Description
Classic chicken cordon bleu delight combines Swiss cheese and ham inside crispy golden chicken breasts. Rich flavors and elegant presentation make this French-inspired dish perfect for special dinners when you want something truly memorable.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (475 ml) shredded chicken
- 1 cup (240 ml) diced chicken ham
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) shredded Swiss cheese
- 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
- ¼ cup (60 ml) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Aromatic Base: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, sautéing finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, releasing their delicate flavors for 3-4 minutes.
- Roux Creation: Dust flour over the softened aromatics, stirring continuously to craft a smooth, golden roux that will provide a rich, velvety foundation for the soup.
- Liquid Integration: Methodically whisk chicken broth into the roux, eliminating potential lumps and creating a silky, uniform liquid base for the soup’s depth of flavor.
- Protein and Flavor Infusion: Add shredded chicken, diced chicken ham, and a touch of Dijon mustard to the simmering liquid, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify their collective taste for approximately 10 minutes.
- Creamy Transformation: Pour heavy cream and whole milk into the bubbling mixture, stirring consistently to achieve a luxuriously smooth and creamy consistency that coats the palate.
- Cheese Incorporation: Reduce heat and gradually fold in shredded Swiss cheese, stirring until completely dissolved and seamlessly integrated, creating a rich and decadent texture.
- Seasoning Finale: Elevate the soup’s flavor profile by seasoning with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Serving Presentation: Remove from heat once the soup reaches optimal thickness and temperature, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately in warm bowls to preserve the dish’s comforting warmth.
Notes
- Prevent Lumpy Roux: Whisk flour continuously and steadily while cooking to create a smooth, lump-free base for your creamy soup.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Remove pot from direct heat when adding cheese and stir gently to prevent breaking or becoming grainy, ensuring a silky smooth texture.
- Flavor Depth Tip: Allow ingredients to simmer slowly, giving time for chicken, ham, and mustard to develop rich, complex flavor profiles.
- Temperature Control: Maintain medium-low heat during final stages to prevent cream from scorching and preserve the delicate consistency of the soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 554
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg