Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, a rich and hearty dish that combines the classic components of chicken cordon bleu into a warm and satisfying soup. Tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy Swiss cheese meld together in a flavorful broth enriched with bacon, vegetables, and a touch of Dijon mustard.

This recipe offers a delightful twist on a beloved dish, perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions. Garnish with optional ingredients like white miso paste, lemon juice, and fresh parsley to elevate each spoonful with added depth and brightness.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

Ingredients

4 strip bacon, cut into 1inch pieces

1 cup onion, diced

1 cup carrot, diced

1 cup celery, diced

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1/4 cup flour (rice flour for gluten-free)

6 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 cups chicken, cooked and diced or shredded

2 cup ham, diced

1 pound potatoes, cut into bite sized pieces

2 cups swiss cheese, shredded

1 tablespoon dijon mustard

2 tablespoon white miso paste (optional)

1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

Cook the bacon in a large sauce pan and set aside reserving the bacon grease in the pan.

Add the onions, carrots, and celery and cook over medium-high heat until tender, about 10 minutes.

Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about a minute.

Sprinkle in the flour and cook until lightly golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.

Add the broth, cream, chicken, ham, and potatoes, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are render, about 10 minutes.

Add the cheese, mustard and miso and cook until the cheese has melted, before mixing in the lemon juice and parsley and serving!

Notes:

Prep Ingredients Ahead: Dice and prepare all your vegetables, chicken, ham, and cheese before you start cooking. This will streamline the cooking process and ensure everything is ready when needed.

Render Bacon Properly: Cook the bacon until it is crispy. This not only adds flavor to the soup but also provides a crunchy texture contrast when used as a topping.

Use Bacon Grease for Flavor: The bacon grease adds a rich, smoky flavor to the soup base. Be sure not to burn it when sautéing the vegetables.

Create a Smooth Roux: When adding flour to the vegetables, stir continuously to create a smooth roux. This helps thicken the soup evenly and prevents lumps.

Gradually Add Broth and Cream: Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream gradually into the roux while stirring constantly. This prevents the soup from becoming too thick or developing lumps.

Simmer for Flavor Development: Allow the soup to simmer gently after adding the potatoes until they are tender. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Melt Cheese Gradually: Add the shredded Swiss cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly until each batch melts completely. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture throughout the soup.

Adjust Seasonings at the End: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional mustard or miso paste if needed. The flavors can intensify as the soup cooks, so it’s important to taste and adjust accordingly.

Optional Enhancements: Consider adding a splash of lemon juice and chopped parsley at the end for brightness. These optional ingredients can elevate the flavors and add a fresh finish to the soup.

Garnish Thoughtfully: Serve the soup hot, garnished with reserved crispy bacon pieces and extra parsley if desired. The garnishes not only add visual appeal but also additional layers of flavor and texture.

Nutrition Information:

Calories 534, Fat 32g (Saturated 14g, Trans 0), Cholesterol 119mg, Sodium 1037mg, Carbs 27g (Fiber 2g, Sugars 5g), Protein 31g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this soup?

Yes, pre-cooked chicken works well in this recipe.

You can use diced or shredded rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand.

Is the miso paste necessary for this soup?

While the miso paste adds depth of flavor and umami to the soup, it is optional.

If you don’t have miso paste or prefer not to use it, you can omit it from the recipe without compromising too much on flavor.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?

Yes, if you prefer a lighter version of the soup, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.

The soup may be slightly less creamy but still delicious.

How long can I store leftovers of this soup?

Leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Make sure to cool the soup completely before transferring it to the refrigerator.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup for longer storage.

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags.

It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup ahead of time.

Simply follow the instructions up to the point of adding the cheese, mustard, miso, lemon juice, and parsley.

Store the soup base in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

When ready to serve, reheat the soup on the stove and add the remaining ingredients.

Can I use different types of cheese in this soup?

While Swiss cheese is traditionally used in Chicken Cordon Bleu, you can experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste preferences.

Gruyere or Emmental are good substitutes for Swiss cheese and will still provide a creamy texture and rich flavor to the soup.

Is there a substitute for bacon in this recipe?

If you prefer not to use bacon, you can omit it or substitute it with cooked and crumbled turkey bacon or diced cooked ham.

This will still add a savory flavor to the soup without the pork.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this soup by omitting the chicken, ham, and bacon, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms or broccoli to enhance the flavor and texture.

What can I serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?

This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a side salad.

You can also serve it with cooked rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.

Additionally, a glass of white wine complements the flavors of the soup nicely.