Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe
Warm, creamy, and comforting, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup combines the flavors of the classic dish into a delightful bowl of soup.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great)
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup uncooked small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
- Build the Base: Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Protein: Add shredded chicken and diced ham to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions.
- Creamy Goodness: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Swiss cheese, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg. Allow the cheeses to melt into the soup.
- Thicken (Optional): If a thicker soup is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until the soup reaches your desired consistency.
- Season: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
20 Popular Questions and Answers
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe.
2. Can I substitute the ham?
Turkey or bacon are great alternatives if you don’t have ham.
3. Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
4. What if I don’t like Swiss cheese?
Gruyère or mozzarella are great substitutes.
5. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the soup will be less rich. Consider adding a small amount of cream cheese for creaminess.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
7. Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, but the texture may change slightly upon reheating due to the cream.
8. What other vegetables can I add?
Mushrooms, peas, or spinach work well.
9. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the cream and cheese in the last 30 minutes.
10. Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, though fresh or rotisserie chicken is more flavorful.
11. What type of pasta is best?
Small pasta like ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni works best.
12. Is nutmeg necessary?
Nutmeg enhances the creamy flavor but can be omitted.
13. How can I make this soup healthier?
Use low-fat milk instead of cream and reduce the cheese.
14. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
15. What if my soup is too thick?
Add a little extra chicken broth to thin it out.
16. Can I make this soup spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
17. Can I use bone broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, it will add extra nutrients and flavor.
18. What bread pairs well with this soup?
A crusty baguette or garlic bread is a perfect match.
19. How do I reheat this soup?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
20. Can I omit the pasta?
Yes, replace it with cauliflower rice or more vegetables for a lower-carb option.
30 Helpful Tips for a More Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
- Use fresh Swiss cheese for better melting.
- Stir in cooked pasta at the end to prevent it from getting mushy.
- Use homemade chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- Brown the ham slightly before adding for extra depth.
- Add a splash of white wine during the sautéing step for acidity.
- Toast the nutmeg in the butter for enhanced aroma.
- Use leftover turkey for a post-holiday twist.
- Garnish with crispy fried onions for texture.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Add a dollop of sour cream for tanginess.
- Sprinkle in smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Serve with a side of salad for a balanced meal.
- Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella for a cheesier soup.
- Use pre-shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Mix in roasted garlic for a deeper garlic flavor.
- Roast the chicken beforehand for added depth.
- Use aged Parmesan for a nuttier flavor.
- Serve with homemade croutons for crunch.
- Add diced potatoes for more heartiness.
- Try turkey kielbasa instead of ham.
- Season the soup as it cooks to layer flavors.
- Blend half the soup for a smoother texture.
- Add baby spinach just before serving.
- Stir in cooked wild rice for extra heartiness.
- Simmer the broth with a Parmesan rind for enhanced flavor.
- Make it ahead of time; the flavors deepen as it sits.
- Add fresh lemon juice before serving for brightness.
- Swap in evaporated milk for heavy cream as a lighter option.
- Use an immersion blender for controlled thickening.
- Serve with a side of pickles for a tangy contrast.
30 Secrets to Achieving the Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Select chicken thighs for more tenderness.
- Caramelize onions for sweetness.
- Deglaze the pan for extra flavor.
- Grate cheese finely to melt evenly.
- Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Add the cream slowly to avoid curdling.
- Taste as you go to balance flavors.
- Cook pasta separately to prevent overcooking.
- Use a Dutch oven for even cooking.
- Add a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick.
- Mix in cream cheese for ultra creaminess.
- Stir soup frequently to avoid sticking.
- Avoid pre-grated cheese; it doesn’t melt as well.
- Garnish with parsley for color and freshness.
- Make a roux for a thicker soup base.
- Infuse the broth with a bay leaf for depth.
- Avoid overcooking the ham to keep it tender.
- Pair with a dry white wine.
- Reheat slowly to maintain texture.
- Add roasted red peppers for a unique twist.
- Incorporate mustard powder for a tangy kick.
- Include frozen peas for color and sweetness.
- Use smoked ham for a more robust flavor.
- Top with fried shallots for a crunchy garnish.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder before cooking.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to elevate the creamy flavors.
- Serve immediately after garnishing.
- Keep the soup covered while simmering to retain moisture.
- Finish with a drizzle of olive oil for shine.