Hearty Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe

Warm & Cozy Hearty Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe

Steaming bowls of classic chicken cordon bleu soup bring comfort to chilly evenings, blending rich flavors that dance across your palate.

Swiss cheese melts seamlessly into creamy broth, creating a luxurious base for tender chicken and savory ham.

Each spoonful carries the essence of the beloved traditional dish, reimagined as a warming soup.

Crispy croutons scattered on top add delightful crunch to this velvety creation.

Home cooks adore how quickly this recipe comes together, transforming familiar ingredients into something extraordinary.

Creamy, indulgent, and packed with robust flavor, this soup promises to become your new cold-weather companion.

Warm up and savor every delicious bite of this comforting culinary experience.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup in Style

  • Comfort Bowl Companions: Pair this rich soup with a light, crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy texture.
  • Crunch Corner: Top with homemade garlic croutons, toasted breadcrumbs, or crushed butter crackers for an extra satisfying crispy element that adds delightful texture.
  • Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the soup's creamy profile with a chilled Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio that cuts through the richness while enhancing the cheesy chicken flavors.
  • Bread Basket Buddies: Serve alongside warm, crusty French bread, soft dinner rolls, or garlic toast points for perfect dipping and soaking up every delicious spoonful.

Save Some Soup for Later Without Losing the Creaminess

  • Store leftover soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently to prevent separation.
  • Warm soup slowly on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add small splash of chicken broth if soup seems thick. Avoid microwave to maintain creamy texture and prevent cheese from breaking.
  • Divide soup into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Label containers with date and contents for quick kitchen organization. Perfect for meal prep enthusiasts wanting convenient, delicious options during busy weeks.

FAQs

  • Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

  • Is this soup gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains flour for the roux, which makes it not gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, you could substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can substitute with provolone, Gruyère, or a mild cheddar to match your taste preferences. Just ensure the cheese melts well.

  • What can I do if the soup is too thick?

If the soup becomes too thick, simply thin it out by adding a little more chicken broth or half-and-half until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well while adding liquid.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients That Bring Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup to Life

For Base and Liquid Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich, velvety foundation for the soup's texture and enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and creates warm, inviting base notes for the dish.
  • Flour: Creates smooth thickening agent for achieving perfect soup consistency.
  • Chicken Broth: Delivers robust savory background and essential liquid component.
  • Half-and-Half: Introduces creamy smoothness and luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Heavy Cream: Amplifies richness and contributes silky texture.
  • Onion Powder: Delivers subtle sweetness and balanced seasoning.
  • Thyme: Provides delicate herbal undertone and complementary flavor complexity.
For Protein and Cheese Components:
  • Shredded Chicken: Hearty protein source offering substantial meat texture.
  • Diced Ham: Introduces smoky, salty dimension and additional protein layer.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates ultra-smooth, tangy base that melts beautifully.
  • Swiss Cheese: Supplies nutty, distinctive melting quality with gentle sharpness.
For Garnish and Optional Additions:
  • Croutons: Adds delightful crunch and textural contrast.
  • Bacon Bits: Introduces smoky, crispy element with intense flavor punch.
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides bright, fresh finishing touch with vibrant color.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances overall seasoning profile.
  • Black Pepper: Delivers subtle heat and aromatic warmth.

Soup Tools That Make Chicken Cordon Bleu a Breeze

  • Large pot or dutch oven: Essential for creating the soup base and combining ingredients.
  • Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending broth, cream, and preventing lumps in the roux.
  • Cutting board: Needed for dicing ham and chopping herbs.
  • Sharp knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Ladle: Used for serving the soup into bowls.
  • Cheese grater: Useful for shredding Swiss cheese if not pre-shredded.

How to Simmer Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Just Right

  • Create Flavor Base

Warm butter in a large pot, toss in fresh garlic until it releases its aromatic essence. Sprinkle flour and whisk until a silky golden roux develops, creating a rich foundation for the soup.

  • Build Creamy Foundation

Pour in chicken broth and cream, blending smoothly with gentle whisking. Awaken the liquid with hints of onion powder and thyme, letting the mixture bubble and thicken into a luxurious consistency.

  • Introduce Protein and Cheese

Fold tender chicken and savory ham into the creamy landscape. Drop cream cheese cubes, stirring until they melt into velvety swirls. Sprinkle Swiss cheese, stirring until the soup transforms into a harmonious, smooth creation.

  • Elevate and Serve

Transfer the steaming soup into waiting bowls. For an extra touch of indulgence, crown with crispy bacon bits, crunchy croutons, and a shower of fresh parsley. Enjoy immediately while the soup radiates warmth and comfort.

Add Your Own Twist to This Comforting Classic

  • Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Variations
  • Use an immersion blender to create a smoother, more velvety soup consistency if you prefer less chunky textures.
  • Swap chicken for rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted turkey for a quick flavor boost and easier preparation.
  • Replace flour with cornstarch or almond flour to make the recipe more keto-friendly and reduce overall carbohydrate content.
  • Substitute heavy cream and half-and-half with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lactose-free alternative that maintains creamy richness.
  • Add a dash of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for an extra layer of warmth and complexity in the flavor profile.
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Hearty Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe

Hearty Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup blends classic French-inspired flavors into a comforting winter meal. Creamy Swiss cheese, tender chicken, and savory ham create a rich, satisfying experience you’ll love savoring.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cubed and softened
  • 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup ham, diced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Croutons
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Flavor Foundation: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence.
  2. Roux Development: Sprinkle flour into the buttery base, whisking continuously to create a golden, smooth mixture that will thicken the soup’s foundation.
  3. Liquid Integration: Stream chicken broth, half-and-half, and cream into the roux, whisking to eliminate lumps. Infuse with onion powder and thyme, creating a rich, herbaceous liquid.
  4. Protein and Cheese Fusion: Introduce shredded chicken, diced ham, and cream cheese cubes into the simmering liquid. Gradually fold in Swiss cheese, allowing it to melt completely and create a luxurious, creamy texture.
  5. Seasoning and Refinement: Carefully season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
  6. Finishing and Serving: Ladle the piping hot soup into serving bowls. Garnish with crispy croutons, crumbled bacon bits, and fresh parsley sprigs to add texture and visual appeal. Serve immediately while steaming hot.

Notes

  • Prevent Roux Lumps: Whisk continuously and slowly add liquid to avoid unwanted flour clumps, ensuring a smooth, silky soup base.
  • Control Cheese Melting: Add Swiss cheese off direct heat and stir gently to prevent separation and maintain creamy texture without graininess.
  • Adjust Thickness Strategically: Modify soup consistency by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin, creating perfect liquid density.
  • Elevate Dietary Adaptations: Substitute heavy cream with lactose-free alternatives, use gluten-free flour for roux, and select low-sodium broth for dietary-specific versions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 570
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 24 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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