When you’re craving something hearty and comforting, Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup offers a delightful twist on the classic dish. This creamy, savory soup captures the rich flavors of the beloved chicken cordon bleu, combining tender pieces of chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese. It’s the perfect choice for chilly evenings or any time you want a cozy meal that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
Why We Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe
This soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and satisfaction. The combination of shredded chicken and diced ham creates a delightful protein-packed dish that will please anyone at the dinner table. With its creamy texture from the heavy cream and the melty goodness of Swiss cheese, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite. Moreover, making Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup allows you to enjoy the flavors of the traditional dish without the hassle of frying. It’s a simple yet elegant option for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy evening at home.
Ingredients about Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
To create this delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ham, diced
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup cooked pasta (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Directions
Start your journey to a comforting bowl of Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup by gathering all your ingredients. This step keeps the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil or use your preferred cooking oil over medium heat. Once we have the oil shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and sauté it for about 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. The aroma of the onions and garlic will fill your kitchen and set the stage for the rich flavors to come.
Next, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute. Garlic loves a little heat, but make sure not to burn it! Now, it’s time to introduce the shredded chicken and diced ham into the pot. Allow these ingredients to cook together for another 5 minutes, swirling everything around so that the chicken and ham warm up beautifully and absorb the flavors from the onions and garlic.
Now, let’s get the broth in the mix! Pour in those 4 cups of chicken broth and stir well. Bring your pot to a gentle simmer, allowing all the ingredients to commune in the delicious chicken essence. Once the soup is simmering nicely, it’s time to make it creamy and dreamy by adding 2 cups of heavy cream. Stir the mixture slowly, watching it turn into a luxuriously velvety concoction.
To elevate your soup even further, sprinkle in the shredded Swiss cheese. You’ll want to keep stirring until the cheese completely melts and combines into the soup, creating an irresistible creaminess. At this point, if you’re feeling experimental or want more texture, add in the cooked pasta for extra heartiness.
Don’t forget to season the soup as it simmers; add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting it to your preference. After allowing the soup to warm through, it should be ready to ladle into bowls. For that fresh finish, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Serve hot, and you can even pair it with some fresh bread or rolls on the side for dipping.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Serving Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is an inviting experience that draws everyone to the table. Once your soup is ready and garnished with freshly chopped parsley, ladle it into deep bowls. This not only showcases the creamy texture but allows for a generous serving. If you’re feeling fancy, consider adding a sprinkle of more Swiss cheese on top before serving; a little extra cheese never hurts!
If you want to elevate the meal further, warm up some crusty French bread or soft rolls to accompany your soup. The bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy goodness of the soup. That crunch combined with the smooth soup creates a delightful contrast that you’ll love. If you have a side salad or some steamed veggies, they are great options too; they will round out the meal nicely while keeping it light.
For gatherings, consider a bread bowl option, where you serve the soup in hollowed-out bread loaves. This makes for an eye-catching presentation and is a fun and interactive way for guests to enjoy their soup.
Expert Tips: Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
To ensure your Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie or leftovers for convenience. Shredded chicken works best since it’s easier to incorporate into the soup.
- For depth of flavor, consider roasting your chicken with herbs and seasonings beforehand.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can create a simple roux by combining equal parts of butter and flour in a separate pan, then slowly whisking in some of the chicken broth before mixing it back into the soup.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you like it spicy, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile.
- Don’t rush the cheese melting process. Stir slowly and allow enough time for the cheese to blend seamlessly into the soup.
How to Store Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Storing Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is simple and effective. First, let the soup cool down to room temperature. Once it’s cooled, transfer the soup into an airtight container or portion it into smaller containers for easy reheating later. You can store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Fill freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and seal tightly. The soup can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy some, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Reheating on low heat will help preserve the creamy texture. If the soup seems too thick after thawing, feel free to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to adjust its consistency.
Variation of Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
While the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is spectacular on its own, you can play with various variations to suit your taste. Here are some tasty ideas:
- Add vegetables: Consider throwing in some diced carrots, celery, or peas to up the nutritional value and add a pop of color.
- Switch up the cheese: If Swiss cheese isn’t your thing, you can use Gruyère, mozzarella, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Make it a low-carb option: Instead of pasta, you can substitute with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep it light.
- For a touch of sweetness, caramelized onions can add a wonderful flavor twist, enhancing the overall taste.
- If you’re a fan of spicy food, try adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to bring some heat to your bowl.
Feel free to get creative with the base recipe and make it your own!
FAQ
What is Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?
Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is a creamy, flavorful soup inspired by the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu dish, combining shredded chicken, diced ham, and Swiss cheese.
How do I make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?
To make this soup, sauté onions and garlic, add shredded chicken and ham, pour in chicken broth, and stir in heavy cream and Swiss cheese until everything is melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.
Can I use leftover chicken for Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?
Yes, using leftover cooked chicken is ideal for this recipe. It saves time and adds more flavor to the soup.
What can I serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?
This soup goes well with crusty bread, rolls, or a light side salad. They complement the creamy soup perfectly and enhance the meal.
How do I store Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?
You can store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to three months. Always cool the soup down before storing.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1 cup ham, diced
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded Can substitute with Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup cooked pasta (optional) Substitute with cauliflower rice for low-carb option.
Seasoning and Garnish
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust to taste.
- for garnish Chopped parsley
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute.
Cooking
- Introduce the shredded chicken and diced ham into the pot and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add 2 cups of heavy cream and stir until it becomes a velvety mixture.
- Sprinkle in the shredded Swiss cheese and stir until it melts completely into the soup.
- If using, add the cooked pasta for added texture.
Finishing Touches
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and allow the soup to warm through.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.
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