Description
Hearty Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup blends classic French-inspired flavors into a comforting winter meal. Creamy Swiss cheese, tender chicken, and savory ham create a rich, satisfying experience you’ll love savoring.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup ham, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Croutons
- Crispy bacon bits
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Flavor Foundation: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Roux Development: Sprinkle flour into the buttery base, whisking continuously to create a golden, smooth mixture that will thicken the soup’s foundation.
- Liquid Integration: Stream chicken broth, half-and-half, and cream into the roux, whisking to eliminate lumps. Infuse with onion powder and thyme, creating a rich, herbaceous liquid.
- Protein and Cheese Fusion: Introduce shredded chicken, diced ham, and cream cheese cubes into the simmering liquid. Gradually fold in Swiss cheese, allowing it to melt completely and create a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Seasoning and Refinement: Carefully season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
- Finishing and Serving: Ladle the piping hot soup into serving bowls. Garnish with crispy croutons, crumbled bacon bits, and fresh parsley sprigs to add texture and visual appeal. Serve immediately while steaming hot.
Notes
- Prevent Roux Lumps: Whisk continuously and slowly add liquid to avoid unwanted flour clumps, ensuring a smooth, silky soup base.
- Control Cheese Melting: Add Swiss cheese off direct heat and stir gently to prevent separation and maintain creamy texture without graininess.
- Adjust Thickness Strategically: Modify soup consistency by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin, creating perfect liquid density.
- Elevate Dietary Adaptations: Substitute heavy cream with lactose-free alternatives, use gluten-free flour for roux, and select low-sodium broth for dietary-specific versions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg