Picture a steaming bowl of Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, where the rich aroma of Swiss cheese and savory ham fills the air, inviting warmth and comfort.
This dish is a breeze to whip up, offering a cozy escape into indulgence with every spoonful.
Watch as simple ingredients transform into a creamy masterpiece, brimming with tender chicken and vibrant spinach.
Let’s bring this delectable soup to life and savor its delightful flavors together.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Ladle
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef’s knife
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To manage your time efficiently while preparing and cooking Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes):
- Read through the recipe thoroughly to understand the steps and gather all ingredients and equipment needed.
- Prep Work (15 minutes):
- Dice the medium onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Dice the chicken breast and cooked ham.
- Grate the Swiss cheese.
- Chop the fresh spinach.
- Cooking (30 minutes):
- 0-5 minutes: Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- 5-10 minutes: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until soft.
- 10-15 minutes: Add diced chicken breast to the pot and cook until browned.
- 15-20 minutes: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- 20-25 minutes: In a medium saucepan, whisk together heavy cream, milk, and flour until smooth. Gradually add the cream mixture to the pot, stirring continuously.
- 25-30 minutes: Add diced ham, grated Swiss cheese, salt, black pepper, thyme, and nutmeg. Stir occasionally until the cheese is melted and the soup thickens.
- 30-35 minutes: Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
- Resting Time (5 minutes):
- Allow the soup to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Instructions
Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until soft.
Add diced chicken breast and cook until browned.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together heavy cream, milk, and flour until smooth.
Gradually add the cream mixture to the pot, stirring continuously.
Add diced ham, grated Swiss cheese, salt, black pepper, thyme, and nutmeg.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the soup thickens.
Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty baguette or sourdough to soak up the creamy goodness of the soup.
- Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a light and invigorating contrast.
- Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added nutrients and color.
- White Wine: Complement the rich flavors with a glass of crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Pickled Vegetables: Offer a tangy contrast with a side of pickled vegetables such as gherkins or pickled onions.
Storage
Store Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove.
Avoid freezing, as dairy may separate when thawed.
Freezing
To freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, cool completely.
Then transfer to airtight containers. Leave space for expansion.
Label with the date.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently to preserve texture.
Reheating
To reheat Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, gently warm it on the stove over low heat.
Stir occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent cheese separation.
Alternatively, microwave in short intervals. Stir in between.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is a delightful twist on the classic French dish.
It’s creamy, flavorful, and comforting, perfect for a cozy meal.
The combination of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese creates a rich and savory taste that will satisfy any palate.
If you want to experiment, try adding some cooked rice or small pasta for an even heartier version.
Adjust the seasoning to your liking, and consider incorporating a splash of white wine or a pinch of cayenne pepper for added depth.
Enjoy this delicious soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. It’s a meal that promises warmth and satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute a Different Cheese for Swiss Cheese?
You can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or Emmental. Use equal measurements for a similar melt and flavor profile. Make certain the cheese is freshly grated to enhance melting. Adjust seasoning if needed to match the cheese’s saltiness.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Soup?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version. Substitute chicken with 1 pound diced mushrooms, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and omit ham. Make certain the Swiss cheese is vegetarian or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
You can substitute frozen spinach for fresh by using 1 cup, thawed and drained. Add it 2 minutes before the end of cooking to guarantee even distribution and avoid overcooking. Adjust seasoning to accommodate any additional moisture.
How Can I Make the Soup Gluten-Free?
Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make certain it’s a 1:1 ratio for thickening. Check your chicken broth and ham for gluten-free labeling. Use precise measuring when incorporating ingredients for consistent texture and flavor.
What Wine Pairs Well With Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?
Pair a Chardonnay with your dish. Its creamy texture and citrus notes complement the soup’s richness. If you prefer red, opt for a Pinot Noir. Its light body and fruity profile won’t overpower the flavors.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Ladle
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef's knife
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 1 pound chicken breast diced
- 6 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ham diced, cooked
- 1 cup Swiss cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 cup spinach chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until soft.
- Add diced chicken breast and cook until browned.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together heavy cream, milk, and flour until smooth.
- Gradually add the cream mixture to the pot, stirring continuously.
- Add diced ham, grated Swiss cheese, salt, black pepper, thyme, and nutmeg.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the soup thickens.
- Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
