Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup With Heavy Cream And Ham Recipe

Heavenly Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe: Creamy Ham Delight

Comfort meets elegance in this creamy chicken cordon bleu soup that promises a delightful twist on a classic dish.

Layers of rich flavors dance across your palate with each spoonful.

Tender chicken and savory ham create a luxurious blend that feels like a warm hug.

Melted cheese swirls through the velvety broth, making every bite incredibly satisfying.

Swiss and parmesan add depth to this hearty recipe that comes together quickly.

Craving something special for dinner?

You won’t believe how simple this gourmet soup can be to prepare.

Let’s turn an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup With Heavy Cream And Ham Feels Fancy

  • Crafting Comfort: Dive into a soul-warming soup that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious culinary experience with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Protein-Packed Perfection: Enjoy a balanced meal loaded with chicken and ham, offering a hearty protein boost that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Indulge in a creamy Swiss cheese-infused soup that delivers rich, melty goodness in every spoonful, elevating your dining pleasure.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable for lunch, dinner, or a cozy weekend gathering, this recipe works beautifully for various dining scenarios and crowd sizes.

Ingredients Needed For Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup With Heavy Cream And Ham

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender base that provides the main protein for the soup.
  • Ham: Adds a savory, smoky depth to the overall flavor profile of the dish.
For the Aromatics:
  • Onions, Garlic: These ingredients create a fragrant foundation and enhance the soup's savory character.
For the Liquid and Binding Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a rich, meaty base for the soup's liquid.
  • Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Contributes to the soup's luxurious and velvety consistency.
  • Eggs: Act as a thickening agent and help create a silky smooth texture.
For the Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
  • Thyme: Adds an aromatic herb note to the soup.
  • Flour: Helps to thicken the soup and create a smooth base.
  • Swiss Cheese: Provides a rich, nutty flavor and creamy melted texture.

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

Step 1: Prep Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into small, uniform cubes. Season generously with salt, pepper, and thyme to enhance flavor and ensure even seasoning.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Warm a large pot over medium-high heat. Melt butter and add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions become translucent and release a delightful fragrant aroma, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Brown Chicken

Introduce the seasoned chicken cubes to the pot. Cook until they turn golden brown and are nearly cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.

Step 4: Create Roux

Sprinkle flour over the chicken mixture. Stir continuously to create a light roux, which will help thicken the soup and prevent any lumpy textures.

Step 5: Add Liquid Base

Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk. Whisk constantly to ensure smooth integration and eliminate any potential clumping.

Step 6: Incorporate Ham

Add diced ham to the simmering liquid. Allow the flavors to meld together over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, creating a rich and complex taste profile.

Step 7: Introduce Cream

Reduce heat to low. Gently stir in heavy cream, transforming the soup into a luxuriously smooth and velvety base.

Step 8: Temper Eggs

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs. Carefully temper the eggs by slowly adding a small amount of hot soup liquid, preventing any unwanted curdling.

Step 9: Integrate Eggs

Fold the tempered eggs back into the main soup pot. Stir continuously to maintain a silky, consistent texture throughout the soup.

Step 10: Melt Cheese

Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over the surface. Allow the cheese to melt completely, adding depth and richness to the soup’s flavor.

Step 11: Final Simmer

Let the soup simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes. This ensures all ingredients are heated thoroughly and the flavors are fully developed and harmonized.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot in deep bowls, with an optional sprinkle of extra cheese on top for added indulgence.

Tips To Get Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup With Heavy Cream And Ham Just Right

  • Perfectly Prep Chicken: Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Build Flavor Layers: SautĂ© onions and garlic in butter until fragrant to create a robust, aromatic base that enhances the overall taste profile.
  • Prevent Lumpy Texture: Gradually add flour and whisk continuously when creating the roux to guarantee a smooth, velvety soup consistency without clumps.
  • Temper Eggs Carefully: Slowly incorporate hot liquid into whisked eggs to prevent curdling, maintaining a silky and creamy soup texture.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese gradually and stir gently to achieve a perfectly melted, smooth cheese integration without separating.

Fun Twists On Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup With Heavy Cream And Ham

  • Lean Protein Edition: Replace chicken breasts with turkey or plant-based chicken alternatives for a lighter protein option.
  • Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Substitute flour with almond flour or coconut flour to reduce carbohydrate content and maintain soup thickness.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Remove chicken and ham, replace with mushrooms, tofu, or roasted cauliflower for a hearty meat-free version.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and swap Swiss cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives.

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

  • Pair Zesty White Wine to Cut Through Richness: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly balances the soup's creamy texture, offering a bright, refreshing counterpoint to the heavy cream and cheese.
  • Crusty Sourdough Bread as Perfect Dipping Companion: Toasted sourdough slices provide a crunchy texture that complements the soup's smooth consistency, absorbing the rich flavors while adding a delightful contrast.
  • Crisp Green Salad for Lightness: A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cleanse the palate, cutting through the soup's richness and providing a fresh, acidic balance to the creamy dish.

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

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the soup fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at the top for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months, noting that cream-based soups might slightly separate upon thawing.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.

FAQs For Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup With Heavy Cream And Ham

  • Is this recipe difficult to make?

This recipe requires intermediate cooking skills but is manageable with careful attention to tempering eggs and creating a smooth base. Following steps precisely will help ensure success.

  • What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe because they cook evenly and absorb flavors well. Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best results.

  • Can I substitute the ham?

Yes, you can replace ham with cooked bacon, pancetta, or even skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version. Each substitution will slightly alter the soup’s overall flavor profile.

  • Why do I need to temper the eggs?

Tempering prevents eggs from curdling by gradually raising their temperature, which ensures a smooth, silky texture in the soup without creating scrambled egg chunks.

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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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4.5 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty “chicken cordon bleu soup” brings Swiss-French comfort directly to your kitchen, blending classic flavor profiles into a creamy culinary experience. Rich cheese and tender chicken create a warm embrace that invites you to savor each comforting spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
  • 1/2 lb ham, diced
  • 2 eggs

Dairy and Cream:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup swiss cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup butter

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the protein foundation by seasoning chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme, then slice into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
  2. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat, melt butter, and sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add diced chicken to the pot, cooking until golden brown and nearly fully cooked, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the chicken mixture, stirring continuously to create a light roux and prevent lumps from forming.
  5. Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to ensure smooth integration and eliminate potential clumping.
  6. Incorporate diced ham into the simmering liquid, allowing flavors to meld together over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
  7. Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream, creating a rich and velvety texture for the soup base.
  8. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl, then carefully temper them by slowly adding a small amount of hot soup liquid to prevent curdling.
  9. Fold tempered eggs back into the main soup pot, stirring continuously to maintain a silky consistency.
  10. Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over the surface, allowing it to melt completely and enhance the soup’s creamy profile.
  11. Simmer the soup for an additional 10-12 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are heated thoroughly and flavors are fully developed.
  12. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, then serve hot in deep bowls garnished with additional cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Prevent bland flavors by thoroughly seasoning chicken with a blend of salt, pepper, and thyme before cubing, ensuring each bite is packed with taste.
  • Control soup thickness by gradually adding flour and whisking continuously, creating a smooth roux without lumps for a perfect creamy consistency.
  • Temper eggs carefully by slowly introducing hot liquid to prevent scrambling, maintaining the soup’s silky texture and preventing unwanted egg chunks.
  • Enhance dietary flexibility by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, and using gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly adaptation.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 565
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 908 mg
  • Fat: 43 g
  • Saturated Fat: 25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 222 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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