This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup combines tender chicken, tasty ham, and creamy cheese into a warm and comforting dish. It’s like having your favorite sandwich in a bowl!
Making this soup is super easy! I love to top it with crunchy croutons for some extra fun. Cozy up with a bowl and a good show—you won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is perfect for this soup. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover chicken. If you’re aiming for a lighter option, shredded turkey works well, too!
Ham: I love using cooked ham for this recipe. If you’re looking to cut down on sodium or calories, try using turkey ham or omit it altogether for a lighter soup.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese adds that essential creaminess. If you can’t find it, Gruyère or even mozzarella can be great substitutes. Just note that the flavor might change slightly!
Milk or Half-and-Half: For extra creaminess, half-and-half is great, but milk works just fine if you prefer something lighter. You can also try almond milk for a dairy-free version.
Vegetables: Use fresh onion, carrot, and celery for the best flavor. If you’re short on time, frozen mixed vegetables can be a good shortcut.
How Do I Make the Soup Thick and Creamy?
The secret to a thick and creamy soup lies in the roux made with flour and butter. Here’s how:
- Melt butter and sauté your chopped vegetables until soft.
- Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir to coat them. This cooks the flour and gives the soup a nice thickness.
- Gradually add broth and milk while whisking. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth texture.
Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens up. Don’t rush this step; it makes all the difference for that creamy, comforting consistency!
Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk or half-and-half
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 celery stalk, sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for a bit of tang)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Croutons, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook, totaling about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a delicious lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Vegetables:
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté everything together until the vegetables are nice and softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This builds a flavorful base for your soup!
2. Making the Roux:
Next, sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat everything. Allow it to cook for about 1-2 minutes. This step cooks off the raw taste of the flour and thickens the soup later on.
3. Adding the Broth and Milk:
Now, it’s time to make it creamy! Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk (or half-and-half) while stirring constantly. This will help prevent any lumps from forming. Keep stirring until everything is smooth and well combined.
4. Simmer Until Thickened:
Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Allow the soup to thicken for about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it really helps develop the flavors!
5. Incorporating the Meats and Spices:
Once your soup is thickened, add in the diced chicken, ham, dried thyme, and Dijon mustard (if you’re using it). Stir everything together and let it heat through. This will combine all those hearty flavors!
6. Seasoning the Soup:
After heating, taste your soup and add salt and pepper according to your preferences. Everyone’s tastes are different, so adjust it to what you like!
7. Adding the Cheese:
Take the soup off the heat and stir in the shredded Swiss cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and incorporates into the soup beautifully. Yum!
8. Serving Time:
Serve your delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a handful of crunchy croutons on top for that extra texture. Enjoy every creamy spoonful!
Now you’re ready to dig into this cozy, comforting Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup that gives you all the flavors you love in a warm, hearty bowl! Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to fully thaw it beforehand. Thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. This helps you achieve the best texture in your soup!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken and ham with your favorite beans or extra vegetables such as mushrooms and spinach. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the cheese or opt for a plant-based cheese alternative.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove before serving.
