Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

If you’re craving something that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of gourmet flair to your dinner table, look no further than this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup. This creamy, flavorful soup combines tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese in a rich broth that will have you cozying up with every spoonful. Perfect as a main dish or a hearty starter, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup delivers all the classic flavors of the beloved casserole in an easy-to-make, satisfying bowl ready for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in a bowl: Delivers the classic taste of Chicken Cordon Bleu in a warm, creamy soup form.
• Easy to prepare: Uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich and flavorful: Combines savory chicken, salty ham, and creamy cheese harmoniously.
• Versatile meal: Works wonderfully as lunch, dinner, or served at special gatherings.
• Customizable: Easily adapted to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Though the ingredients are straightforward, each one plays a key role in building the depth of flavor, creamy texture, and satisfying richness that define this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup.

• Chicken breasts: The star protein, cooked and shredded for tender bites throughout the soup.
• Deli ham: Adds a salty, smoky contrast reminiscent of the classic dish.
• Swiss cheese: Melts into the soup to create silky creaminess and that signature cheesy tang.
• Butter and flour: Combined to form a roux, essential for a thick, velvety base.
• Chicken broth: Lends savory depth while keeping the soup light and flavorful.
• Milk and cream: Together they enrich the broth for luscious, creamy mouthfeel.
• Garlic and onions: Provide aromatic sweetness and complexity.
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, mustard powder): Perfectly balance and elevate every bite.
• Fresh parsley: For a pop of color and fresh, bright flavor at the end.

Variations for Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is incredibly flexible so you can tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with these simple adjustments that keep the heart of the recipe intact.

• Swap the cheese: Substitute Swiss with Gruyère or mozzarella for different melty textures.
• Make it low-carb: Skip flour in the roux and use cauliflower cream to thicken instead.
• Go dairy-free: Use coconut milk or almond milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Add veggies: Throw in mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Use different ham types: Try smoked or honey-glazed ham for varied savory notes.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by cooking chicken breasts in simmering chicken broth or water until fully cooked and tender. Once cooled slightly, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces for a soft, flaky texture in the soup.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour gradually, whisking constantly to form a smooth paste. Cook the roux for a couple of minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, which will help thicken the soup base.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by milk and cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken into a creamy consistency.

Step 4: Add Flavors

Sauté finely chopped onions and garlic separately until translucent and aromatic, then stir them into the soup base. Add mustard powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to season, adjusting to your taste.

Step 5: Incorporate Chicken, Ham, and Cheese

Stir in the shredded chicken and diced ham, letting them warm through. Slowly add shredded Swiss cheese, stirring constantly until melted and fully combined, creating that signature creamy and cheesy texture.

Step 6: Final Touches

Simmer the soup gently for a few more minutes to marry the flavors. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color and a bright finish.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

• Use freshly shredded chicken: It provides better texture and flavor compared to pre-cooked or canned options.
• Don’t skip the roux: It’s the foundation for the soup’s creamy thickness and smooth mouthfeel.
• Grate cheese fresh: Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that affect melting quality.
• Heat cheese gently: Add cheese off direct heat or on low to prevent clumping or graininess.
• Adjust seasoning at the end: Soup flavors develop as it simmers, so taste before final seasoning.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or chives add a pop of green and subtle oniony freshness, while a sprinkle of extra shredded Swiss cheese on top gives a melty indulgence. For texture contrast, crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs work beautifully.

Side Dishes

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread, warm garlic rolls, or a fresh garden salad. A side of roasted vegetables or a light fruit salad offers a perfect balance to the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in mini bread bowls for a fun and edible presentation, or garnish each bowl with a delicate slice of ham rolled into a rose shape. Adding a drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can turn it into an elegant starter for dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the soup completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep the flavor vibrant and the texture creamy.

Freezing

Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup freezes well when packed in freezer-safe containers. Leave some headspace as the soup will expand slightly. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without sacrificing taste.

Reheating

For best results, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to adjust the consistency.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this soup?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works wonderfully in this recipe and can save you time.

Is there a vegetarian version of Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?

You can replace the chicken and ham with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free cheese and broth to create a vegetarian-friendly version.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, simply add all ingredients except cheese towards the end, and melt the cheese during the last 15 minutes on low to avoid curdling.

What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?

Gruyère, mozzarella, or even provolone are excellent substitutes that melt well and offer a slightly different but delicious flavor.

How thick should Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup be?

The soup should have a creamy, slightly thickened consistency that’s easy to ladle but not too heavy or gelatinous.

Final Thoughts

If you want a comforting, flavorful dish that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is your new go-to recipe. It blends the best of creamy soups with beloved classic flavors in every satisfying spoonful. Give it a try tonight—you might just find your new favorite cozy dinner!

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