If you adore all the savory charm of a classic chicken cordon bleu but want to cozy up with something warm and spoonable, you are going to fall head over heels for this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect bowl of comfort, blending tender chicken, smoky ham, creamy cheese, and a touch of mustard for that signature tangy kick, all simmered into a luscious, velvety soup. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal on a chilly evening or an impressive dish to share with friends and family, this recipe hits every note to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that balance flavor, richness, and a beautiful color palette. Every item plays a crucial role in building those layers of taste and texture that make this soup unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Adds a silky richness and helps sauté the veggies perfectly without overpowering the dish.
- Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base that infuses the soup with depth.
- Carrots (2, diced): Bring a vibrant color and gentle natural sweetness to brighten each spoonful.
- Celery (2 ribs, diced): Adds a fresh crunch and classic soup flavor profile.
- Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Enhances the savory notes with its pungent and fragrant punch.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Lends a smoky warmth and beautiful reddish hue to the broth.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances and amplifies all the flavors—adjust to taste for perfect seasoning.
- Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a mild heat and complexity that wakes up the palate gently.
- Chicken broth (32 oz): The flavorful liquid foundation that ties everything together with savory depth.
- Heavy cream (1 pint): Creates a luxurious, creamy texture that makes this soup pure indulgence.
- Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): The secret ingredient for that iconic Chicken Cordon Bleu tang and subtle zing.
- Cooked and cubed chicken (4 cups): Provides hearty protein and echoes the classic dish’s star ingredient perfectly.
- Cubed ham (8 oz): Leftover holiday ham works beautifully here, adding smoky, salty bites throughout.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, cubed and softened): Melts into the soup for a silky, rich creaminess that’s utterly satisfying.
- Shredded Swiss cheese: For sprinkling on top, adding gooey, nutty layers with every spoonful.
- Homemade or store-bought croutons: Offer a delightful crunch to contrast the smooth soup texture.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics with Butter
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a large stockpot over medium heat. This ensures a smooth base without any burnt bits, setting the stage for the veggies to release their flavors beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Veggies and Spices
Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir regularly as you gently cook the mixture for about 10 minutes until the carrots soften. This process builds a fragrant and colorful foundation that’s absolutely essential for the soul of the soup.
Step 3: Combine Broth, Cream, and Mustard
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the Dijon mustard. The mustard brightens the creamy base and adds that unmistakable Chicken Cordon Bleu flavor. This is where the soup begins to transform into the rich, velvety wonder you’re anticipating.
Step 4: Add Chicken, Ham, and Cream Cheese
Next, mix in your cooked and cubed chicken, ham, and softened cream cheese. Keep stirring gently over medium heat until the soup is hot and the cream cheese has fully melted, creating an irresistibly smooth consistency that carries every ingredient’s flavor in perfect harmony.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Give your soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to make sure every bite sings. Then ladle it into bowls and top generously with shredded Swiss cheese and crispy croutons for that classic finishing touch. Get ready for a comforting experience that tastes like a warm hug!
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Swiss cheese and golden croutons are your go-to garnishes here. The Swiss melts beautifully, adding nutty richness while the croutons bring a satisfying crunch that contrasts the creamy soup perfectly. For an extra pop, try a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme to add a bright herbal note.
Side Dishes
While this soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or warm, crusty bread keeps the meal well-rounded. A simple Caesar salad or roasted vegetable medley also complements the savory flavors without competing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in rustic bread bowls for a fun twist that’s sure to impress guests. You could also pour it into individual ramekins topped with melted Swiss and breadcrumbs for a quasi-gratin style presentation that brings elegance to casual dining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen, making leftovers just as delicious as the first serving.
Freezing
This soup freezes well for up to 2 months. For best results, cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat your soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent curdling. Adding a splash of broth or cream while warming can help restore its creamy texture and keep everything luscious.
FAQs
Can I use different cheese instead of Swiss?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese offers the classic flavor, Emmental or Gruyere make delicious substitutes with similar melting properties and nuttiness.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The soup itself is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth and croutons. For a gluten-free version, be mindful to swap traditional croutons for gluten-free ones or skip them altogether.
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
It’s best to use cooked, shredded or cubed chicken to ensure the soup stays creamy and the chicken stays tender. Adding raw chicken would require longer cooking and risk overcooking the dairy components.
How spicy is this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe?
This soup is mild with a gentle warmth thanks to the paprika and pepper—perfect for virtually all palates, including kids and those sensitive to heat.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
You can, by sautéing the veggies first, then adding all ingredients except cream and cheese to the slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in cream and cheese near the end until melted and combined.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe is the ultimate soul-soothing dish that transforms a beloved classic into a creamy, comforting bowl of pure joy. I promise once you try this, it’ll become a treasured staple in your recipe collection—perfect for cozy nights or any time you crave that nostalgic, cheesy goodness. Go ahead, make a big pot, share it generously, and watch everyone fall in love just like you did!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is a creamy, comforting dish inspired by the classic chicken cordon bleu flavors. Filled with tender cooked chicken, ham, cream cheese, and Swiss cheese, this hearty soup is perfect for a cozy meal that delivers rich, cheesy goodness with a hint of mustard and smokiness from paprika. It’s an easy-to-make soup that comes together quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Sauté Base
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Broth and Cream
- 1 (32 oz) box chicken broth
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Protein and Cheese
- 4 cups cooked and cubed chicken
- 1 (8 oz) package cubed ham (leftover holiday ham works great, too)
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed and softened to room temperature
For Serving
- Swiss cheese, shredded
- Homemade croutons or store-bought
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a large stockpot over medium heat, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Sauté Vegetables and Spices: Add diced onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper to the melted butter. Cook while stirring regularly until the carrots and vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes.
- Add Broth and Cream Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stir in Dijon mustard to infuse the soup with tangy flavor.
- Add Proteins and Cream Cheese: Add the cooked and cubed chicken, cubed ham, and softened cream cheese. Cook while stirring regularly until the soup is hot and the cream cheese has completely melted and incorporated, resulting in a creamy texture.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Spoon the soup into bowls and serve topped with shredded Swiss cheese and your choice of croutons for added crunch.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked chicken and ham to save time and add more flavor.
- Soften the cream cheese to room temperature before adding to ensure it melts smoothly without lumps.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, simmer a few minutes longer or add a small slurry of flour or cornstarch.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Homemade croutons add a wonderful crunch and can be customized with herbs and garlic.
