This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup brings all the flavors of the classic dish to a cozy bowl. Tender chicken, ham, creamy cheese, and a hint of herbs make it incredibly comforting.
I love how it warms me up on chilly days! The best part is dipping some crusty bread into this tasty goodness. Who can resist that cheesy delight? 🥖🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Butter adds richness to the soup. If you’re looking for a lighter option, olive oil works well, too. Just remember olive oil has a different flavor, so adjust according to your taste!
Onion: A small onion provides the flavor base. You can switch to shallots or leeks for a milder taste. For a quick option, dried onion flakes can work in a pinch.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives great aroma. If you’re short on fresh garlic, use garlic powder—about 1/8 teaspoon is equivalent to one clove, but adjust to your preference!
Cheese: Swiss cheese is traditional, but if you can’t find it, Gruyère or a mild cheddar will also do nicely. Mixing different cheeses can give it a fun twist, too.
Chicken: Saved rotisserie chicken is a quick fix for this recipe. You can use any leftover chicken or even shredded turkey if available.
How Do You Make a Roux for This Soup?
The roux is essential for thickening your soup. It may seem tricky, but it’s simple! Just follow these steps:
- Start by melting butter in your pot over medium heat.
- Add the flour and stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes. This cooks the flour and takes away any raw taste.
- Be patient! The roux should be light golden in color, not brown. This will help your soup stay creamy!
- Once you’ve made your roux, you can gradually whisk in your chicken broth without lumps.
- Continue to stir briskly until the mixture thickens, usually about 5 minutes.
Remember, if you’re having trouble getting lumps out, an immersion blender can help smooth it out after adding the broth!
Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or thyme sprigs (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This wonderful soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook. So, in approximately 30 minutes, you can have a warm, comforting bowl of Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Base:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add in the finely chopped onion. Cook the onion until it becomes translucent, which takes about 4–5 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
2. Make the Roux:
Next, stir in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1–2 minutes to form a roux. This step is important because it thickens the soup!
3. Add the Broth:
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps. Keep cooking until you bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and it thickens slightly, which should take about 5 minutes.
4. Incorporate the Goodness:
Now, add the cooked chicken, diced ham, whole milk (or half-and-half), shredded Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through, but be careful not to let it boil.
5. Season and Stir:
Give the soup a taste and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. If it feels too thick, you can add a little more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve It Up:
Dish out the hot soup into bowls and garnish each serving with crumbled bacon and fresh parsley or thyme sprigs for a pop of color and flavor.
7. Enjoy!
This creamy and hearty soup is perfect for dipping with crusty bread or rolls. It combines the delicious flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu in a cozy, warm dish that’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese in This Soup?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can substitute Gruyère for a stronger flavor, or even use a mild cheddar or a blend of your favorites. Just keep in mind that they may alter the taste slightly!
Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, mix it with a bit of cold broth before adding to avoid lumps.
What Should I Do With Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?
You can freeze the soup, but it’s best to do so without the cheese, as it can change texture once reheated. Consider freezing the soup base and adding cheese when reheating for optimal taste and consistency.
