Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup (A Cozy 30-Minute Meal)
Imagine taking all the sophisticated flavors of a classic French stuffed chicken breast and transforming them into the ultimate bowl of comfort food. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is rich, creamy, and packed with savory layers of ham and Swiss cheese. It creates a velvety hugging sensation that warms you from the inside out.
The beauty of this dish lies in its texture. As seen in the photos, the broth is incredibly thick and luscious, thanks to a luxurious blend of heavy cream and melted cream cheese. Every spoonful offers a mix of tender shredded chicken, salty bites of ham, and the crunch of golden homemade croutons floating on top.
Secrets to the Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Why It Works
This soup works because it balances rich fats with sharp acidity. The tangy Dijon mustard cuts through the richness of the heavy cream and cream cheese, brightening the entire flavor profile. The addition of Swiss cheese introduces a nutty, savory depth that pairs perfectly with the smokiness of the ham.
Visually, the garnish is just as important as the soup itself. Topping the bowl with fresh croutons and raw shredded Swiss cheese adds a necessary “bite” and textural contrast to the smooth, creamy base, preventing the dish from feeling one-dimensional.
Chef’s Tips
- Temper the Dairy: To prevent your soup from curdling or separating, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it. Whisk it with a little hot broth separately to create a smooth slurry before dumping it into the main pot.
- The Cheese Matters: Use block Swiss cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into that glossy finish you see in the pictures.
- Rotisserie Hack: Short on time? Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It adds deeper roasted flavor and cuts your prep time in half, making this an easy weeknight win.
Serve this decadent soup with a side of our garlic butter breadsticks for the perfect dipping experience.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid freezing this soup, as the heavy cream and cream cheese base will likely separate and become grainy upon thawing.
Substitutions
Chicken: Leftover turkey is an excellent substitute for chicken. Cheese: Gruyère cheese adds a nuttier, more traditional French flavor if you want to upgrade from standard Swiss. Lighter Version: You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, though the soup will be thinner. Gluten-Free: Ensure your chicken broth is GF and skip the croutons (or use GF bread).
Ingredients
1/4 cup
1, diced
2, peeled and diced
2, diced
1 tablespoon, minced
1 box (32 oz)
4 cups, cubed or shredded (rotisserie works well)
1 package (8 oz), cubed
1 block (8 oz), softened
1 pint
2 tablespoons
1 teaspoon
1 teaspoon
1/2 teaspoon
1 cup, shredded (plus more for garnish)
Homemade or store-bought (for serving)
Fresh chopped (for garnish)
Shopping Tip
For best results, gather all ingredients before you start cooking. Fresh ingredients will give you the most flavorful results.
Instructions
Melt butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until onions are translucent and veggies soften. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until carrots are tender.
Stir in the cooked cubed chicken and cubed ham.
Reduce heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese pieces and stir constantly until fully melted and incorporated. (Tip: Use a whisk to break up stubborn lumps).
Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Season with salt, paprika, and pepper. Let the soup warm through for 5 minutes (do not let it boil vigorously or the dairy may split).
Turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded Swiss cheese until melted and smooth.
Ladle into bowls. Top generously with extra shredded Swiss cheese, homemade croutons, and fresh parsley.
Serve this recipe straight from the kitchen for the best taste and texture. It's sure to become a favorite that you'll make again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ What type of ingredients work best for this dish?
Use the freshest ingredients available for the best flavor and texture results.
→ Can I make substitutions?
Yes, feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain the best texture.
Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup (A Cozy 30-Minute Meal)
Imagine taking all the sophisticated flavors of a classic French stuffed chicken breast and transforming them into the ultimate bowl of comfort food. This Chick
Ingredients
Instructions
Melt butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until onions are translucent and veggies soften. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until carrots are tender.
Stir in the cooked cubed chicken and cubed ham.
Reduce heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese pieces and stir constantly until fully melted and incorporated. (Tip: Use a whisk to break up stubborn lumps).
Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Season with salt, paprika, and pepper. Let the soup warm through for 5 minutes (do not let it boil vigorously or the dairy may split).
Turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded Swiss cheese until melted and smooth.
Ladle into bowls. Top generously with extra shredded Swiss cheese, homemade croutons, and fresh parsley.
Rate This Recipe
Tools You'll Need
- Large Dutch Oven or Soup Pot
- Chef's Knife and Cutting Board
- Whisk
- Box Grater (for the cheese)
- Measuring Cups
Recipe Tags
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At Cozy Bites Kitchen, we believe that great food doesn't have to be complicated. Our passion is creating easy, cozy, and delicious homemade recipes for everyday cooking - quick meals, comfort dishes, family dinners, soups, pastas, and simple home-style favorites. Warm, friendly, and fuss-free cooking made for real life.
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