Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is a delightful twist on the classic French dish that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy cheese into a comforting bowl of goodness. This rich and flavorful soup is perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or simply as a satisfying meal any time of the year. With its warm flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of creamy soup, especially when it’s packed with flavors that evoke fond memories of hearty meals. Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup takes the essence of the classic dish—breaded chicken, ham, and cheese—and transforms it into a warm, inviting soup. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, this recipe is straightforward and yields delicious results.

Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unique soup that’s rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor!

Why Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?

There are many reasons to love Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup:

• Comforting and Hearty: The creamy texture and warm flavors make this soup perfect for cozy nights at home.
• Easy to Prepare: This recipe is simple and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills, making it accessible for everyone.
• Versatile: You can customize the soup to your taste by adding different vegetables or spices.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup is sure to impress.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

1. Cook the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re fully cooked and golden brown.
2. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, shred it using two forks and set it aside.

Making the Soup Base

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add another tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
2. Add Flour: Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about a minute to create a roux, which will help thicken the soup.
3. Incorporate Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Adding Ham and Cheese

1. Add Ham: Stir in the sliced ham and shredded chicken into the broth mixture. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes.
2. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined. The soup should now have a creamy consistency.
3. Melt the Cheese: Gradually add the shredded Swiss cheese, stirring until melted and fully incorporated.

Final Touches

1. Season: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard, if using.
2. Garnish: Before serving, chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the soup for added color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup warm, accompanied by:

• Crusty Bread: A side of baguette or sourdough bread for dipping.
• Side Salad: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
• Crackers: Serve with crunchy crackers for added texture.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, the cream may separate when reheated, so it’s best to add fresh cream after thawing.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to reach the desired consistency.

Variations and Customizations

1. Vegetable Additions: Incorporate vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
2. Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
3. Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor profile and add a fragrant aroma.
4. Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar for a unique twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor to the soup.

Q2: Is there a gluten-free option for this soup?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make the roux, or simply omit the flour and use cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken the soup.

Q3: Can I make this soup dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Q4: How long does this soup last in the fridge?

This soup will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.

Q5: Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, but keep in mind that the cream may separate upon thawing. It’s best to add fresh cream after thawing.

Conclusion

Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that takes the flavors of a classic entrée and turns them into a cozy soup. With its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe is not only simple to make but also highly customizable, allowing you to adapt it to your personal preferences.

Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a warm bowl of Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup that will surely become a staple in your recipe collection. Serve it to your loved ones, and watch as they savor every spoonful. Enjoy!

This recipe captures the essence of the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu, transforming it into a comforting soup perfect for any time of year. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish!

Yield: 4

Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe

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Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is a delightful twist on the classic French dish that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy cheese into a comforting bowl of goodness. This rich and flavorful soup is perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or simply as a satisfying meal any time of the year. With its warm flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
   
2. Add the Chicken and Ham:
   Stir in the shredded chicken and diced ham, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
   
3. Add Broth and Seasonings:
   Pour in the chicken broth, and add the Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
   
4. Incorporate the Cream:
   Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
   
5. Add the Cheese:
   Stir in the shredded Swiss cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
   
6. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Notes

• Make it Thicker: For a thicker soup, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the soup as it simmers.
• Variations: Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition and flavor.
• Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.