Author: Julie Kohl | Eggs and Herbs
Ham is a great meal to serve for holiday dinners or any get-together where a large crowd of people is expected. A little goes a long way and if you are fortunate enough to have some leftovers you can stretch that meal even further.
In my home, I enjoy cooking large meals because I know we can reap the benefits for weeks and even months to come if I plan well. Bones are used for stock and leftover meat is chopped and put into soups, stews, casseroles, and etc.
I am a soup lover but my husband always believed that real men don’t eat soup. Today, I am sharing the recipe with you that changed his mind! In fact, I call this a chowder because it is THICK! It is made with ham, chicken and bacon. Chicken Cordon Bleu Chowder is the perfect meal for using up those holiday leftovers.
Feel free to substitute turkey for the chicken and to use the Petit Jean Boneless EZ Carve Ham if you don’t have any ham leftovers. I picked up a rotisserie chicken at my local grocery store, some EZ Carve Ham and a package of bacon and this made a perfect weeknight meal. It’s delicious, filling and it cooks up quick!
INGREDIENTS
- 5 slices of Petit Jean Bacon (Reserve the bacon grease.)
- ¼ cup of flour
- 2 ½ cups half & half
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 1 tablespoon chicken base
- 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 small rotisserie chicken, chopped
- 2 cups cubed Petit Jean ham
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, grated or chopped into thin slices
INSTRUCTIONS
1.) Chop the bacon into small bits and sauté in a Dutch oven or heavy bottomed saucepan.
2.) Remove the cooked bacon with a slotted spoon. Reserve for later use.
3.) Add the flour to the bacon grease and whisk until it is combined to make a roux. Allow the roux to cook 30 seconds or so.
4.) Slowly whisk in the half and half and the milk.
5.) Add the chicken base.
6.) Whisk in the cream cheese and stir until everything is combined.
7.) Bring the mixture to a boil and allow it to thicken some.
8.) Add in the chicken, ham, and cooked bacon.
9.) Cook for about 5 minutes to bring everything to temperature.
10.) Turn the heat to low and stir in the Swiss cheese. Stir until melted.
11.) Enjoy your soup!