Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
If you’re craving a warm and indulgent meal that’s both comforting and flavorful, Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is exactly what you need. This creamy, savory dish captures the essence of the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu in a delightful soup form, blending tender chicken, ham, and melted cheese into a rich broth that’s perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings. With every spoonful, you get that satisfying balance of textures and cheesy goodness, making Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup a must-try for any comfort food lover.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort food perfection: This soup brings all the nostalgic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu into a warm bowl of creamy satisfaction.
- Simple and hearty: Made using easy-to-find ingredients, it’s a straightforward recipe that feels like a special treat every time.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the cheesy, savory blend that makes this soup so approachable and delicious.
- One-pot convenience: Minimal cleanup is required because everything comes together in a single pot without fuss.
- Versatile meal: Perfect for weekday dinners but elegant enough to serve guests too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup lies in its carefully chosen ingredients that come together beautifully—each adding its own unique touch to flavor, creaminess, and color. You don’t need an extensive list, just some basic pantry staples and fresh items to make this dinner a standout.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken adds tender protein and a mild base flavor.
- Ham: Diced ham brings smoky, savory notes and richness to the soup.
- Swiss cheese: Melted Swiss cheese gives the soup its classic creamy, nutty taste.
- Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess and smooth texture.
- Chicken broth: Acts as the flavorful liquid foundation for the soup.
- Butter and flour: Used to create a roux that thickens the soup perfectly.
- Onions and garlic: Enhance the depth of flavor with aromatic undertones.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang that balances the richness.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg to round out the profile.
Variations for Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it based on what you have in your kitchen or dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment with these variations to make it your own.
- Low-carb version: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and add cauliflower rice to keep it lighter without sacrificing creaminess.
- Vegetarian twist: Replace chicken and ham with smoked tofu and vegetable broth for a meatless alternative.
- Extra veggies: Add mushrooms, spinach, or peas to boost color, nutrients, and texture.
- Spicy kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle heat.
- Cheese swap: Use Gruyere or Emmental cheese instead of Swiss for a slightly different flavor note.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Step 1: Sauté aromatics
Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent to build the soup’s flavor foundation.
Step 2: Cook chicken and ham
Add diced chicken breasts and ham to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is opaque but not browned, ensuring it stays tender.
Step 3: Make the roux
Sprinkle flour over the cooked meat and stir constantly for a few minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the soup perfectly without lumps.
Step 4: Add liquids and simmer
Gradually whisk in chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly and flavors to meld together over about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in cream and cheese
Lower the heat and slowly incorporate heavy cream and shredded Swiss cheese, stirring until melted for that signature creamy, cheesy richness.
Step 6: Season and finish
Add Dijon mustard along with a pinch of nutmeg, adjust salt and pepper to taste, then simmer for a few more minutes before serving warm and comforting.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
- Use fresh cheese: Freshly shredded Swiss melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, preventing clumps.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Add the chicken last or cook until just done to keep it juicy and tender.
- Slowly add liquids: Gradual incorporation helps avoid lumps and ensures a silky texture.
- Customize thickness: Adjust flour quantity or add more broth depending on whether you prefer thicker or thinner soup.
- Season gradually: Taste often throughout cooking to perfectly balance saltiness and tanginess.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Garnishes
Top your bowl with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of green and freshness, or sprinkle a little extra shredded Swiss cheese for added indulgence.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crusty bread or buttery garlic toast to soak up every bit of that creamy soup, and a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in small bread bowls or ramekins, or drizzle with a touch of truffle oil or a few drops of hot sauce to elevate the flavor experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any remaining Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within three days for the best freshness and flavor.
Freezing
This soup freezes well—just leave out the cream when freezing and add it fresh upon reheating to maintain the ideal creamy texture without separation.
Reheating
Gently reheat over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to evenly distribute the cream and cheese, bringing the soup back to its luscious state.
FAQs
Can I use cooked chicken for Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?
Absolutely! Using cooked chicken is a great way to save time; just add it towards the end of cooking to warm through without drying out.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, but to keep the texture smooth, freeze the soup before adding the cream and cheese, then incorporate them fresh when reheating.
What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
Gruyere or Emmental make fantastic alternatives, offering similar meltability and flavor without changing the soup’s character too much.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
With substitutions like coconut cream and vegan cheese, you can adapt this recipe to be dairy-free and still enjoy a creamy, satisfying result.
How long does this soup keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the soup stays fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for enjoying leftovers within a few meals.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dish that blends comfort, convenience, and cheesiness all in one, Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is your new go-to. It hits every note of warmth and flavor you want on a chilly evening, plus it’s easy enough to whip up on busy nights and special enough to impress loved ones. Give it a try and make it a cozy staple in your recipe rotation!
Related Posts
PrintChicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is a creamy, savory soup that transforms the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu flavors into a warm, comforting meal. This one-pot dish combines tender chicken, smoky ham, and melted Swiss cheese in a rich broth, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings, offering a satisfying balance of textures and cheesy goodness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Proteins
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup diced ham
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth
Dry Ingredients & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent to build the soup’s flavor foundation.
- Cook chicken and ham: Add diced chicken breasts and ham to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is opaque but not browned to keep it tender.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle flour over the cooked meat and stir constantly for a few minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the soup smoothly without lumps.
- Add liquids and simmer: Gradually whisk in chicken broth, bring the soup to a gentle simmer, and allow it to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together over about 10 minutes.
- Stir in cream and cheese: Lower the heat and slowly incorporate the heavy cream and shredded Swiss cheese, stirring until cheese is melted and the soup is creamy and rich.
- Season and finish: Add Dijon mustard and a pinch of nutmeg, adjust salt and pepper to taste, then simmer for a few more minutes before serving warm and comforting.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded Swiss cheese for smoother melting and to prevent clumps.
- Do not overcook the chicken; cook until just opaque to keep it juicy and tender.
- Add chicken broth gradually to avoid lumps and ensure a silky texture.
- Adjust the flour amount or broth quantity to customize soup thickness.
- Taste and season gradually to perfectly balance saltiness and tanginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, creamy chicken soup, comfort food soup, cheesy chicken soup, one-pot soup
