Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe

The first time I made this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe, I was amazed at how all the flavors of the classic dish could be transformed into a warm, comforting bowl of soup. I’ve always loved the combination of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese, but turning it into a creamy, savory soup was a revelation.

It’s become my go-to recipe for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, especially when I’m craving something cozy. I love that it’s incredibly easy to make yet tastes so rich and complex, my family thinks I spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Here is the simple list of ingredients needed to create this rich and cheesy soup.

• 1/4 cup butter – This creates the rich base for the soup’s roux, adding a creamy flavor right from the start.
• 1/2 white onion, diced – A white onion offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients.
• 1 clove garlic, minced – Always use fresh garlic for the best aromatic and pungent flavor boost.
• 1/4 cup flour – This is the thickener for the soup. All-purpose flour works perfectly to create a smooth, creamy consistency.
• 3 cups chicken broth – I prefer using a low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness, or even better, a rich chicken bone broth for extra flavor.
• 2 cups half-and-half – This adds the perfect level of creaminess without being too heavy. Make sure it’s at room temperature to prevent curdling.
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened – Softening the cream cheese is key; it ensures it melts smoothly into the soup without lumps.
• 1 1/4 cups shredded Swiss cheese – Grating your own Swiss cheese from a block is a must. It melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded – A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds a ton of flavor.
• 1 cup diced ham – Use a good quality cooked ham. Leftover holiday ham works wonderfully in this recipe.

Note: This recipe makes about 8 servings.

Variations

While the classic recipe is a hit, it’s also fun to customize it based on your preferences.

• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter, use a dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese alternative, and swap the half-and-half with full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
• Flavor Add-ins: A teaspoon of Dijon mustard can add a tangy depth that complements the ham and Swiss cheese beautifully. You could also stir in some steamed broccoli florets or sautéed mushrooms for added vegetables and texture.
• Different Cheese: If Swiss cheese isn’t your favorite, you can easily substitute it with Gruyère for a nuttier flavor, or even a sharp white cheddar for a different kind of tang. Provolone would also be a mild and melty option.

Source: Pinterest

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A heavy-bottomed pot is perfect for making this soup, as it distributes heat evenly and prevents scorching.
• Whisk: You’ll need a good whisk to smoothly incorporate the flour, broth, and half-and-half to avoid lumps.
• Cutting Board and Knife: These are essential for dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and dicing the ham.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are important for getting the consistency of the soup just right.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe?

Creating this soup is a quick and rewarding process that comes together in one pot. It starts with building a flavorful base by sautéing the onions and garlic in butter, which fills the kitchen with a wonderful aroma. 

Create the Soup Base

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over low-to-medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and cook for one more minute, stirring constantly. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and creates the roux that will thicken your soup.

Make it Creamy

Slowly begin to whisk in the chicken broth, pouring a little at a time to ensure the roux dissolves smoothly without any lumps. Once all the broth is incorporated, slowly whisk in the half-and-half. Continue stirring until the mixture is well combined. Now, add the softened cream cheese to the pot. Stir or whisk gently until the cream cheese has completely melted into the liquid, creating a rich and creamy base.

Add the Finishing Touches

Once the cream cheese is fully incorporated, it’s time to add the shredded Swiss cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth. Finally, add the shredded rotisserie chicken and the diced ham to the pot. Continue to stir until the chicken and ham are heated through. Give it a final taste and add any salt or pepper if needed, then it’s ready to serve.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Through making this soup many times, I’ve found a few small things that make a big difference.

• I always bring the half-and-half and cream cheese to room temperature before adding them to the pot. This helps prevent the soup from curdling and ensures the cheese melts evenly.
• Using a rotisserie chicken is my favorite shortcut. It saves so much time, and the chicken is already seasoned and moist, which adds a lot of flavor to the soup.
• I find that a pinch of nutmeg really enhances the cheesy, creamy flavors in the soup. It’s a subtle addition that I think elevates the whole dish.
• Don’t rush the first step. I make sure to cook the onions until they are truly soft and sweet before adding the flour. This builds a deep, savory foundation for the soup.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?

This rich and creamy soup is a meal in itself, but serving it with the right accompaniments makes it even better. I love to serve it with crunchy, homemade croutons or a side of crusty bread for dipping. The contrast in texture is fantastic. For a visually appealing presentation, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, some extra shredded Swiss cheese, and a few pieces of crispy, crumbled bacon. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can also cut through the richness of the soup and round out the meal perfectly.

Source: Pinterest

Nutritional Information

This is an estimate of the nutritional values per serving.

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fat: 45 g

Make Ahead and Storage

This soup is a great option for preparing ahead of time, and leftovers are just as delicious.

To store, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

I generally don’t recommend freezing this soup because dairy-based soups can separate and become grainy upon reheating. If you must freeze it, do so in an airtight, freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.

To reheat, gently warm the soup in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until it’s heated through. Avoid boiling it, as this can cause the dairy to separate. If reheating from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons why this soup will quickly become a favorite in your home.

• Unbelievably Fast: This recipe is perfect for busy nights because it comes together in just 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s a truly satisfying meal that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort.
• Classic Flavors in a Bowl: It captures all the beloved elements of traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu—savory chicken, salty ham, and nutty Swiss cheese—in a comforting, creamy soup form. It’s pure comfort food.
• Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of butter, flour, half-and-half, and two types of cheese creates a luxuriously smooth and velvety soup that is incredibly satisfying and indulgent.
• Low-Carb Friendly: This soup is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet. You can even omit the flour for a fully keto-friendly version.