Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Who doesn’t love the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu? The tender chicken, the melty Swiss cheese, and the salty ham – it’s a combination that’s hard to beat. Now, imagine all those incredible flavors in a comforting, creamy soup. That’s exactly what this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup delivers, and it’s sure to become a new family favorite.
This soup is the perfect dish for chilly days when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. The creamy broth is infused with the savory flavors of the chicken, ham, and cheese, creating a truly decadent and indulgent soup. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
There are so many reasons to love this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup. First and foremost, the flavor is absolutely incredible. The combination of tender chicken, salty ham, and melty Swiss cheese creates a taste that’s both familiar and unique. The creamy broth perfectly balances the richness of the other ingredients, making each spoonful a delight.
But beyond the incredible flavor, this soup is also incredibly versatile. It can be served as a main course, a side dish, or even as an appetizer. And it’s easy to customize to suit your dietary needs – you can make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-carb with a few simple substitutions.
Another thing that makes this recipe so special is how easy it is to prepare. While traditional chicken cordon bleu can be a bit time-consuming, this soup comes together in under an hour, making it the perfect weeknight dinner option. And it’s even better the next day, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it all week long.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup ❓
• 4 slices ham, diced
• 4 oz. Swiss cheese, shredded
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, salty ham, and melty Swiss cheese creates the classic French-inspired flavor profile that has made chicken cordon bleu recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
• Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and whisk to create a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Step 4: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, until thickened.
• Step 5: Add the diced chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
• Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with additional shredded Swiss cheese, if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
Compared to traditional chicken cordon bleu, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fat: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 1,094mg
These creamy chicken cordon bleu soup recipes provide approximately 64% of your daily protein requirements and 48% of your daily sodium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute cauliflower florets for the potatoes, and use a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum instead of flour.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked diced chicken or turkey breast for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced celery, carrots, or spinach to the soup for extra nutrients and fiber.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a crisp green salad for a complete meal
• Complement with a side of roasted vegetables for a heartier dish
• For a cozy winter dinner, serve alongside a glass of red wine
• Create a soup and sandwich platter with grilled cheese or ham and Swiss sandwiches
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not thickening the broth: The key to a creamy, velvety soup is creating a proper roux. Be sure to cook the flour-butter mixture for a few minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
• Using the wrong cheese: Swiss cheese is the classic choice for chicken cordon bleu, but you can experiment with other melty varieties like Gruyère or Provolone. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it can become grainy when melted.
• Overcrowding the pot: Make sure to give the chicken and ham enough room to brown properly. If the pot seems too full, work in batches to prevent the ingredients from steaming instead of searing.
• Forgetting the seasonings: Don’t be afraid to season this soup generously with salt and pepper. The flavors of the cheese and ham need a strong counterbalance to really shine.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soups retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the soup through Step 5, let cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and completing the recipe.
• Freezing baked: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Reheating: Whether refrigerated or frozen, the soup can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until piping hot. You may need to thin the consistency with a splash of broth or cream if it has thickened too much.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup actually benefits from being made in advance. You can prepare the entire soup and then refrigerate it for up to 4 days. The flavors will meld and intensify the longer it sits. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months – just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I substitute other meats for the ham?
Yes, you can easily swap out the ham for other cooked meats like turkey, bacon, or even cooked sausage. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning as needed to complement the new protein. The key is to ensure the meat is diced or crumbled into bite-size pieces.
Is this soup gluten-free?
This soup is not naturally gluten-free, as it contains all-purpose flour to thicken the broth. However, you can easily make a gluten-free version by substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or using a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum instead of wheat flour.
Why is my soup grainy or curdled?
If your soup has a grainy or curdled appearance, it’s likely due to overcooking the cheese or adding it at the wrong time. Make sure to shred the cheese finely and stir it in just at the end, allowing it to melt gently without boiling. If the soup does curdle, you can try blending it briefly with an immersion blender to smooth out the texture.
Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! This soup is very flexible and can handle a variety of vegetable additions. Some great options include diced celery, carrots, spinach, or peas. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender. You may also want to increase the broth or cream slightly to maintain the desired consistency.
Conclusion
These Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soups represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and comfort. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion soup, they’re sure to impress with their rich, creamy broth and decadent blend of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So why not give this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup a try? Your family and friends are sure to love it as much as you do.
