Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

##### 1. **Prepare the Chicken and Ham**
Start by cooking the chicken (if you’re not using rotisserie). You can pan-sear it, grill it, or roast it until fully cooked, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. Cut your ham into small cubes or strips, depending on your preference.

##### 2. **Cook the Vegetables**
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 3-5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This builds the base of flavor for the soup.

##### 3. **Make the Soup Base**
Add the flour to the sautéed vegetables and stir to make a roux. This will help thicken the soup. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until the soup thickens.

##### 4. **Add the Creaminess**
Once the soup has thickened, add the heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir well to ensure the cream cheese melts completely into the soup. You should see the soup become smooth and creamy.

##### 5. **Add the Chicken and Ham**
Now it’s time to add the star ingredients! Stir in the shredded chicken and diced ham. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.

##### 6. **Melt the Cheese**
Once the soup is ready, add the Swiss cheese and stir until it has melted into the soup, making it even creamier and more indulgent.

##### 7. **Serve and Garnish**
Ladle the soup into bowls, and for a final touch, sprinkle extra Swiss cheese or a dash of parsley on top. You can also add croutons for a bit of crunch, mimicking the breading of the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu dish.

#### Tips for the Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

– **Use rotisserie chicken**: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a huge time-saver and still deliver great flavor.
– **Cheese options**: While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can also experiment with Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar for different flavor profiles.
– **For a thicker soup**: If you like your soup on the thicker side, add a little more flour to the roux or let it simmer for longer. For a thinner soup, add more chicken broth or cream.
– **Garnish ideas**: Top your soup with crispy bacon bits, more ham, or even a sprinkle of breadcrumbs to give it a bit of crunch that mimics the crispy breading of the original Chicken Cordon Bleu.
– **Make it spicy**: For a little kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.

#### Why You’ll Love This Soup

– **Creamy and indulgent**: The rich combination of cream cheese, heavy cream, and Swiss cheese creates a smooth, velvety texture that’s incredibly comforting.
– **Hearty and filling**: With chicken, ham, and plenty of cheese, this soup is sure to satisfy your hunger and keep you feeling full.
– **Family-friendly**: It’s a great way to get kids (and adults) to enjoy the flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu without the fuss of preparing the full dish.
– **Quick and easy**: In just about 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend.

#### Conclusion

Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is the ultimate twist on a beloved classic, turning the rich and savory flavors of the iconic dish into a creamy, comforting soup that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, savory ham, melty cheese, and a creamy broth, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it with a side of crusty bread or enjoy it on its own, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Try it out for your next dinner and warm up with a bowl of comforting goodness!