Creamy, comforting, and dressed to impress, Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is everything you love about the classic French-inspired dish—but in spoonable, cozy form. Each bowl is swirled with silky cheese, hearty bites of chicken and ham, a whisper of Dijon, and just enough richness to turn any night into a celebration. If you crave a soup that dazzles both weeknight tables and special occasions, this is the flavor-packed hug you’ll want to serve again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this soup are a perfect mix of simple staples and luxurious touches, combining for a result that’s way more than the sum of its parts. Every item brings its unique goodness—tender proteins, rich cheese, fragrant aromatics, and that signature creamy swirl.
- Butter: Gives the soup a rich base and helps soften the onions for extra sweetness and depth.
- Onion: Adds aromatic savoriness and subtle sweetness that forms the backbone of the broth.
- Garlic: Takes the flavor up a notch, infusing every spoonful with warmth and a hint of bite.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup perfectly, making it velvety without being heavy.
- Chicken broth: The soup’s heart and soul—you’ll want a good-quality broth for maximum flavor.
- Cooked chicken breast: Provides hearty, lean protein—feel free to use rotisserie chicken to make things ultra-easy.
- Cooked ham: Lends a subtle smokiness and savory pop reminiscent of classic Cordon Bleu.
- Dijon mustard: This little spoonful brings tang and depth, making all the flavors sing.
- Dried thyme: Adds gentle herbal notes that round out the richness of the dish.
- Half-and-half or heavy cream: Delivers that decadent, creamy texture we all crave.
- Shredded Swiss cheese: The star ingredient for cheesy body and that classic “bleu” finish—Gruyère is a bold substitute!
- Salt and pepper: Essential for dialing in all the other flavors—taste and adjust as you go.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s bubbling gently. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and turns translucent—about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just a minute. Your kitchen should already smell amazing at this point!
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This step cooks out the raw taste of the flour and starts to build a velvety base for Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup. Don’t rush it—this is where the magic of creamy soups begins.
Step 3: Add the Broth
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, pouring a little at a time and stirring well to avoid lumps. The soup will start to thicken as you bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often so nothing sticks.
Step 4: Build Flavors
Add your chopped cooked chicken and diced ham to the bubbling pot, along with the Dijon mustard and dried thyme. Stir everything together, allowing the meats to warm through and the flavors to meld. Let the soup simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the half-and-half or heavy cream. Then, sprinkle in the shredded Swiss cheese and stir until it melts completely, turning the soup silky and delightfully cheesy. Taste, then season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Ladle your golden, creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup into bowls, serve it hot, and get ready for second helpings! This soup is fantastic with crusty bread or crunchy croutons on the side.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

Garnishes
Finish each bowl of Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color, or try a small sprinkle of extra shredded Swiss or even crispy fried onions for irresistible crunch and flavor right on top.
Side Dishes
This creamy soup shines next to slices of warm, crusty baguette or a pile of buttery garlic croutons. Pair it with a crisp green salad—think arugula and vinaigrette—or simple roasted vegetables to round out the meal without overpowering those classic flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, try serving Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup in small mugs as an appetizer at a dinner party. Or, ladle it into bread bowls for a hearty, hands-on twist. Kids love it layered with extra cheese and a swirl of mustard right before serving!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days—the flavors will only deepen and get better with time!
Freezing
While Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup can be frozen, the creamy base may separate a bit upon thawing. If you’d like to freeze it, cool the soup completely and store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Stir well when reheating to help bring everything back together.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently so the cheese doesn’t stick or separate. Add a splash of broth or milk if it seems too thick. Microwave reheating works as well; just use short bursts and stir between each.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup even more weeknight-friendly. Just chop or shred it and add as directed.
What’s the best cheese substitute for Swiss?
Gruyère cheese is a fantastic swap, lending an even bolder, nutty flavor. You can also try a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan if that’s what you have on hand.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, and double-check that your broth and ham are gluten-free as well.
Can I lighten up the recipe?
Yes! Swap the cream for whole milk or even evaporated milk for a lighter version, and trim any visible fat from the chicken and ham. The soup will still be creamy and comforting.
Does Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup work in a slow cooker?
You can adapt it—sauté the onions, garlic, and roux on the stovetop first for best flavor and thickening, then transfer everything to the slow cooker, add the dairy and cheese at the end to prevent curdling.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about sitting down to a bowl of homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, especially when it’s brimming with comforting flavors and creamy goodness. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new go-to favorite for chilly nights, family dinners, or whenever your soul needs a warm, cheesy lift!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu with this rich and creamy soup. Perfect for a cozy night in or a hearty meal during the fall season.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked chicken, diced ham, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Simmer for another 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in the half-and-half and shredded Swiss cheese, cooking until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or croutons.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Gruyère cheese works well in place of Swiss for a bolder flavor.
- For a lower-fat version, use whole milk instead of cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg