Use an immersion blender to smooth out the soup.
• Soup is Too Thick: If your soup is too thick, add more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Soup is Too Thin: If your soup is too thin, simmer it for a longer period of time to allow it to thicken. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it quickly.
• Soup is Too Salty: If your soup is too salty, add a pinch of sugar or a splash of lemon juice to balance the flavors. You can also add a peeled potato to the soup while it simmers; the potato will absorb some of the salt. Remove the potato before serving.
• Soup is Bland: If your soup is bland, add more salt, pepper, or other spices to your liking. You can also add a splash of dry sherry or white wine to enhance the flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

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Conclusion:

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a creamy, comforting, and utterly delicious experience that brings all the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu to your bowl. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe, and here’s why: it’s surprisingly easy to make, it’s packed with flavor, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Forget spending hours layering chicken, ham, and cheese – this soup delivers the same satisfying taste in a fraction of the time.

Think about it: tender chicken, savory ham, and that rich, cheesy sauce, all simmered together to create a symphony of flavors. The addition of the croutons adds a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the creamy texture of the soup. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, a comforting lunch, or even a sophisticated starter for a dinner party.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different variations to make it your own. For a lighter version, you can use skim milk or chicken broth instead of heavy cream. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of dry sherry or white wine to the soup for an extra layer of flavor. You could also incorporate different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Swiss, to enhance the cheesy goodness.

Serving Suggestions:

* Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
* Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
* Top with extra croutons or shredded cheese for added texture and flavor.
* For a heartier meal, add cooked pasta or rice to the soup.

Variations:

* Spicy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
* Vegetarian Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or vegetable broth.
* Low-Carb Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup: Omit the croutons and use cauliflower rice instead of pasta or rice.

I’m confident that you’ll love this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup as much as I do. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of a classic dish in a new and exciting way. The creamy texture, the savory ham, and the tender chicken all come together to create a truly unforgettable soup experience.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your creations! I’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences with this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup. Let me know in the comments below what you think, what variations you tried, and how you made it your own. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear from you!

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