creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
2. Add Chicken and Ham: Stir in the shredded chicken and diced ham, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, just to warm everything through.
3. Create the Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Cream and Mustard: Lower the heat and stir in the half-and-half (or heavy cream) and Dijon mustard. Continue stirring until the soup is smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Melt the Cheese: Gradually add the shredded Swiss cheese and mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the soup has a velvety texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little extra chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve: Once the soup is creamy and smooth, remove it from the heat. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken:
  Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option for this soup. It saves you time on cooking the chicken and adds great depth of flavor to the soup.
• Add Veggies for Extra Flavor:
  You can incorporate vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Simply add them along with the chicken and ham, and cook them until tender.
• Play with the Cheese:
  While Swiss cheese is traditional in Chicken Cordon Bleu, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyère or even a mild cheddar would work well if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
• Make it Spicy:
  If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up. It complements the creamy richness of the soup nicely.
• Thicken it Up:
  If you prefer a thicker soup, you can make a roux (flour and butter mixture) and add it to the soup before the cheese. This will give the soup a velvety, thick consistency.
• Make It Ahead:
  This soup is a great make-ahead meal. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat when ready to serve.

Conclusion:

Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is a comforting, flavorful twist on the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu dish, transforming it into a creamy, indulgent soup. With its rich, savory flavors of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese, this soup is sure to be a hit with the entire family. Perfect for chilly nights or as a comforting meal anytime, it’s a bowl of goodness you’ll want to enjoy again and again. Give it a try, and discover just how easy it is to bring the beloved flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu into a warm and satisfying soup.