Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup: A Comforting Recipe

Okay, friend, pull up a chair and let’s chat! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. It’s one of those that just makes you feel good from the inside out: my Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup.

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is pure comfort in a bowl, and it has a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my grandma. She used to make the most incredible chicken cordon bleu – you know, the kind that was perfectly crispy on the outside and oozing with cheese and ham on the inside? Well, this soup is my way of capturing that classic flavor in a simpler, more family-friendly way.

I remember the first time I tried to recreate her recipe. It was a DISASTER! The chicken was dry, the cheese wouldn’t melt properly, and the whole thing just tasted…blah. I was so frustrated. Then, one cold winter day, inspiration struck! Why not turn those flavors into a soup? Genius, right?

It took a few tries to get it just right, but now, this creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is a staple in our house. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover chicken or ham, and it’s ready in under an hour – which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Honestly, some weeks it feels like all I’m doing is running between school drop-offs and soccer practice. This easy chicken cordon bleu soup fits right into my schedule.

The best part? Even my pickiest eaters love it. My youngest, Leo, will slurp down a whole bowl without complaint! That’s a win in my book. It’s just so warm and satisfying, like a big hug in a bowl. Over time, I’ve really perfected this cordon bleu soup recipe to be exactly what my family needs. It’s become our ultimate comfort food soup.

My cooking philosophy is all about making delicious, wholesome food that brings people together. And this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup does just that. It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it’s made with love.

So, are you ready to dive in and make some Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup magic? I promise, it’s easier than you think!

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for my family’s favorite Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth (I always use low-sodium so I can control the saltiness.)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (Leftover rotisserie chicken works great! It’s one of my favorite Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup shortcuts)
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded (I always buy a block and shred it myself – it melts so much better.) I swear it makes a HUGE difference in my Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (This adds a nice little tang that really balances the richness.)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

When making Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, I always try to buy the best quality chicken broth I can find. It really makes a difference in the overall flavor. I’ve found that the organic ones at Trader Joe’s are pretty good and don’t break the bank. For a fun variation of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, sometimes I even add a splash of dry sherry when sautéing the vegetables – it gives it a little extra something!

Here’s a Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup trick I learned from my grandma: Toasting the flour before adding the broth helps to prevent lumps and gives the soup a richer flavor. Just toss the flour in a dry pan over medium heat for a couple of minutes until it’s lightly golden.

For the ham, I sometimes use leftover holiday ham. It adds a slightly smoky flavor that is really yummy. But deli ham works just fine too!

If you’re short on time, you can buy pre-chopped veggies. I know, I know, it’s not quite as fresh, but hey, we’re all busy!

As for leftovers, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

And if you’re looking for another recipe that delivers that comforting chicken flavor, check out this Turmeric Chicken Soup. I think you’ll love it!

Okay, friend, let’s get cooking! Here are the step-by-step instructions for my Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t worry if things stick to the bottom of the pot a little bit – that’s just flavor! I call it fond!
2. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
3. Thicken the Soup: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until smooth. Gradually whisk the cream mixture into the simmering soup. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the soup has thickened slightly, about 5-10 minutes. I learned the hard way with Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup that adding the flour directly to the hot broth results in a lumpy mess!
4. Add the Chicken and Ham: Stir in the cooked chicken and ham. Cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes. Be gentle, you don’t want the chicken to dry out.
5. Melt the Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the Swiss cheese until melted and smooth. If the cheese isn’t melting properly, you can put the pot back on low heat for a minute or two, but be careful not to boil it.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.

In my kitchen, Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup usually takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. While the Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is cooking, I like to tidy up the kitchen, maybe load the dishwasher, and catch up on a podcast. It makes the whole process feel a little less chaotic.

Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup should smell like a warm, comforting blend of chicken broth, herbs, and melted cheese. Mmm, makes my mouth water just thinking about it! I swear, this soup is the perfect solution to those cold nights.

If you want to make this ahead of time, you can! Just prepare the soup up to the point of adding the cheese. Then, when you’re ready to serve, reheat the soup and stir in the cheese until melted.

And hey, if you’re feeling fancy, you can even top each bowl with a few croutons or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Why not make this creamy chicken cordon bleu soup even creamier!

