Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe
If you crave comfort food that feels both familiar and fancy in one delicious spoonful, Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is a dream come true. This creamy, decadent bowl brings together all the flavors you love in classic chicken cordon bleu: tender chicken, savory ham, gooey Swiss cheese, and the gentle touch of Dijon, all swimming in a velvety, soul-warming broth. It’s simple enough for a cozy weeknight but special enough to impress at a dinner party—each bite has the power to make you feel like you’re wrapped up in a culinary hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup lies in how each ingredient has a specific role: from building a fragrant base to creating creamy richness and finishing with those classic signature flavors. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides golden richness and helps soften your veggies gently.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Balances out the butter, preventing it from scorching and adding mild, fruity undertones.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Creates a flavorful foundation that sweetens as it cooks.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the soup with irresistible depth and aroma.
- 2 medium carrots, diced: Add a burst of color and gentle sweetness with every bite.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Lends earthy tones and a bit of crunch to the beginning stages.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: The secret to achieving that perfectly thick, luscious soup texture.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Forms the savory backbone of the soup, ensuring every spoonful is packed with flavor.
- 2 cups whole milk: Makes the broth creamy and adds a subtle sweetness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Transforms the soup from good to over-the-top luxurious.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: Brings protein and substance, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- 1 cup diced ham: Adds salty, smoky notes reminiscent of traditional cordon bleu.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: A nod to the French inspiration, it adds just the right amount of sharp, tangy flair.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses everything with cozy, herbal essence.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings all the flavors together and balances the richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds warmth and a touch of spice.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese: Melts into the broth like a dream, pulling everything together with its nutty, mellow flavor.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the finished soup and gives it a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Croutons for garnish (optional): For a salty, crunchy topper that’s totally addictive!
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by setting a large pot over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil, letting them melt together. Toss in the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté everything for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the kitchen smells amazing. This gentle, golden sauté is the key to building the soup’s savory, layered base.
Step 2: Add the Flour
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables. Stir constantly for about a minute to coat the veggies—you want the flour to disappear into the pot, losing its raw edge. This little move creates a flawless “roux” that will thicken your Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup to dreamy, creamy perfection later on.
Step 3: Pour in Liquids and Simmer
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then slowly add the milk and heavy cream, stirring all the while. This keeps the soup lump-free and silky. Bring everything to a gentle simmer (not a full-on boil!) and let it cook for about ten minutes, stirring every so often. The soup will thicken up as the flavors meld and mingle.
Step 4: Add the Meats and Seasonings
Now for the star players! Stir in your shredded chicken breast, diced ham, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Lower the heat to keep the soup at a delicate simmer. Let it all heat through while the ham works its magic and the mustard and thyme give the soup that signature Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup flavor.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low. Scatter in the shredded Swiss cheese, stirring constantly until it’s completely melted and your soup turns smooth, velvety, and slightly stringy—like a fondue in a bowl! Give it a quick taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Get ready because you’re almost at the finish line.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Ladle the piping hot soup into cozy bowls. Sprinkle each with fresh parsley and, if you’re feeling fancy (or crave crunch), scatter on some croutons. Dig in while the cheese is still gooey and everything is at its peak of creamy, hammy, chicken-packed deliciousness!
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

Garnishes
A handful of fresh parsley brings brightness that cuts through the richness, while croutons add irresistible crunch on top of the creamy base. You might also try a few extra shreds of Swiss cheese or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for a little flair—the finishing touches truly elevate your Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with a warm baguette or some rustic garlic bread to soak up every last drop. A light, crisp green salad with a mustard vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast. If you’re serving this for a dinner party, try adding a platter of pickled vegetables or simple roasted asparagus for extra color and texture on the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, ladle Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup into small bowls or mugs and top with mini toasted ham and cheese sandwiches as “croutons.” You can also serve it in hollowed-out bread boules for a rustic, hearty touch. Individual soups in oven-safe crocks, finished with a broiled cheesy top, bring French bistro vibes right to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup thickens a bit as it sits—just give it a quick stir before reheating and add a splash of broth or milk if it seems too thick.
Freezing
This soup is freezer-friendly! Pour cooled Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags (leave a little room for expansion). Label and freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly due to the dairy, but a gentle reheat and some extra whisking will bring the creaminess right back.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup has thickened a lot, whisk in a bit of broth, milk, or water until you achieve your perfect consistency. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through to prevent “hot spots.”
FAQs
What’s the best type Soup, Main Course
Shredded cooked chicken breast is ideal for this soup, but leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and adds extra flavor. Just be sure to remove any skin for the best texture in your final dish.
Can I substitute other cheeses for Swiss?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is classic, Gruyère is a fantastic alternative for an earthier, slightly nuttier bite. Monterey jack or mozzarella can work in a pinch if you want a milder soup.
How do I make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup gluten-free?
To keep the soup gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Be sure your croutons (if using) are also gluten-free, and you’ll still enjoy that lovely creamy consistency.
Is it possible to lighten up this soup?
Certainly! For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and swap in low-fat milk. The soup will be a bit less rich but still delicious and full of flavor.
Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Sauté the veggies and flour as directed, then transfer everything except the cheese and parsley to your slow cooker. Cook on low for about 4 hours, stir in the cheese and parsley just before serving, and you’re ready to go.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for something out-of-the-ordinary yet deeply satisfying, Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is bound to become a new favorite around your table. With its melty cheese, pops of ham, and creamy, comforting base, it’s a dish that never fails to make folks smile. Give it a try—you might just find yourself ladling out seconds and soaking up every last drop!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic Chicken Cordon Bleu in soup form with this creamy and hearty recipe. Perfect for a cozy winter meal, this soup combines tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese in a rich and flavorful broth.
Ingredients
Vegetable Base:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Soup:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Croutons for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables: In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir to coat.
- Make Soup Base: Slowly whisk in chicken broth, milk, and cream. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Add Protein and Flavor: Stir in chicken, ham, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add Swiss cheese and stir until melted.
- Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with parsley, and garnish with croutons.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of dry white wine with the broth.
- Gruyère cheese can be used in place of Swiss for a more traditional flavor.
- This soup thickens as it cools—add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg