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.

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### **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.

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### **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.