If you love following along step-by-step, check out these external links for Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup help: Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup – Closet Cooking or Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup – Chef in Training. They offer slightly different techniques that you might prefer.

My family loves this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup when I serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping. There’s just something so satisfying about soaking up all that cheesy, flavorful broth. It’s a MUST in my house.

Some of my go-to side dishes that pair with Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup include a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans. The fresh, crisp flavors help to balance the richness of the soup.

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or even a potluck. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! If you plan on making it for a party, consider making a double batch! I promise you won’t regret it.

When serving Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, I like to ladle it into pretty bowls and garnish it with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. A little presentation goes a long way! I also like to set out a small bowl of extra shredded Swiss cheese for people to add as they please. I mean, who doesn’t love extra cheese, right?

If you have extra Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, you can easily store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave. Sometimes, I even add a little extra chicken broth when reheating to thin it out slightly.

I have a friend, Maria, who likes to top her portion with bacon bits. I have not tried it, but she swears it elevates the flavors in this **Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup**.

Friends always ask for this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup recipe after trying it. It’s just that good! I also have another chicken ham and swiss soup recipe I’ve made, so I know these flavors work really well.

For more tips on how to achieve a delicious creamy texture in your soups, check out this Keto Crack Chicken Soup. You’ll find some great advice there!

Okay, let’s tackle some of those Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup questions that I know are swirling around in your head!

Q: Can I use a different kind of cheese?

A: Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional for Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, you can definitely experiment with other cheeses. Gruyere, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar would all be delicious. You know what I do when my Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup needs a little something extra? I throw in a handful of parmesan!

Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?

A: You could try substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omitting the chicken and ham. You could also add some mushrooms or other vegetables to give it some extra flavor and heartiness. But honestly, it wouldn’t really be Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup at that point. It’d be a mushroom swiss soup!

Q: Can I freeze this soup?

A: While you can freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, the texture of the cheese and cream might change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, I recommend letting it thaw completely in the fridge before reheating.

Q: My soup is too thick! What do I do?

A: No problem! Just add a little extra chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q: My soup is too thin! How can I thicken it?

A: You can whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and then stir it into the simmering soup. Cook for a few minutes until it thickens. Or, you can just let it simmer for longer, uncovered, until some of the liquid evaporates.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can! Sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer them to a slow cooker. Add the broth, seasonings, chicken, and ham. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cheese and cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. That said, I’ve made my Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup both ways, and the stovetop is faster!

Q: What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

A: You can substitute with yellow mustard or even a little bit of horseradish. But honestly, the Dijon mustard really adds a unique flavor that’s hard to replicate. I always have some in my fridge!

My sister-in-law, Sarah, once made this for a potluck, and she accidentally used mozzarella cheese instead of Swiss. Everyone still loved it, but they all agreed that the Swiss cheese adds a certain something that makes it special.

For common cooking questions, read this first Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup. It may assist you further if you feel overwhelmed.

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder of my grandma and her amazing cooking. It’s also a testament to the fact that even the most challenging recipes can be simplified and made family-friendly.

My Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Pro Tips:

• Don’t skip the Dijon mustard! It adds a crucial tang that balances the richness of the soup.
• Shred your own cheese! Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to add your own personal touches.

Over the years, I’ve tried several Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup variations with my family. One time, I added some sautéed mushrooms, which gave it an earthy flavor. Another time, I stirred in some cooked rice, which made it even more filling. One of my favorite additions is a dollop of sour cream on top.

My husband, Mark, loves the version with the mushrooms, while my daughter, Lily, prefers it with the rice. And Leo? He just wants extra cheese!

I truly hope you’ll make this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup your own. Add your favorite vegetables, adjust the seasonings to your liking, and most importantly, have fun!

My biggest hope is that this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup will bring as much warmth and comfort to your family as it has to mine. It’s a wonderful comfort food soup, and I hope it becomes one of your family’s favorite creamy chicken cordon bleu soup recipes!

So go ahead, give it a try! And remember, even if it doesn’t turn out perfectly the first time, don’t give up. Cooking is all about learning and experimenting. And who knows, you might just discover your own special twist on this classic dish. Enjoy your Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup cooking experience!