Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Cozy up with creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup made easy! This comforting blend of tender chicken, ham, and cheese creates a warm and hearty bowl of deliciousness that feels like your favorite classic casserole transformed into a soothing soup. Whether it’s chilly outside or you just want a satisfying meal in minutes, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is sure to bring a smile to your face with every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in a bowl: The rich, creamy texture paired with savory chicken and ham makes this soup incredibly satisfying and cozy.
- Quick and simple preparation: With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, you can have this delicious soup on your table in under an hour.
- Family-friendly flavors: The classic pairing of chicken, ham, and cheese appeals to all ages, making it perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
- Versatile and adaptable: This recipe easily takes on your favorite veggies, cheeses, or seasoning tweaks to match your personal taste.
- Leftovers that shine: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it a convenient and delicious meal prep choice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup combines classic, pantry-friendly ingredients that deliver big flavor and comforting texture. Each element plays a key role – tender cooked chicken brings protein, ham adds smoky savoriness, and cheese gives that signature gooey richness you crave.
- Cooked chicken: Shredded or cubed, it’s the hearty base that fills you up.
- Diced cooked ham: Adds a salty, savory boost that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- Sharp Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully for that creamy, slightly nutty taste.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half: Creates the rich and velvety broth that makes this soup feel indulgent.
- Chicken broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Butter and flour: For making a smooth roux that thickens the soup to the perfect consistency.
- Onion and garlic: Sautéed to add depth and aromatics that bring the whole dish together.
- Dijon mustard: A touch of tang that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- Nutmeg and black pepper: Gentle warming spices that round out the taste.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a bright pop of color and freshness as a garnish.
Variations for Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Feel free to make this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup your own! It’s super easy to adjust ingredients based on what you have, dietary preferences, or simply to keep things interesting when you make it again.
- Low-carb version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use cauliflower rice for a lighter feel.
- Extra veggies: Add diced broccoli, mushrooms, or peas for more texture and nutrition.
- Cheese variety: Swap Swiss for Gruyere or cheddar for a different but equally delightful cheesy twist.
- Dairy-free option: Use almond milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives to make it suitable for lactose intolerance.
- Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat to balance the creaminess.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant—this builds a flavorful foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes to form a roux; this will thicken the soup and prevent it from being watery.
Step 3: Gradually Add Liquids
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and then the heavy cream, making sure the roux dissolves smoothly without lumps.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Ham
Stir in shredded cooked chicken and diced ham, allowing the flavors to meld as the soup simmers gently over low heat.
Step 5: Season and Melt Cheese
Add Dijon mustard, nutmeg, and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Then slowly fold in the shredded Swiss cheese, stirring until completely melted and creamy.
Step 6: Simmer and Serve
Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to thicken and allow flavors to combine perfectly. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving warm.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
- Use day-old chicken: Leftover roast or baked chicken works wonderfully in this soup for extra flavor and texture.
- Grate cheese fresh: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting quality and soup texture.
- Don’t rush the roux: Take your time stirring the flour and butter mixture to avoid a raw flour taste.
- Adjust thickness: Add more broth if it’s too thick, or simmer longer to reduce for a richer consistency.
- Avoid boiling after cheese: Keep heat low once the cheese is added to prevent it from curdling.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds color and a fresh note that brightens up the creamy richness of the soup.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or simple roasted vegetables to round out your comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in hollowed-out small bread bowls or alongside baked puff pastry twists for a restaurant-style experience at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes well; store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Warm the soup slowly over low heat on the stovetop, stirring often to prevent the cheese from separating or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or baked chicken adds fantastic flavor and is a great way to reduce waste while making this soup.
What cheese works best for Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?
Swiss cheese is traditional and melts beautifully, but Gruyere or mild cheddar can be tasty alternatives depending on your preference.
Is Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Just make sure to thaw it slowly and reheat gently to maintain creamy texture.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut or almond milk and use dairy-free cheese to enjoy a creamy, lactose-free version.
How do I thicken Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?
The roux made from butter and flour is key, but if you want it thicker, simmer the soup a bit longer or add a slurry of cornstarch mixed with water.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is your new go-to. It’s easy to make, deliciously creamy, and packed with flavors that remind you of your favorite comfort foods. Give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
- 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
Description
Cozy up with creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup combining tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese in a rich, comforting broth. This quick and easy soup transforms the classic casserole flavors into a warm bowl of deliciousness perfect for chilly days or satisfying weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
Dairy & Fats
- 1 cup sharp Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 3 tablespoons butter
Liquids & Broth
- 3 cups chicken broth
Aromatics & Seasonings
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant to build a flavorful base.
- Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the soup and prevent it from being watery.
- Step 3: Gradually Add Liquids
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth then the heavy cream, ensuring the roux dissolves smoothly without lumps.
- Step 4: Add Chicken and Ham
Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and diced ham. Let the soup simmer gently over low heat to meld the flavors.
- Step 5: Season and Melt Cheese
Add Dijon mustard, nutmeg, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Slowly fold in the shredded Swiss cheese, stirring until it is completely melted and creamy.
- Step 6: Simmer and Serve
Allow the soup to simmer for a few more minutes to thicken and combine flavors perfectly. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- Use day-old or leftover roasted/baked chicken for extra flavor and texture.
- Grate cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded to ensure smooth melting and better texture.
- Take your time stirring the roux to avoid raw flour taste.
- Adjust soup thickness by adding more broth if too thick, or simmering longer to reduce.
- Keep heat low after adding cheese to prevent curdling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, creamy chicken soup, ham and cheese soup, comfort food soup, easy chicken soup, creamy soup recipes, cozy soup, hearty chicken soup
