Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup transforms the elegant flavors of the classic French dish into a warm, creamy bowl of comfort. With tender chicken, smoky ham, melty Swiss cheese, and a touch of Parmesan, this hearty soup offers rich flavor in every spoonful. It’s the perfect cozy meal for chilly nights or when you want a satisfying, comforting dish without the effort of rolling and breading.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is a comforting twist on a traditional favorite. It delivers all the creamy, cheesy, savory flavors of chicken cordon bleu in a much simpler form. Made in one pot and ready in under an hour, it’s a great choice for busy weeknights or a special weekend lunch. The heavy cream and Swiss cheese give it a luxurious texture, while the ham adds depth and a touch of smokiness.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb chicken breast, diced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups diced ham
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp ground mustard (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Cook the Chicken
In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the pot.
Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
Add Ham and Broth
Add the diced ham to the pot and stir to combine with the aromatics.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Make it Creamy
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream.
Gradually add the shredded Swiss and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until fully melted and the soup is smooth.
Combine and Season
Return the cooked chicken to the pot.
Season with additional salt, pepper, and ground mustard if using.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread or a light salad.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: Approximately 420 kcal

Variations

Low-Carb Option: Omit the flour and replace with a low-carb thickener if desired.
Thicker Texture: Add a cornstarch slurry or a roux for a thicker soup.
Add Vegetables: Stir in baby spinach, diced celery, or carrots for extra texture and nutrition.
Cheese Swap: Try Gruyère or mozzarella in place of Swiss for a different cheesy profile.
Add Croutons: Top each bowl with garlic croutons for a crunchy finish reminiscent of cordon bleu’s crispy exterior.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in intervals, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling to prevent the cream from curdling.
Freezing: This soup can be frozen, but be aware that dairy-based soups may slightly separate. Stir well after thawing and reheating.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, using pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut.

What’s the best type of ham to use?

Any fully cooked ham works well—use leftover ham, deli slices, or diced ham steak.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes. The base is naturally gluten-free, just ensure your broth and cheeses are certified gluten-free.

Is this soup spicy?

No, but you can add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat if desired.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, though the soup will be thinner and less rich. Half-and-half is a good compromise.

How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

Add it gradually on low heat and stir continuously until fully melted.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 4–5 hours, adding the cream and cheese in the last 30 minutes.

What can I serve with this soup?

Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a crisp green salad.

Can I substitute the cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, mozzarella,

Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup with Heavy Cream and Ham

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup with Heavy Cream and Ham is a cozy twist on the classic dish, featuring tender chicken, smoky ham, and melted Swiss cheese in a rich, velvety broth. The perfect comforting soup for chilly evenings. Keyword: Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup with Heavy Cream and Ham

Instructions

Cook the Chicken:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Season chicken with salt and pepper, add to pot, and cook until golden and fully done.
Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, cook diced onion for 4–5 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Add Ham and Broth:
Stir in diced ham.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Make it Creamy:
Reduce heat to medium-low.
Add heavy cream, Swiss cheese, and Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
Combine and Season:
Return cooked chicken to the pot.
Stir in ground mustard (if using).
Simmer for 5–7 minutes to blend the flavors. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve:
Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
Add cooked pasta or rice to make it heartier.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American