Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup: Comfort in a Bowl

This creamy, one-pot recipe turns pantry staples into a rich, family-friendly meal.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 15, 2025

This creamy, one-pot recipe turns pantry staples into a rich, family-friendly meal.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup: A Creamy Comfort Food Classic

If you’re yearning for the signature flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu but craving comfort in a bowl, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is the answer. It brings together all the beloved elements—tender chicken, savory ham, tangy Swiss cheese, and rustic mustard—in a thick, creamy base. Perfect for chilly nights or whenever you seek something indulgent yet simple, this soup transforms a timeless entrée into a new classic the whole family will love.

Introduction to Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Key Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Chef’s Tips & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Make-Ahead, Storage, & Reheating
Nutritional Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Introduction to Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup was inspired by the classic French dish—a stuffed chicken breast enveloping slices of ham and Swiss cheese, all breaded and baked or fried to perfection. This soup captures the spirit and flavor of the original, but is far easier to prepare on busy weeknights. It is also flexible, welcoming leftover or rotisserie chicken and variations in seasoning to suit your taste.

With a luscious base enriched by milk, cream, and a hint of mustard, every spoonful delivers nostalgia and new comfort. The Swiss cheese melts into silken ribbons, while diced ham and shredded chicken provide substance and depth. For a finishing touch reminiscent of the dish’s crispy coating, serve topped with golden croutons or buttery breadcrumbs.

Key Ingredients

Bringing this soup together requires only simple grocery staples and pantry basics. Here’s a look at the essential components you’ll need:

Ingredient	Role & Tips
Butter	For sautéing onion; adds rich flavor at the foundation of the soup.
Onion	Yellow or white; provides aromatic base and natural sweetness.
Flour	Creates the roux for thickening the soup.
Milk & Heavy Cream	For the creamy base; use whole milk for best results, but 2% will work.
Chicken Broth	Builds depth and savory background.
Cooked Chicken	Diced or shredded; rotisserie or leftover chicken work well.
Diced Ham	Use leftover ham or thick deli slices, cut into small cubes.
Swiss Cheese	Regular Swiss gives a robust cheesy flavor; baby Swiss is milder.
Parsley	Adds color and freshness to the finished soup.
Rustic or Dijon Mustard	Lends tang and depth; adjust quantity to your liking.
Salt & Pepper	Season to taste—essential after adding all ingredients.
Croutons or Breadcrumbs	Optional, for topping and that traditional cordon bleu crunch.

Ingredient Notes

Swiss Cheese: For a bolder flavor, opt for regular Swiss. Baby Swiss melts beautifully but has a more delicate profile. Other Swiss-style cheeses (like Emmental or Gruyère) can be used for subtle variation.
Ham: Leftover holiday ham, smoked ham steak, or even thick-sliced deli ham all work perfectly.
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a timesaver and adds roast flavor; poached or baked chicken can be used as well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is simple and quick—most steps happen in a single pot, and the process takes less than 40 minutes.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well. Cook for 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste, but don’t let it brown.
Add Liquids: Whisk in milk, cream, and chicken broth all at once. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, whisking constantly.
Simmer: Once boiling, let the soup boil for 1 minute; this activates the thickening power of the flour, giving the soup its signature creaminess.
Add Proteins and Flavor: Stir in the cooked chicken, diced ham, chopped parsley, and rustic mustard. Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the grated or cubed Swiss cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
Final Seasoning: Taste, then season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the mustard or cheese if you want more tang or richness.
Garnish and Serve: Ladle into bowls. Top with freshly made or store-bought croutons, a sprinkle of extra cheese, or buttery sautéed breadcrumbs if desired. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Recipe Tip

For an even smoother soup, grate the Swiss cheese instead of cubing it; this helps it melt quickly and evenly. You can also blend a portion of the soup before adding proteins for extra creaminess.

Chef’s Tips & Variations

Texture Preferences: Want a thicker base? Use an extra tablespoon of flour. Looser consistency? Add a splash more broth or milk at the end.
Add Veggies: Diced carrots or celery can be sautéed with the onion for a subtle sweetness and color.
Low-Carb Version: Substitute a small amount of cream cheese for some of the flour and milk to retain creaminess with fewer carbs.
Gluten-Free Modification: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch to make a slurry for thickening.
Spice it Up: A dash of smoked paprika or pinch of cayenne adds warmth and a subtle kick.
Cream Hack: In a pinch, half-and-half can be used instead of milk and heavy cream; just adjust for desired richness.

Serving Suggestions

The best part about Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is how adaptable it is at the table. Here are some ways to serve and complement your meal:

Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a warm baguette, sourdough, or buttermilk biscuits—the better for dipping and scooping up creamy soup.
Salad: Pair with a simple green salad tossed in light vinaigrette. Peppery arugula or spinach blends offset the soup’s richness.
Soup Toppings:
- Homemade or artisanal croutons are classic. Sauté some breadcrumbs in butter and sprinkle on top for crunch.
- Scatter a bit of extra grated Swiss or fresh parsley for color and aroma.
Family-Style: Place garnishes and toppings on the table, letting everyone customize their bowl.

Make-Ahead, Storage, & Reheating

Make-Ahead: This soup is ideal for prepping ahead—flavors deepen as it rests. Simply cool, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to avoid curdling the dairy. If soup is too thick after chilling, add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen.
Freezing: Not recommended for dairy-rich soups as the texture often changes upon thawing. If you must freeze, do so before adding the Swiss cheese, then reheat and finish with cheese before serving for the silkiest result.

Nutritional Highlights

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is hearty and satisfying, offering balanced nutrition in a single bowl. Actual values will vary depending on ingredient choices and portion size, but here’s what to expect from a typical serving (about 1.5 cups):

Nutrient	Estimated Amount
Calories	350–450 kcal
Protein	25–30g
Fat	18–25g
Carbohydrates	10–15g
Sodium	Varies by broth and ham; consider low-sodium for reduced salt

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this soup?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is convenient and adds depth of flavor. Leftover cooked or grilled chicken also works well and helps reduce food waste.

Which Swiss cheese should I use?

For classic, robust flavor, use regular Swiss. If you prefer a milder, sweeter note, baby Swiss or even Jarlsberg is a good substitute. Feel free to experiment with Gruyère or Emmental for subtle variations.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Not as written, since it uses flour as a thickener. Swap in a gluten-free flour blend, or thicken with a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir into hot soup) for a gluten-free option.

Can I make this soup ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! Prepare the soup up to 3 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if thickened upon storage.

What if I don’t like ham?

Replace ham with more chicken, smoked turkey breast, or your favorite sausage for a creative twist.

What to serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?

Fresh green salads with tangy vinaigrette
Warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls
Seasonal steamed vegetables (like asparagus or green beans)

Final Thoughts

Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is a modern comfort food triumph—rich, deeply flavored, and easy enough for weeknight dinners. With flexible ingredients, it’s ideal for repurposing leftovers while keeping things gourmet. Garnish with croutons or fresh herbs and savor the nostalgia with every spoonful. Whether you serve it for lunch or a family supper, this soup is sure to become a favorite on your table.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete