The Story Behind My Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
I remember the day my daughter, Lily, first asked for Chicken Cordon Bleu. She’d seen it on a cooking show and declared it looked “fancy.” I chuckled, thinking of the classic dish’s reputation. I knew I could make something similar, but easier for a weeknight. That’s how my Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup was born.
It started as a way to give her that “fancy” feeling without all the fuss of stuffing and breading chicken breasts. What surprised me was how much everyone loved it! Even my picky son, Tom, devoured bowl after bowl. It quickly became a regular in our meal rotation, and I’ve tweaked it over the years to make it even better.
Now, this easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is a family favorite. It’s the perfect comforting meal on a chilly evening. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover ham. It brings everyone together with its warm, savory flavors.
I’m excited to share this recipe with you. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of creamy, delicious soup. I think your family will ask for this creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup again and again!
What You’ll Need
For the best Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, I recommend using a good quality chicken broth. It makes a big difference in the overall flavor. Also, be sure to use real Swiss cheese. The pre-shredded stuff often has additives that can affect how it melts. Make sure that you get the best ingredients for the best results!
You’ll find everything for this creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup recipe at your regular grocery store. I usually grab a rotisserie chicken to make things even easier. It saves time and adds great flavor to the soup.
This homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is forgiving if you need to swap out an ingredient or two. If you don’t have celery, you can use an extra onion. If you’re out of Swiss, Gruyere would also work well.
Here’s a secret that makes all the difference. Make sure your cream cheese is softened before you add it to the soup. It will blend in much easier and give you that smooth, creamy texture we all love.
My family prefers when I use smoked ham in our easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Trust me, this ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How to Make It
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Burnt garlic can make your Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup taste bitter.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer. Then, add the diced cooked chicken and ham.
- Stir in the heavy cream and softened cream cheese. Mix well until the cream cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth. Here’s where I used to mess up. Now I always remember to make sure the cream cheese is fully softened.
- Add the shredded Swiss cheese. Stir until melted and the soup is creamy and cheesy. The cheese should melt easily into the soup.
- Season with dried thyme, black pepper, and salt to taste. Adjust the seasonings according to your preferences. Some people like a little extra pepper.
- Simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Your kitchen will smell amazing while this homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup cooks.
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup typically takes me about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll know your soup is ready when it’s heated through and the cheese is fully melted.
While your soup is cooking, you’ll have time to prepare a simple side dish like a salad or some crusty bread. Don’t worry if your Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup recipe looks a little thick at first. It will thin out as it simmers.
Serving Ideas
My family loves this homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup served with a side of crusty bread for dipping. It’s the perfect way to soak up all that creamy, cheesy goodness. I also like to serve it with a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the soup.
Everyone reaches for seconds when this soup comes out with warm, cheesy garlic bread. The combination is irresistible. This soup is perfect for those nights when you want something really satisfying!
This soup is great for a cozy night in. It’s also a hit at potlucks and family gatherings. I’ve even served it at casual dinner parties and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
To make it look extra special, I like to garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few extra shreds of Swiss cheese. It makes it look like you spent hours on it, even though it’s so easy to make. For more recipe ideas, check out Chicken Alfredo Soup.
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. I’ve been known to pack leftover creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup for lunch the next day.
I’ve also tried adding a splash of white wine to the soup while it simmers. It adds a nice depth of flavor that my husband really enjoys. I got the recipe from Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup. My daughter, Lily, prefers when I add a little bit of Dijon mustard to the soup. It gives it a slight tang that she loves.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup recipe is a great make-ahead meal. Prepare the soup according to the instructions, but don’t add the cream cheese or Swiss cheese. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the soup on the stovetop. Then, stir in the cream cheese and Swiss cheese until melted and creamy.
What if I don’t have heavy cream for my Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or milk. However, the soup won’t be as rich and creamy. You might want to add a little extra cream cheese to compensate. My friend replaced the heavy cream with a little bit of sour cream with great success using Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup – Quick and Easy Comfort Meal!
How do I store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?
Store leftover delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I freeze this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?
I don’t recommend freezing this soup because the dairy can separate and become grainy when thawed. However, you can freeze the soup base (before adding the cream cheese, heavy cream, and Swiss cheese). Then, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop and add the dairy ingredients before serving.
What kind of chicken should I use for this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?
You can use any kind of cooked chicken you like. I often use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Leftover grilled chicken or baked chicken also works well. For even more delicious soup recipes, check out Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe.
Can I add vegetables to this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup?
Yes, you can! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans. Add them to the pot along with the onion and celery. My family loves it when I add some mushrooms.
Is this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup gluten-free?
Yes, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is naturally gluten-free. However, always check the labels of your ingredients to be sure. Some chicken broths may contain gluten. To find more gluten-free recipes, try Creamy Reuben Soup.
The Final Word
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup has earned its place in my recipe collection because it’s easy, delicious, and always a hit with my family. It’s the perfect comforting meal for busy weeknights. And, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken and ham. I found a different method on Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup – Closet Cooking and I love to use different ways to mix it up for my family.
My Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Tips:
- Use a good quality chicken broth for the best flavor.
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened before adding it to the soup.
- Don’t overcook the garlic, or it will become bitter.
I’ve tried several variations of this soup over the years. One of my favorites is adding a splash of sherry to the soup for a richer flavor. I’ve also made a lower-fat version using skim milk instead of heavy cream. It’s not quite as creamy, but it’s still delicious.
My husband loves when I add a little bit of Dijon mustard to the soup. It gives it a slight tang that he really enjoys. My daughter, Lily, prefers when I top her bowl with some crunchy croutons.
I encourage you to make this recipe your own. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings. I hope your family loves this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup as much as mine does! With this easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, they’ll want seconds and thirds!
Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Enjoy the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu in a comforting soup! This creamy and flavorful soup is packed with chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Bring to a simmer and add chicken and ham.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in milk and heavy cream. Heat through, but do not boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in Swiss cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use Gruyere cheese instead of Swiss. You can also add a splash of dry sherry or white wine to the soup while simmering.