Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup With Heavy Cream And Ham Recipe

Cozy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe: Velvety Cream & Ham Bliss

Creamy chicken cordon bleu soup combines classic comfort with elegant French-inspired flavors that dance across your palate.

Layers of savory ham and tender chicken create a luxurious base for this hearty meal.

Swiss cheese melts seamlessly into each spoonful, delivering rich undertones of decadence.

Crisp white wine adds subtle depth to the creamy broth, enhancing every delightful bite.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together without sacrificing incredible taste.

Crusty bread makes the perfect companion for soaking up every delectable drop of this soul-warming soup.

Prepare to experience a delightful twist on a beloved culinary classic that will leave you craving more.

Why Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup With Heavy Cream And Ham Is Extra Cozy

  • Savor Speedy Prep: Quickly transform simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal chopping and straightforward cooking steps.
  • Master One-Pot Magic: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single Dutch oven, reducing dish washing and making weeknight cooking a breeze.
  • Customize with Comfort: Easily swap proteins or add extra vegetables to suit personal taste preferences and pantry availability, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Impress family and guests with a restaurant-quality soup that feels luxurious yet takes minimal culinary skill to produce perfectly.

Everything You Need For Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup With Heavy Cream And Ham

For the Proteins:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender white meat that provides a hearty protein base for the soup.
  • Ham: Adds a salty and rich flavor to complement the chicken.
For the Dairy:
  • Butter: Creates a golden, nutty foundation for sautéing and building flavor.
  • Milk: Contributes to the creamy texture of the soup.
  • Heavy Cream: Enhances the richness and smoothness of the soup.
  • Swiss Cheese: Melts into a velvety consistency and adds a subtle nutty taste.
For the Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onions: Provide a sweet and savory base for the soup's flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Offers a pungent and aromatic depth to the dish.
  • Chicken Broth: Serves as the liquid foundation with a rich, savory taste.
  • Flour: Acts as a thickening agent to create a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Dried Thyme: Introduces an earthy, herbal note to the soup.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a mild, spicy warmth to the soup.
  • Nutmeg: Provides a subtle, warm background note.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Brings a bright, fresh finish to the soup.

How To Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup With Heavy Cream And Ham

Step 1: Prep the Protein

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes and dice ham into uniform pieces. Set aside and get ready to transform these ingredients into a delicious soup.

Step 2: Butter Magic

Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Watch as it becomes frothy and develops a golden color with a nutty fragrance that fills your kitchen.

Step 3: Onion and Garlic Dance

Sauté diced onions until they turn translucent and release their sweet aroma, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, creating a flavor foundation.

Step 4: Create a Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture. Stir continuously to blend into a smooth base that will give the soup its luxurious thickness.

Step 5: Liquid Gold

Pour in chicken broth slowly, whisking constantly to prevent any pesky lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and silky.

Step 6: Creamy Transformation

Add milk and heavy cream, stirring to create a rich, velvety texture that will make your soup irresistibly smooth.

Step 7: Flavor Explosion

Introduce dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Let these seasonings dance through the liquid, building layers of deep, complex flavor.

Step 8: Cook the Chicken

Drop in chicken cubes and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Ensure the meat is completely cooked through and becomes tender and juicy.

Step 9: Cheese and Ham Finale

Fold in diced ham and shredded Swiss cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a rich and creamy soup that’s pure comfort.

Step 10: Rest and Blend

Lower the heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows all the flavors to mingle and become best friends.

Step 11: Fresh Finish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor that brightens the entire dish.

Step 12: Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls. Serve immediately and watch as everyone’s faces light up with the first delicious spoonful.

Pro Tips For Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup With Heavy Cream And Ham

  • Protein Prep Pro: Cut chicken and ham into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Butter Brilliance: Let butter become golden and frothy to unlock a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.
  • Roux Rescue: Whisk flour carefully into the onion mixture to create a smooth base, preventing lumps and ensuring a silky soup consistency.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Add Swiss cheese off the heat and stir gently to achieve a creamy, smooth texture without causing the cheese to separate.
  • Fresh Finish Finesse: Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to add a burst of color and a bright, fresh herbal note to the rich soup.

Tasty Variations Of Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup With Heavy Cream And Ham

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken and ham with cubed tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives for a meat-free version that maintains protein content and texture.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and swap Swiss cheese for nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour for thickening, and ensure all broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
  • Mediterranean Herb Remix: Replace thyme with oregano and rosemary, add roasted red peppers, and incorporate feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile that transforms the soup's character.

Great Pairings With Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup With Heavy Cream And Ham

  • Boost Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup's Flavor Experience
  • Serve with Crisp White Wine: Pair a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to complement the creamy soup's richness and cut through its dense texture.
  • Create Crunchy Bread Companion: Toast garlic-rubbed sourdough or crusty French baguette slices to provide delightful textural contrast and help soak up the luxurious soup base.
  • Match with Refreshing Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette dressing featuring Dijon mustard and lemon juice to balance the soup's creamy profile and add brightness to the meal.

How To Store Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup With Heavy Cream And Ham Properly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at the top for expansion. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Pour soup into saucepan, stirring occasionally over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth or milk to restore original creamy consistency. Heat until steaming, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.

FAQs About Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup With Heavy Cream And Ham

  • Is this soup healthy?

While delicious, this soup is rich and creamy with butter, cream, and cheese, making it more of an indulgent meal rather than a low-calorie option. It’s best enjoyed in moderation.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Swiss cheese provides a specific nutty flavor, but you can substitute with Gruyère or mild cheddar for similar creamy results. Each cheese will slightly alter the soup’s taste profile.

  • How can I make this soup more protein-rich?

Add additional protein by increasing chicken quantity, incorporating cooked diced bacon, or including white beans. These options enhance the soup’s nutritional value and make it more filling.

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Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup With Heavy Cream And Ham Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup With Heavy Cream And Ham Recipe


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4.9 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Warm comfort arrives with chicken cordon bleu soup, melding classic French flavors into a creamy, hearty bowl. Rich cheese and tender chicken create a luxurious experience that satisfies winter cravings and brings pure culinary comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
  • 1/2 lb ham, diced
  • 1/4 lb swiss cheese, shredded

Base Ingredients:

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Seasoning and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the protein components by cutting chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes and dicing the ham into uniform pieces.
  2. In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat until it becomes frothy and golden, releasing a nutty aroma.
  3. Sauté diced onions until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux that will thicken the soup’s base.
  5. Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky texture.
  6. Add milk and heavy cream, stirring to incorporate and create a luxurious, creamy consistency.
  7. Introduce dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, allowing the seasonings to infuse the liquid with robust flavor.
  8. Incorporate chicken cubes and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the meat is completely cooked through and tender.
  9. Fold in diced ham and shredded Swiss cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and creates a rich, velvety soup.
  10. Reduce heat to low and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
  11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
  12. Ladle into warm bowls and enjoy immediately while the soup is hot and creamy.

Notes

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easier preparation and uniform cooking.
  • Pat chicken and ham dry before cutting to prevent excess moisture in the soup.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even cooking and smoother soup texture.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
  • Add a splash of white wine during roux stage for deeper flavor complexity.
  • Select Swiss cheese with high melting properties like Gruyère for optimal creaminess.
  • Toast flour briefly before adding liquid to remove raw flour taste and enhance nuttiness.
  • Keep soup at gentle simmer to prevent cream from separating or breaking.
  • Garnish with crispy breadcrumbs or bacon bits for added textural contrast.
  • Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days, gently reheating to maintain consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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