Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is a delightful twist on the classic dish, delivering all its rich flavors in a comforting bowl. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this easy soup combines tender chicken with creamy broth and melty cheese, making it a hit among kids and adults alike. Its one-pot nature means less fuss and more time to enjoy with loved ones!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
• Comforting Flavor: This soup brings together the familiar taste of Chicken Cordon Bleu, featuring savory chicken and creamy goodness that warms the soul.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a hearty lunch or serve it for dinner with some crusty bread. It’s perfect for any occasion!
• Easily Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to suit your palate.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the creamy texture and cheesy goodness, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup effectively, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure everything comes together perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stockpot
• Tupperware

Importance of Each Tool

• Stockpot: A large stockpot allows you to cook all the ingredients in one place, making it easier to manage your soup without needing multiple pans.
• Tupperware: Ideal for storing leftovers, Tupperware keeps your soup fresh for days and makes reheating effortless.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup:

Base Ingredients

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion diced
• 2 carrots diced
• 2 ribs celery diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Broth and Cream

• 1 (32 oz) box chicken broth
• 1 pint heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard

Proteins

• 4 cups cooked and cubed chicken (about 1 store-bought rotisserie; leftover holiday turkey works great too!)
• 1 (8 oz) package cubed chicken ham (leftover holiday chicken ham works great too!)

Cheese

• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese (cubed and softened to room temperature)
• Swiss cheese shredded for serving

Garnish

• Homemade croutons for serving (store-bought is also fine!)

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Melt butter in a large stockpot over medium heat. Once melted:
1. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook while stirring regularly until the carrots have softened, about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add the following ingredients into the pot:
– Chicken broth
– Heavy cream
– Dijon mustard
– Cooked cubed chicken
– Cubed chicken ham
– Cream cheese

Stir continuously until the soup is hot and the cream cheese has melted completely.

Step 3: Final Touches

Taste your soup and re-season if necessary. Spoon into bowls and serve topped with shredded Swiss cheese and homemade croutons for added crunch!

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup!

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

Serving Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup can be a delightful experience that enhances the comfort of this dish. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy your soup.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant touch.
• Chives: Add snipped chives for a mild onion flavor and an appealing color contrast.

Accompanied by Crusty Bread

• Baguette Slices: Serve with slices of crusty baguette for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Garlic Bread: Pair it with garlic bread for a flavorful twist that complements the richness of the soup.

Topped with Cheese

• Shredded Swiss Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded Swiss cheese melts beautifully over the hot soup, adding extra creaminess.
• Parmesan Crust: For an extra cheesy experience, broil a layer of Parmesan on top until golden brown.

Served in Individual Bowls

• Personalized Bowls: Portion the soup into individual bowls for an elegant presentation at dinner parties.
• Bread Bowls: Consider serving in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and edible serving option.

How to Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

Perfecting Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture. Opt for seasonal produce when possible.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Start with less salt and pepper, then taste and adjust according to your preference.
• Cream Cheese Temperature Matters: Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier blending into the soup.
• Simmer Gently: Allow the soup to simmer gently for optimal flavor infusion without boiling, which can curdle the cream.
• Explore Varieties of Chicken: Experiment with different cooked chicken types, like rotisserie or leftover holiday turkey, to find your favorite mix.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup can create a satisfying meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the rich flavors of the soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a delightful crunch and complement the creamy texture of the soup.
3. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Soft biscuits with cheese and garlic make for perfect dunkers, enhancing every spoonful.
4. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf is a nutritious side that offers a hearty addition without overpowering the main dish.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Baked stuffed mushrooms filled with herbs and cheese add an elegant touch alongside your soup.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs create a satisfying contrast to the smoothness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to steer clear of.

• Using low-quality broth: Always opt for a good quality chicken broth to enhance the flavor of your soup.
• Not seasoning properly: Taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning. A dash more salt or pepper can elevate the dish.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother blending into the soup.
• Overcooking vegetables: Keep an eye on your veggies; overcooked carrots or celery can lose their texture and flavor.
• Skipping garnishes: Don’t forget toppings! Shredded Swiss cheese and croutons add great texture and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup that may help you.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes! This soup is perfect for using leftover cooked chicken, such as from a rotisserie chicken.

How can I customize Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?

Feel free to add more vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition and color.

What if I don’t have Swiss cheese?

You can substitute Swiss cheese with shredded mozzarella or provolone for a similar creamy texture.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup stores well, making it great for meal prepping throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or cheeses according to your taste. It’s a comforting dish that both kids and adults will love—definitely worth trying!