Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Delight

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Make the Roux

1. Once the vegetables are tender, sprinkle the flour over the mixture. Stir well to combine and create a paste-like consistency. This will help thicken the soup later.
2. Let the flour cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps.

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Step 3: Add the Liquid

1. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once the broth is fully incorporated, bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
2. Add the heavy cream, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine and let the soup simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until it thickens slightly and is heated through.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Ham

1. Once the soup base has thickened to your liking, add the shredded chicken and diced ham to the pot. Stir gently to combine and heat the meats through, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

1. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the Swiss cheese and Parmesan cheese, adding a little at a time, allowing each batch to melt completely into the soup. Stir until the soup is smooth and creamy. If the soup seems too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning & Serve

1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or thyme as desired.
2. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and extra flavor.
3. Serve with a side of crusty bread or croutons for dipping.

Tips for Success

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an easy shortcut, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds a great depth of flavor.
• Make It Ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. Just store in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently when ready to serve.
• Thickening Options: If you prefer an even thicker soup, you can add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water, or a bit more flour to your roux in Step 2.
• Make it Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour and check the broth label to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnishes: For extra richness, drizzle the top of each bowl with a little cream or sprinkle with more shredded cheese before serving.
• Side Dishes: Pair this soup with a side salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Delight is the perfect combination of comfort food and elegant flavor. With the richness of cheese, the savory taste of chicken and ham, and the smooth, creamy broth, this soup captures all the essence of the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu without any of the frying or fuss. It’s an easy-to-make, heartwarming dish that will have your guests begging for seconds. Enjoy this delightful soup on a cold evening or serve it as a special treat for your next gathering!