Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe

If you love classic comfort food but want something a little unexpected, Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the flavors of the iconic French-inspired dish—tender chicken, savory ham, melting Swiss cheese, and a touch of Dijon—swirled together in a creamy, soul-warming bowl. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this soup is as luxurious as it is approachable, and it brings pure joy to the table with every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a dish that feels downright gourmet. Each one brings its own touch—think rich cream, fragrant veggies, classic deli meats, and just enough spice to keep things interesting.

• ¼ cup unsalted butter: Creates a rich, buttery base for sautéing and develops flavor right from the start.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced: Brings a gentle sweetness and depth to the soup as it cooks down.
• 2 carrots, diced: Add color, subtle sweetness, and satisfying bite to every spoonful.
• 2 ribs celery, diced: Infuses freshness and a slight crunch that balances the creaminess.
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Gives a fragrant, savory kick that awakens all the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a warm, earthy undertone and beautiful color.
• 1 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste): Enhances every other ingredient—don’t be afraid to taste and adjust!
• ½ teaspoon pepper: Grounds the soup with just the right amount of gentle heat.
• 1 (32 oz) box chicken broth: Forms a hearty, flavorful foundation for the whole soup.
• 1 pint heavy cream: Lends incredible silkiness and a luxurious mouthfeel.
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Delivers tangy, sharp complexity—honestly, it’s a game changer.
• 4 cups cooked and cubed chicken (about 1 rotisserie chicken or 1 pound): Offers convenience and boosts protein; leftover turkey works beautifully, too!
• 1 (8 oz) package cubed ham: Adds classic salty flavor; leftover holiday ham is perfect here.
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed and softened: Melts seamlessly and thickens the soup to dreamy perfection.
• Swiss cheese, shredded (for serving): Sprinkled on top for authentic Chicken Cordon Bleu vibes.
• Homemade croutons (or store-bought, for serving): Add crunch and make every bite even more delightful!

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the butter in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add your diced onion, carrots, and celery—these classic aromatics, known as mirepoix, create a sturdy, flavorful base for the soup. Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together, stirring regularly, until the carrots are tender and the kitchen smells absolutely mouthwatering, about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Broth

Once the veggies are softened and fragrant, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. The broth brings savory depth, while the cream transforms everything into a silky, substantial pot of warmth.

Step 3: Add the Meats and Cheese

It’s time to add the heart and soul of Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup: in go the Dijon mustard, chicken, ham, and cubes of softened cream cheese. Let these ingredients heat up gently, stirring often so the cream cheese melts completely and incorporates smoothly into the broth. The Dijon lends tang, and the duo of chicken and ham turns this soup into a truly satisfying meal.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

Give the soup a good taste and adjust your seasonings as needed. Maybe you want a pinch more salt or an extra dash of pepper; trust your taste buds. Let everything simmer together until it’s piping hot and perfectly balanced.

Step 5: Serve with the Finishing Touches

Ladle the soup into bowls, then top each with a generous sprinkle of shredded Swiss cheese and a handful of crunchy croutons. These toppings melt slightly into the hot soup, giving every bite layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so memorable.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

Garnishes

Garnishes are where you can really make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup feel special. The classic combo of shredded Swiss cheese and crisp croutons is traditional for a reason—they add meltiness and crunch in all the right places. If you’re feeling fancy, try a little fresh parsley or a dash of extra paprika over the top for a flash of color and even more flavor.

Side Dishes

This soup is plenty hearty on its own, but it shines even brighter alongside the right sides. Crusty artisan bread or a warm baguette is perfect for dunking, while a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup. If you want true comfort food vibes, serve it with roasted veggies or buttery mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

To really impress, try serving Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup in small bread bowls—guests will love tearing off chunks of savory bread soaked with silky soup. For smaller gatherings, ladle the soup into mugs for a cozy, casual feel, or serve in individual ramekins with their own little broiler-melted layer of Swiss cheese on top, almost like a French onion soup twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup (lucky you!), simply let it cool to room temperature, then portion it into airtight containers. It’ll keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for lunches or a quick dinner later in the week.

Freezing

While this soup is decadent and creamy thanks to the dairy, you can absolutely freeze it—just know the texture might change slightly as it thaws. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the Swiss cheese garnish and croutons. Store flat in freezer bags or in rigid, freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often to keep that creamy texture nice and smooth. If it thickens up too much in the fridge, just add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it. Avoid boiling once you’ve added the dairy, as that can make things separate.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey works beautifully in Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup and gives you another way to enjoy those holiday leftovers with a fun flavor twist.

Is there a way to lighten up this soup?

If you’d like a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, and use reduced-fat cream cheese. Your soup will be a bit less rich, but still delicious and comforting.

Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup gluten-free?

Great question! The base recipe does not include flour, so just ensure your croutons and chicken broth are gluten-free, and you’re good to go!

What’s the best way to cook chicken for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and brings a wonderful depth of flavor, but you can also poach, roast, or grill chicken breasts and cube them yourself. Even leftover grilled chicken is fantastic here!

Can this soup be made in a slow cooker?

You can! Sauté the veggies first as directed, then add everything except the cream cheese, Swiss cheese, and croutons to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours, stir in softened cream cheese near the end, and garnish before serving.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to bring a little culinary magic to your kitchen with Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup—seriously, it’s like a beloved classic dinner reimagined in the most comforting, spoonable way possible. Give it a try soon, and don’t forget to pile on the cheese and croutons for that irresistible, just-one-more-bite experience!

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