Okay, so you know that feeling when you just need a big hug in a bowl? That’s exactly what my Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is all about! Seriously, this isn’t just any soup; it’s a creamy, dreamy, utterly comforting bowl of goodness that takes all the best parts of that classic Chicken Cordon Bleu dish and turns it into something you can just cozy up with. I mean, who doesn’t love tender chicken, salty ham, and melty Swiss cheese? Putting it all into a rich, velvety soup just feels like pure genius, right?
I first whipped this up on a chilly evening when I was craving something hearty but didn’t want a whole big production. I looked at some leftover roast chicken and a little bit of ham and thought, “What if…?” And honestly, it was one of those kitchen moments where everything just clicked. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is now a total go-to in my house. It’s surprisingly easy, comes together pretty fast, and tastes like you spent way more time on it than you actually did. Trust me, once you try a spoonful of this creamy wonder, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Alright, so why should *this* Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup become your new favorite? Let me tell ya! It’s got that incredible creaminess that just warms you right up, and the flavor? Oh my goodness, it’s like the classic dish but even more comforting. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to throw together – perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something special. It truly is a hug in a bowl!
Gather Your Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Making this soup is super easy, and it starts with a few simple ingredients you probably already have or can easily grab. Using good quality chicken and ham really makes a difference here – you want those savory flavors to shine! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken (leftovers are perfect!)
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste, of course!
- Optional goodies: Croutons or fresh parsley for topping
Essential Equipment for Making Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
You won’t need anything fancy for this! Just grab your biggest, comfiest pot – a Dutch oven is great if you have one. You’ll also need a whisk for getting that beautiful creamy base, plus your standard measuring cups and spoons. Easy peasy!
How to Prepare Your Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Alright, now for the fun part – actually making this magic happen! Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a steaming bowl of Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup ready in no time.
First things first, get your big pot heating up over medium heat. Toss in those two tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Once it’s all bubbly and happy, add your chopped onion. Give it a good stir and let it cook until it’s nice and soft, which usually takes about 5 minutes. You don’t want it to brown, just get translucent and fragrant.
Next, stir in your minced garlic. Oh, I love this part! Cook it for just about a minute more. You’ll smell that amazing garlic aroma, but be careful not to let it burn, or it can taste a little bitter.
Now, grab your whisk! Sprinkle in the half cup of all-purpose flour. Whisk it constantly with the onion and garlic for about 1-2 minutes. You’re making what’s called a roux here, and it’s the base that’s going to thicken your soup. It should look like a thick paste.
Okay, here’s where the liquid comes in. Slowly, *slowly* start whisking in your chicken broth. Add just a little bit at first and whisk until it’s smooth before adding more. This prevents lumps! Keep whisking as you add the rest of the broth until everything is nice and smooth. See? No scary lumps!
Bring that mixture up to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat down to low. Let it cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring every so often. You’ll notice it starts to thicken up beautifully. This is the base of your gorgeous soup!
Now, pour in your milk and heavy cream. Give it a good stir and let it heat through. Be patient here and don’t let it boil; you just want it to get warm and cozy. Boiling can sometimes mess with the creaminess.
Time for the stars of the show! Add your cooked chicken and diced ham to the pot. Stir them in so they’re nicely distributed throughout the soup.
Finally, stir in your shredded Swiss cheese. Keep stirring gently until it’s completely melted and the soup is smooth and luxurious. This is where that classic Chicken Cordon Bleu flavor really comes alive!
Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper until it’s just right for you. Remember, the ham can be a little salty, so taste before you add too much salt.
Serve it up hot! I love topping mine with some crunchy croutons or a sprinkle of fresh parsley, but it’s absolutely delicious on its own too.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Want to make this soup even *more* amazing? Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a total shortcut and adds great flavor. If you like a thicker soup, just cook that flour and broth mixture a little longer before adding the dairy. For an extra rich soup, swap out the milk for half-and-half. Easy tweaks for big taste!
Variations on Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
One of the fun things about this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is how easy it is to play around with! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out some of the Swiss for Gruyere cheese – it adds a lovely nutty depth. A pinch of nutmeg stirred in at the end can also really enhance those creamy flavors. And if you want a little pop of green, some finely chopped broccoli or a handful of spinach wilted in at the end would be delicious! Just have fun with it and make it your own.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Okay, so you’ve got questions about this glorious creamy soup? Totally understandable! Here are a few things people often ask about making Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup:
Can I freeze this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup? Honestly, creamy soups with dairy can sometimes get a little weird texture-wise after freezing and thawing. The cream might separate. If you *really* want to freeze it, I’d recommend freezing the soup *before* you add the heavy cream and cheese. Then, when you reheat it, add those in fresh! It’ll give you the best result.
What’s the best way to reheat Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup? Low and slow is the way to go! Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Don’t blast it on high or microwave it too quickly, or that creamy base might break. Just warm it through until it’s hot and bubbly again.
Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup ahead of time? Absolutely! It’s a great make-ahead meal. You can make the whole batch and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld even more overnight, making it extra delicious the next day. Just reheat as I mentioned above.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info I’ve shared is an estimate. It can totally change depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use, so keep that in mind!
Enjoy Your Homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup!
There you have it! Your very own batch of cozy, creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup. I really hope you give this a try – it’s just so comforting and delicious. Let me know what you think in the comments below, maybe even give it a rating! Happy cooking!
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Amazing Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup: A Hug
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A creamy and comforting soup inspired by the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Croutons or fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a paste forms.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, stirring until smooth.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Stir in milk and heavy cream. Heat through, but do not boil.
- Add cooked chicken and ham to the soup.
- Stir in Swiss cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with croutons or parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less milk or broth.
- For a richer soup, use half-and-half instead of milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, creamy soup, chicken soup, ham soup, Swiss cheese soup