Description
Enjoy a comforting and creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, featuring tender shredded chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for warming your soul on chilly days, this hearty American soup combines classic flavors with a velvety texture for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
Seasonings & Garnishes
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its fragrance.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened onions and garlic, stirring constantly. Cook the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux, which will help thicken the soup.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to ensure a smooth mixture without lumps. Bring the pot to a simmer on medium heat.
- Add Chicken, Ham, Milk, and Cream: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and diced ham, followed by the milk and heavy cream. Continue to cook the soup for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
- Melt Cheese and Finish Seasoning: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the shredded Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, black pepper, salt, and dried thyme until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.
- Toast Breadcrumbs (Optional): If using breadcrumbs, heat a small skillet over medium heat and toast the breadcrumbs until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs if desired, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut for cooked chicken.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- Add a splash of white wine during the broth simmering step for extra depth of flavor.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
