This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is a cozy bowl of deliciousness! It features tender chicken, ham, and tasty cheese all mixed in a creamy broth that warms the soul.
Making it is a breeze! Just throw everything in, let it cook, and enjoy a comforting meal. Perfect for chilly nights when you’re craving something hearty and cheesy! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is essential for this soup. You can use rotisserie chicken for easier prep. If you’re looking for a lighter option, feel free to swap in turkey!
Ham: Diced cooked ham adds a great flavor. If you need a substitution, turkey or even bacon can give your soup a different twist.
Cheese: I recommend Swiss or Gruyere cheese for that lovely meltiness. For a more accessible option, you can use mozzarella or even cheddar if you prefer it sharper.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, try using half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Just remember, this will slightly alter the flavor profile.
What’s the Best Way to Get That Creamy Texture?
The key to a creamy soup lies in making a roux. After sautéing your veggies, sprinkle flour and stir for a few minutes to cook it without browning. This will help thicken your soup as you add in the broth.
- Start with melting butter and cooking your vegetables well, around 5-7 minutes.
- Add flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes until it’s smooth.
- Gradually add chicken broth, whisking to break up any lumps — this creates a smooth base!
Make sure to not boil the soup once you add the cream and cheese; gentle reheating keeps the texture just right.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese or Gruyere cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Optional for Serving:
- Crusty bread or baguette
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this recipe is about 30-40 minutes. You’ll spend roughly 10-15 minutes prepping your ingredients, then 20-25 minutes cooking everything up until it’s perfectly creamy and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add your chopped onions, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these together for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup!
2. Make the Roux:
Next, sprinkle the flour over your sautéed vegetables and stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes. This creates a roux which acts as a thickener for your soup. Make sure not to let it brown; you want to keep it light in color!
3. Add the Chicken Broth:
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps of flour. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5-8 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. This is when the magic happens and your soup starts to take shape!
4. Stir in the Chicken and Ham:
Now it’s time to add in the cooked chicken and diced ham. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and fresh ground black pepper. Allow this to simmer gently for about 10 minutes to let all those flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Add the Cream and Cheese:
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir this in well and heat through without letting it boil. Then, add your shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese, stirring until it melts and gives you that creamy texture we all love!
6. Taste and Serve:
Give your soup a taste, adjusting any seasoning if necessary. When you’re happy with the flavor, it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and enjoy with some crusty bread or a baguette on the side.
This creamy, savory soup beautifully captures the flavors of the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu dish in a warm, comforting bowl! Perfect for those chillier days or whenever you’re craving something hearty and delicious!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Soup?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and saves time. Just shred it and add it to the soup as directed. It’s a quick shortcut to a delicious meal!
How Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the cheese, opt for a dairy-free cheese blend that melts well. Just keep in mind this may slightly change the flavor profile!
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
How Can I Thicken the Soup Further?
If you want a thicker soup, you can make a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the soup during the simmering phase. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
