This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup gives you all the flavors of the classic dish in a cozy bowl! It’s creamy, packed with chicken, and has tasty bits of ham and cheese that make it so good.
Who knew soup could taste so much like a sandwich? I love dipping some crusty bread into it. Trust me, you’ll want a big bowl for yourself. It’s the perfect comfort food! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Butter adds richness to the soup. You can substitute with olive oil or margarine if you’re looking for a healthier option or need a dairy-free choice.
Chicken: I recommend using rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you have leftovers, they’re perfect too. For a lighter version, shredded turkey works well!
Ham: Diced ham gives a salty bite. You can swap it with diced turkey ham or even cooked bacon for a smoky flavor.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss is key for that classic flavor. If you can’t find it, Gruyère or even Monterey Jack can be a delicious alternative.
Heavy Cream: This makes the soup creamy. You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream for a lighter or dairy-free option. Just note that it may change the texture slightly.
How Do I Make a Smooth and Creamy Soup?
The roux is essential for creating a creamy texture that helps thicken your soup. Here’s how to do it well:
- Melt your butter in a pot over medium heat, then add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrots.
- Cook until the veggies soften, about 5 minutes. This adds flavor!
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. This is key to a smooth base!
After adding other ingredients, keep the heat low when stirring in the cream and cheese, which helps prevent curdling and keeps it velvety.
Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
Main Components:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Creamy Additions:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Seasoning and Garnish:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Bread slices, toasted (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time, for a total of about 45 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Saute the Vegetables:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced carrots. Sauté these until they are softened, which should take about 5 minutes.
2. Create the Roux:
Next, stir in the flour and cook it while stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. This forms a roux that will help thicken the soup and adds a rich flavor.
3. Add the Chicken Broth:
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps in the mixture. Continue stirring until it’s well combined.
4. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the soup thickens slightly.
5. Stir in Chicken and Ham:
Once the soup has thickened, add the diced cooked chicken and ham. Stir everything together well.
6. Melt the Cheese:
Lower the heat and add the shredded Swiss cheese to the pot, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and combined with the soup.
7. Add Creamy Ingredients:
Mix in the heavy cream, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme. Heat everything gently without boiling, allowing it to warm through and blend the flavors.
8. Season to Taste:
Season your soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the soup is heated through and creamy, serve it hot in bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for some color!
10. Pair with Toasted Bread:
If you like, serve your Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup with toasted bread slices for dipping. It adds a lovely crunch and a comforting touch to the meal!
This creamy soup captures the rich flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu, complete with tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese, all in a delightful bowl. Enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Soup?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds fantastic flavor to the soup. Just shred or dice it up and mix it in!
How Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
You can substitute the heavy cream and sour cream with coconut cream or any dairy-free cream alternative. For the cheese, try a dairy-free shredded cheese product to maintain that creamy texture without the dairy.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove over low heat.
What Can I Serve with This Soup?
This soup is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or even a fresh salad for a complete meal!
