**Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup: A Comforting Classic in a Bowl**
Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is the ultimate comfort food that blends all the beloved flavors of the classic dish into a creamy, satisfying bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings or a hearty lunch, this recipe combines shredded chicken, smoky ham, and melted Swiss cheese in a rich and silky broth. Whether you’re a soup enthusiast or a fan of Chicken Cordon Bleu, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Best of all, it’s simple to make, yet indulgent enough to impress at the dinner table.
With its velvety texture, savory aroma, and harmonious blend of flavors, this soup elevates everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal that strikes the perfect balance between gourmet and cozy.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors with a hint of smoky ham and melted Swiss cheese.
- Texture: Smooth, silky broth with tender bites of chicken and ham.
- Aroma: Rich, buttery notes with aromatic hints of garlic and onion.
- Visual Appeal: Creamy white base speckled with chunks of chicken, ham, and melted cheese, topped with fresh parsley.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly with simple cooking techniques like sautéing, whisking, and simmering.
- Special Equipment: No specialty tools needed—just a large pot, whisk, and basic kitchen utensils.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Easy. This recipe uses straightforward techniques and pantry essentials, making it accessible even for novice cooks.
- Category: Comfort food, one-pot meal, soup.
- Cuisine: Inspired by French cuisine with a hearty American twist.
- Cost: Moderate. Utilizes affordable ingredients while still offering a luxurious taste.
- Season: Ideal for fall and winter, but perfect year-round for soup lovers.
- Occasion: Great for family dinners, meal prepping, or serving at casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup embraces everything we love about the classic dish and turns it into a versatile, one-pot meal. The creamy broth, infused with the essence of Dijon mustard and Swiss cheese, delivers decadence in every bite. The shredded chicken and diced ham provide satisfying protein, while simple seasonings make it easy to adjust the flavors to your liking.
Beyond its irresistible taste, this soup is a breeze to whip up, requiring just 35 minutes from start to finish. The recipe also scales beautifully for batch cooking, allowing you to prepare enough portions for the whole family—or just for yourself with extras stored for future cravings. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, making it accessible for weeknight cooking or cozy weekend dinners.
Nutritionally speaking, it’s a hearty yet balanced option, full of protein and calcium without being overly indulgent. The rich flavors are perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings without the need for frying or extra fuss.
Ingredient Deep Dive
– **Chicken:** Shredded cooked chicken, such as rotisserie or leftover roast chicken, works wonderfully here. It’s lean, full of protein, and provides a tender texture. For substitutions, turkey or even cooked tofu can be used.
– **Ham:** Diced ham adds smoky, savory notes that complement the chicken beautifully. Use pre-cooked ham for convenience or omit it for a chicken-only version.
– **Swiss Cheese:** Key to the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu flavor, Swiss cheese melts smoothly and adds a hint of nuttiness to the soup. Gruyere or mozzarella are great alternatives if you need a substitution.
– **Dijon Mustard:** A touch of Dijon mustard enhances the depth of flavor and adds a subtle tang, tying the dish together with its French-inspired roots.
– **Heavy Cream & Whole Milk:** These create the creamy base of the soup, offering smoothness and richness without the need for thickeners like cornstarch.
The Recipe
Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ham, diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Directions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Sprinkle in the flour and mix well. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, breaking up lumps. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle boil, stirring until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add milk, cream, chicken, ham, garlic powder, onion powder, and Dijon mustard. Stir well.
- Slowly add Swiss cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the soup simmer for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- For a thicker consistency, add an additional tablespoon of flour when making the roux.
- Sour cream can substitute for heavy cream if desired.
- This soup can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
