Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe is comfort food at its finest! Imagine all those delicious flavors of the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu dish transformed into a cozy soup. This recipe is perfect for chilly evenings when you need something warm to fill your belly. With tender chicken, creamy cheese, and that lovely hint of ham, you’ll find every spoonful brings a smile.
What is Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?
Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup takes the traditional dish and gives it a warm, comforting twist. Usually, Chicken Cordon Bleu involves breaded chicken stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, but this soup captures all those delightful flavors in a creamy base. It’s like enjoying a whole meal in one bowl!
Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe
Before we start cooking, let’s gather everything we need. Here’s a list for you:
Essential Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup ham (diced or shredded)
- 1 cup Swiss cheese (shredded)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream (can use half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (to thicken the soup)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for a bit of tang)
Optional Toppings
- Chopped parsley or chives (for a fresh finish)
- Croutons (for added crunch)
- Extra cheese (because who doesn’t love more cheese?)
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking. It’s pretty straightforward:
- Sauté the Veggies: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent. This usually takes about five minutes. Then add the minced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Make it Thick: Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to combine. This helps to thicken the soup. Cook for about two minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning the flour.
- Add the Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while continuing to stir. This will prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Creamy Goodness: Once boiling, lower the heat and slowly whisk in the heavy cream. This is where the soup gets that nice rich texture!
- Mix in the Meats: Stir in your cooked chicken and diced ham along with the thyme and Dijon mustard. Let everything simmer for about ten minutes so the flavors can blend together.
- Melt the Cheese: After simming, add the shredded Swiss cheese. Stir until the cheese melts beautifully into the soup.
- Season to Taste: Finally, season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, add your desired toppings, and dig in!
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
- Use Leftovers: This soup is a great way to use leftover chicken or ham from other meals. It saves time and adds deliciousness.
- Cheese Choice: If Swiss cheese isn’t your favorite, feel free to use Gruyere, provolone, or even cheddar. Each cheese offers something different.
- Make it Ahead: You can also prepare the soup ahead of time. Simply store it in the fridge and heat it up when you’re ready to eat.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool before transferring it to airtight containers.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
This soup is comforting enough to be a meal on its own, but there’s always room to add more sides! Consider serving:
- Breadsticks: Soft and warm breadsticks are perfect for dipping.
- Salad: A light green salad can provide a nice fresh contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Sandwiches: Mini sandwiches or sliders can round out the meal beautifully.
Variations of Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken and ham with a combination of hearty vegetables like mushrooms and carrots along with a veggie broth.
- Spicy Twist: Add a splash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños for a kick of heat.
- Herby Enhancements: Fresh herbs like rosemary or basil can offer a fragrant twist to this recipe.
- Garnishes: Think outside the box with your toppings. Try crispy bacon bits or crushed tortilla chips for an unexpected crunch.
Storage Tips for Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
When saving your lovely soup, here are some pointers:
- Cool Before Storing: Let the soup cool to room temperature before putting it in the fridge.
- Use Airtight Containers: This prevents the soup from absorbing any odors from your fridge.
- Consume in Time: It should be good for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Feel free to freeze it if you won’t eat it soon!
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
While this soup is comfort food, it also brings some nutritional value to the table:
- Protein-Rich: With chicken and ham, this soup provides a good amount of protein, helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Calcium Source: The cheese and cream contribute calcium, which is essential for strong bones.
- Vitamins: Onions and garlic add some vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants into the mix.
With its delightful taste and warm, comforting qualities, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Serve it up to your family or friends, and watch their faces light up with joy. Happy cooking!