If you love the elegant, rich flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu, this soup takes everything you adore about that classic dish tender chicken, smoky ham, creamy cheese sauce and turns it into the coziest bowl of comfort. It’s warm, hearty, and surprisingly easy to make, with all the luxury of the original recipe but none of the fuss.
The first time I made this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, it was one of those cold evenings when I wanted something indulgent but easy. I had leftover ham, some chicken, and cheese so I thought, “why not?” The result was so good my family couldn’t stop eating it. Now it sits right alongside my Chicken Corn Chowder and Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup as one of our top cozy recipes.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Stir in milk and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and allow the soup to thicken for about 5 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken and diced ham. Stir and simmer on low for 10 minutes until heated through.
- Turn off heat and stir in Swiss cheese until melted and smooth. Season with pepper, nutmeg, and salt to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra cheese, parsley, and crumbled bacon if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
This soup delivers everything you love about the traditional chicken cordon bleu the creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and savory ham — in a one-pot, spoonable form. It’s pure comfort in a bowl, perfect for weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, it’s naturally hearty and filling without needing bread or sides (though a slice of Christmas Bread Recipe never hurts!).
If you love cheesy, comforting dishes like my Pioneer Woman Loaded Potato Soup or Chicken Pot Pie Stew, this recipe will fit right in your comfort food lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (Gruyère or mozzarella also work)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for depth)
- Salt to taste
For Garnish:
- Extra cheese
- Chopped parsley
- Crumbled bacon (optional but delicious)
If you enjoy rich, creamy textures, you’ll also love my Creamy Beef Noodle Bake — it’s another easy dinner full of comfort and flavor.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir for about a minute. This will thicken the soup later. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly until smooth.
Step 3: Add Milk & Simmer
Pour in milk and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the soup thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Meats
Add shredded chicken and diced ham. Stir and let everything heat through for 10 minutes over low heat.
If you’ve made my Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken, you already know how blending simple ingredients over time builds deep, comforting flavor — this soup works the same way.
Step 5: Add Cheese & Season
Turn off the heat and stir in shredded Swiss cheese until melted and smooth. Add pepper, nutmeg, and salt to taste.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra cheese, chopped parsley, and crumbled bacon for that extra layer of flavor. Serve warm with a piece of Christmas Bread or dinner rolls.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s tender, flavorful, and saves time.
Melt Cheese Off the Heat: Prevents clumping or grainy texture.
Don’t Skip the Nutmeg: A little goes a long way for that subtle, classic flavor.
Make It Thicker: Add an extra tablespoon of flour or a bit of cream cheese for extra body.
If you love soups that balance creamy and savory notes, my Mexican Street Corn Soup offers the same luxurious texture with a lighter, zesty spin.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Best to freeze before adding the cheese and cream. Add those when reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Flavor Variations
- Cheddar Version: Swap Swiss for sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor.
- Broccoli Twist: Add 1 cup of chopped broccoli near the end of cooking.
- Spicy Cordon Bleu Soup: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of cream and skip the bacon.
If you enjoy tweaking classic comfort dishes, you’ll also love my Beef Lombardi Casserole, another timeless family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use deli ham instead of cooked ham?
Yes, diced deli ham works perfectly in this recipe.
2. Can I use a different cheese?
Gruyère or mozzarella work well if you don’t have Swiss cheese.
3. How can I make it gluten-free?
Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour.
4. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes! Combine everything except cheese and cream. Cook on LOW for 5 hours, stir in cheese and cream just before serving.
The Final Bite: Creamy, Cheesy & Pure Comfort
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is everything you love about the classic dish — creamy, cheesy, and packed with rich, savory flavor — all in one easy, comforting bowl. It’s simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for guests. Every spoonful is warm, velvety perfection.
Serve it with crusty bread or my Christmas Bread Recipe and you’ll have a meal that’s both satisfying and special comfort food with a touch of class.