## Cozy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup with Bacon – A Flavorful Encounter
Who doesn’t love the exquisite flavors of a well-prepared Chicken Cordon Bleu? Now imagine having all that goodness in a bowl of hearty, comforting soup, punctuated with the goodness of bacon! Let’s embark on a cooking adventure and whip up an amazing dish to impress your taste buds!
## Why Make This Recipe?
The Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is a worthwhile culinary journey because it takes a beloved classic and transforms it into something uniquely delightful. It brings warmth to the heart and soul while leaving you fully satiated, with a huge bonus of being a simple and quick meal to put together!
## How to Make Cozy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup with Bacon
First, let’s gather our ingredients, then we’ll go through the steps of making your new favorite comfort food.
## Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bacon, chopped
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
– 1 cup cooked ham, cubed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Fresh parsley for garnish
## Directions:
1. Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy.
2. Using the same pot, add olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until they are soft and fragrant.
3. Insert cubed chicken and cook until browned.
4. Coat the chicken by sprinkling flour over it and stir.
5. Once the chicken is coated, gradually add chicken broth into the pot, stirring continuously.
6. Let it come to a simmer and then add the cream, cheese, and mustard.
7. Introduce the ham to the mix, and season accordingly with salt and pepper.
8. Let it simmer until the soup becomes thick, about 10 minutes.
9. Enjoy the soup hot, garnished with the crispy bacon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
## How to Serve Cozy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup with Bacon
Serve the Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup hot, in a bowl or deep dish. Add some crispy, baked bread or dinner rolls on the side. For the final touch, garnish with extra cheese and parsley.
## How to Store Cozy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup with Bacon
If you find yourself with leftovers, pack them in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last 3-4 days. When you’re ready to serve again, reheat on the stove, stirring occasionally.
## Tips to Make Cozy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup with Bacon
To maximize your experience with this dish, use fresh ingredients where possible for better flavor. Also, cook the bacon until it’s crumbly and crispy; it gives a delightful contrast to the creamy soup!
## Variation
You can substitute Swiss cheese with cheddar or mozzarella if you wish. You can also use garlic-infused olive oil for extra flavor.
## FAQs
1. What can I substitute the heavy cream with? You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but be aware that this will change the thickness and creaminess of the soup.
2. Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, you can make this soup in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. It may thicken a bit in the cooling process, just add a bit more chicken broth when reheating.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes. Freezing leftovers is possible but note that the creamy soup might have a change in texture once it’s reheated. It’s still safe to consume but the creaminess may not be the same.
4. Can I use turkey bacon in place of regular bacon? Absolutely! If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, turkey bacon is a great alternative.