When I made this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe for the first time, I couldn’t believe how comforting and flavorful it turned out. This soup is creamy, cheesy, and brimming with tender chicken and smoky ham. It feels indulgent, yet it’s so simple to put together.

My family polished off their bowls and demanded seconds, which is always a win in my book. Pair it with crunchy croutons or a slice of toasted bread, and you’ll have the ultimate comfort meal. Trust me, this recipe is going to become a regular at your table!

Ingredients That Make This Soup Perfect

Getting the right ingredients will ensure your soup is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and some tips to make it even better.

Butter: Adds richness and enhances the overall creaminess.
Onion (1 large, diced): Brings a savory base to the soup.
All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Used to thicken the soup; don’t skip this step.
Whole milk (2 cups): For creaminess; avoid low-fat milk for the best texture.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the soup luscious; you can adjust based on your taste.
Chicken broth (4 cups): Forms the bulk of the soup; opt for low-sodium broth to control the salt.
Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded): Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here.
Ham (1 cup, diced): Smoked ham is best for that authentic cordon bleu flavor.
Stone-ground mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a delightful tang and ties the flavors together.
Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): For freshness and garnish.
Swiss cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded): Freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded!
Salt and pepper: To taste; season incrementally as you simmer.

Note: This recipe makes about four generous servings.

Creative Variations to Try

Love the base recipe but want to tweak it? Here are some ways to make it fit your dietary needs or taste preferences:

Dairy-Free: Replace milk and heavy cream with coconut milk, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Veggie Boost: Stir in diced carrots, celery, or fresh spinach for added nutrients.
New Flavor Profiles: A pinch of smoked paprika or some garlic powder can elevate the flavor.
Alternative Meat: Don’t have ham? Try crispy bacon or diced turkey instead!

Cooking Time

This hearty soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy evenings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Must-Have Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting soup:

Large Soup Pot: For cooking everything seamlessly.
Whisk: Essential for creating a smooth, creamy base.
Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping the chicken, ham, and onion.
Ladle: Makes serving much easier.

How to Make This Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?

Preparing this soup is as enjoyable as eating it! Follow these simple steps to nail it every time.

Sauté the Onions for a Flavorful Base

Start by melting butter in a large soup pot on medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the diced onion and sauté it until soft and golden. This step gives the soup a savory depth you don’t want to skip.

Create the Creamy Soup Base

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onions, mixing it well to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, cream, and chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, letting the base thicken slightly. This creates that velvety texture we all love in soups.

Incorporate the Star Ingredients

Now, add shredded chicken, diced ham, and mustard to the pot. Toss in the Swiss cheese and stir until it’s fully melted into the soup. This is where the magic happens, with all the flavors blending beautifully.

Season and Finish with Fresh Garnishes

Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Serve it piping hot with a side of croutons or your favorite crunchy bread.

Additional Tips for Soup Success

After making this soup more times than I can count, here are my personal tips to make it even better:

Room-Temperature Dairy: Prevent curdling by warming milk and cream slightly before adding them to the soup.
Grate Your Cheese Fresh: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly as a block of Swiss!
Don’t Skip the Mustard: If you don’t have stone-ground mustard, Dijon is a fantastic substitute.

How to Serve Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?

Serving this soup is half the fun! I love pairing it with crunchy croutons or toasted baguette slices to mimic the crispy breading of classic chicken cordon bleu. For a visual flair, garnish it with extra shredded cheese, chopped parsley, or a drizzle of mustard.

If you’re making it a full meal, consider serving a fresh green salad or roasted veggies on the side. These lighter sides balance the richness of the soup and make it an even more satisfying experience.

Nutritional Information

This comforting soup offers a balanced blend of flavors and nutrients. Here’s a snapshot of its nutritional profile per serving:

Calories: 380
Protein: 23g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 28g

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

This soup is perfect for meal prep or saving leftovers for later.

Make Ahead: Cook the soup as directed, but hold off on adding Swiss cheese and parsley until you reheat it.
Store: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight and gently reheat over low heat to maintain its creamy texture.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?

This soup is special for so many reasons, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do:

Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes.
Versatile: You can customize the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
Comfort Food Classic: It’s like a warm hug in a bowl with creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters can’t resist this dish, making it great for all ages.
Great Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is warm, inviting, and incredibly satisfying. It’s comfort food done right, and I can’t wait for you to try it.