Post Title: The Ultimate Comfort Soup: Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6 portions
## Introduction
Warm up your days and lift your spirits with a hefty bowlful of Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup! Creating a symphony of flavor in your mouth, this soup fluently brings the goodness of a classic dish in the convenience of your soup bowl. Perfect for hearty lunches, family dinners or anytime in between when you are yearning for some warmth and satisfaction.
## Why Make This Recipe
Why stick to the age-old Chicken Soup when you can jazz up things a bit? This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup takes traditional comfort soup a notch higher, indulging your senses in a delightful blend of diced chicken, ham, and luscious Swiss cheese, making it a gourmet delicacy that’s effortlessly easy to prepare at home.
## How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
## Ingredients
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 1/2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
– 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup cooked ham, diced
– 1 1/2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1/2 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Chopped parsley for garnish
## Directions
1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Stir in the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Mix in the flour and let it cook for 1-2 minutes before whisking the chicken broth slowly until the mixture thickens and smoothens.
5. Now bring down the heat and blend in half-and-half, diced chicken, and ham. Allow it to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, making sure to stir occasionally.
6. Finally, stir in Swiss cheese until it fully melts and incorporates. Add salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, thyme, and paprika, then adjust the seasoning as per your taste.
## How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Hearty and filling on its own, Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is perfect as a standalone dish. Serve it steaming hot, taking care to garnish each serving with chopped parsley for that extra pop of freshness. Add a side of crusty bread for a complete soul-satisfying meal.
## How to Store Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The soup will stay good for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the soup and heat thoroughly before serving.
## Tips to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
When making the roux, whisk in the chicken broth slowly and steadily to avoid lumps. Use low heat for melting the cheese to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
## Variations
To make a spicier version, add finely chopped jalapeno peppers or sprinkle a hint of cayenne pepper.
## FAQs
Q1: Can I use any cheese for this recipe?
A1: Swiss cheese is usually recommended for its decadent creaminess and distinct flavor. But you can always experiment with other types of cheese.
Q2: Would any kind of ham work in this recipe?
A2: Any cooked, chopped ham will work. For a smokier flavor, try using smoked ham.
Q3: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
A3: Yes, you can use dried herbs. The general rule of thumb is to use one-third of the amount if substituting dried for fresh.