A delightful and hearty soup combining tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy Swiss cheese for a comforting meal.
Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the chicken until lightly browned.
Cut the chicken into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
Add the diced ham, chopped onion, and celery to the pot and cook until the vegetables are softened.
Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to evenly cook the vegetables.
Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Use warm water to speed up the boiling process.
In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream and shredded Swiss cheese over low heat, stirring until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
Stir constantly to prevent the cheese from sticking to the pan.
Combine the cheese mixture with the soup base in the large pot and stir well.
Ensure the cheese mixture is fully incorporated for a creamy texture.
Season the soup with salt, white pepper, garlic powder, tarragon, and basil. Adjust to taste.
Taste the soup before adding more seasoning to avoid over-salting.
Mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry, then gradually add it to the soup to thicken, stirring constantly.
Add the slurry slowly to control the thickness of the soup.
Let the soup simmer for a few minutes until it reaches the desired consistency, then serve hot.
Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.