If you have ever dreamed of turning the beloved classic Chicken Cordon Bleu into a cozy, comforting bowl of soup, you are in for a treat. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe brilliantly captures the rich flavors of tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy Swiss cheese all swirling together in a luscious broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s an absolute must-try that transforms your favorite restaurant dish into a soul-satisfying meal made right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor that are rich yet comforting. From the sweetness of sautéed onions and the boldness of Dijon mustard to the creamy blend of Swiss cheese and heavy cream, each item plays a vital role in delivering that classic taste and velvety texture.
- Butter: Acts as the perfect base to sauté onions and garlic, adding richness right from the start.
- Small onion, diced: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth when softened gently.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds aromatic warmth that makes the soup inviting.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that carries all the ingredients together.
- Cooked chicken, shredded: Tender protein that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
- Ham, diced: Provides a smoky, savory contrast that defines the Cordon Bleu essence.
- Swiss cheese, shredded: Melts into creamy goodness with its signature nutty flavor.
- Heavy cream: Ensures the soup is luxuriously smooth and rich.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup to the perfect consistency.
- Milk: Lightens the cream slightly while maintaining silky texture.
- Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle tang and spice that brightens the taste.
- Black pepper: Adds mild heat and balance to the flavors.
- Salt: Enhances every ingredient’s natural essence when added carefully.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: The finishing touch that adds color and a fresh herbal note.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking gently for 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This step is crucial because it builds the flavorful foundation that your soup will be layered upon.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Sprinkle the flour into the pot, stirring continuously for about a minute. This technique forms a roux, which will thicken the soup later without making it heavy or pasty. Keep stirring so it cooks evenly and doesn’t brown.
Step 3: Add the Broth
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring you smooth out any lumps from the roux. This helps create a silky, uniform base that’s ready to absorb the savory richness of the chicken and ham.
Step 4: Incorporate the Meats and Mustard
Stir in the shredded chicken, diced ham, and Dijon mustard. Bring everything to a gentle simmer so the flavors can marry beautifully. Let this mixture meld for about 10 minutes—it’s when the magic of Chicken Cordon Bleu truly begins to shine in soup form.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Milk
Gradually add the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly as the soup thickens. Cook for another 5 minutes to ensure a smooth, creamy texture that complements the tender meats.
Step 6: Melt in the Swiss Cheese
Add the shredded Swiss cheese in small batches. With gentle stirring, allow it to melt completely into the warm soup, transforming it into a decadent, gooey delight. Season to taste with salt and black pepper for that perfect cozy balance.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once your soup has thickened to your liking, remove it from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. This splash of green not only brightens the presentation but adds a fresh flavor contrast to the richness.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Finish off your Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and light herbaceous note. For some added crunch, a handful of toasted breadcrumbs or crisp ham bits can amplify the texture beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup with crusty French bread or a warm baguette to scoop up every last spoonful. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette makes a refreshing accompaniment that balances the creamy soup wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, ladle the soup into rustic bowls and garnish with thin slices of Swiss cheese or a drizzle of mustard cream sauce. Serving it in mini bread bowls can turn this comforting dish into an elegant starter or party favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and give it a good stir before reheating to reincorporate any separated cream.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but be mindful that dairy-based soups sometimes separate after freezing. To minimize this, freeze before adding cheese and cream, then stir these in fresh when reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup over low heat on the stove, stirring often to keep the creamy ingredients from curdling or sticking. Adding a little extra milk or cream while warming can help restore its luscious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses instead of Swiss?
Absolutely! Gruyère or Emmental make excellent substitutes, as they melt well and provide a similar mild, nutty flavor that complements the chicken and ham beautifully.
Is this soup spicy?
No, this recipe isn’t spicy. The Dijon mustard adds a gentle tang and subtle kick, but it keeps the soup mild and approachable for all taste preferences.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding hearty mushrooms can replicate some of the savory depth found in the original version.
How thick should the soup be?
This soup should be creamy and slightly thickened, but still spoonable. If it thickens too much, simply thin it out with a splash of milk or broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk to maintain creaminess. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe is one of those rare dishes that wraps you in warmth and delight with every spoonful. It’s perfect for cozy nights or when you want to impress with a comforting homemade meal that tastes like it belongs in a bistro. Give it a try soon—you might just find a new favorite way to enjoy a classic!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This comforting Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup captures all the classic flavors of the iconic dish in a creamy, cheesy soup. Featuring tender shredded chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese in a rich broth, this easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal that warms you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Protein & Cheese
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ham, diced
- 1½ cups Swiss cheese, shredded
Liquids & Seasonings
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and cook for another minute, stirring continuously to form a roux which will thicken the soup.
- Add Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain for a smooth base.
- Add Proteins and Flavor: Stir in the shredded chicken, diced ham, and Dijon mustard. Bring the soup to a simmer and let the flavors meld for about 10 minutes.
- Incorporate Cream and Milk: Gradually stir in the heavy cream and milk, cooking for another 5 minutes until the soup is creamy and smooth.
- Melt Cheese and Season: Add the shredded Swiss cheese in small batches, stirring until fully melted. Season the soup with black pepper and salt to taste.
- Finish and Serve: Once the soup reaches your desired thickness, remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use cooked chicken leftover from a roasted chicken or poach chicken breasts specifically for the soup.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more chicken broth for a thinner soup or cooking a bit longer to thicken further.
- Swiss cheese can be substituted with Gruyère for a nuttier flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or omit milk altogether.
- Be sure to whisk in the broth gradually to avoid lumps when making the roux base.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
