This creamy and delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is made with tender chunks of ham and chicken simmered in a flavorful broth. It's a warm and hearty dish that brings together all those classic flavors everyone loves.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
• 🛒 Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
• 🔪 How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
• 💡 Tips for Making Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Chicken Soup
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Why is it Called Cordon Bleu?
• Is This Soup Suitable for Keto or Low Carb Diets?
• Can I Make This Soup in Advance?
• Can I Make This Soup in the Crockpot?
• 🍽️ More Delicious Soup Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

• Loaded with classic Chicken Cordon Bleu flavors
• Chunks of tender ham and chicken
• Creamy and delicious
• Great way to use leftover holiday ham
• Easy to make
• Low carb and family friendly

This recipe takes all the warm, cozy, classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu and transforms them into a comforting bowl of soup. Every spoonful is filled with a delicious mix of tender chicken, smoky ham, and just the right amount of gooey cheese. The rich, creamy broth brings everything together, creating a dish that’s both hearty and oh-so satisfying.

It's also a fantastic way to make the most of leftover holiday ham, giving it new life in a dish that everyone will love. This soup is easy to prepare, but tastes like it took hours to make, making it a great option for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Pair it with some crusty bread or a simple side salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to warm you up on a chilly day.

If you love this recipe, you should also try this healthy and hearty Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole or this Keto-friendly classic Chicken Cordon Bleu.

🛒 Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

• Chicken
• Ham
• Chicken broth
• Gruyere cheese
• Heavy cream
• Celery
• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Dijon mustard
• Butter
• Fresh thyme
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Dutch oven or large pot

🔪 How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

Heat a Dutch oven or large pot to medium and add in the butter. Once melted, add in the onions, celery and half the salt.

Sauté until tender, then add in the chopped ham.

Continue cooking until the ham is slightly caramelized, then add in the garlic.

Sauté for about 15 seconds, making sure not to brown the garlic.

Stir in the chicken, fresh thyme, remaining salt and pepper.

Pour in the chicken broth, dijon mustard and heavy cream. Simmer for 15 minutes uncovered. Add in the Gruyere cheese, then continue simmering for 5 more minutes or until slightly thickened.

💡 Tips for Making Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

• Use block cheese: Freshly shredded Gruyere cheese also melts better than pre-shredded cheese.

• Adjust the consistency: If you’d like for your soup to have a thicker consistency, let the soup simmer longer or add a slurry made of cornstarch and water. For a thinner soup, you can simply add a little more chicken broth.

• Don’t overcook the garlic: When sautéing the garlic, be careful not to brown it, because it can turn bitter.

• Ham caramelization: Don’t skip sauteing the ham with the veggies because it enhances the flavor and adds nice color to the pieces.

• Taste and season as you go: To get the flavors just like you like them, taste the soup as it simmers and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Feel free to add a little more salt and pepper, or other seasonings as you prefer them.  

☑️ Storage Instructions

Fridge: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.

Freezer: To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once reheated, if the soup seems a bit thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency. Make sure to label your containers with the date so you can keep track of freshness!

🍴 What to Serve with Chicken Soup

This soup is a one-pot meal that's satisfying enough by itself or with a side salad. You can serve a hot bowl of this chicken and ham soup with a slice of this homemade Cornbread, Dinner Rolls, Braided Bread or some of these 4-Seed Crackers.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Chicken: If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, use any cooked chicken you have on hand, such as leftover grilled chicken or poached chicken breasts. You can also substitute the chicken with leftover turkey for a different flavor.

• Ham: Replace the baked ham with smoked sausage, bacon, or even pancetta for a different twist.

• Gruyere cheese: If Gruyere is not available, you can use Swiss cheese, cheddar, or even a combination of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

• Heavy cream: If you want a lighter version, swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk for a non-dairy option.

• Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like diced carrots, potatoes, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. They can be sautéed along with the onions and celery.

• Spices and seasonings:  Add other flavors with additional spices such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper for a kick, or a pinch of nutmeg.

• Beans: For added texture and protein, you can add a can of white beans or cannellini beans. They pair well with the flavors of the soup and make it heartier.

• Noodles or rice: To make the soup more filling, you can add cooked noodles (like egg noodles) or rice (such as wild rice or jasmine rice). Stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking.

• Croutons or toppings: Top the soup with homemade croutons, crispy bacon bits, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley for added texture and flavor.

Why is it Called Cordon Bleu?

The term "cordon bleu" in French translates to "blue ribbon." Calling this dish Chicken Cordon Bleu implies that it's a blue-ribbon, award-worthy chicken recipe...it's that delicious. After your first bite, I’m sure you’ll agree!

Is This Soup Suitable for Keto or Low Carb Diets?

This soup can easily be made keto-friendly. It already includes low-carb ingredients like chicken, ham, and cream. To ensure it stays keto, use full-fat dairy products, avoid adding high-carb vegetables or thickeners.

Can I Make This Soup in Advance?

Yes, this soup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors get even better when the soup is allowed to sit, making it a great make-ahead option. Reheat it gently on the stove over medium heat.

Can I Make This Soup in the Crockpot?

You bet! Just sauté the onions, celery, garlic, and ham on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the chicken, broth, Dijon mustard, and seasonings, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add the cream and cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking, stirring occasionally until melted and creamy.

🍽️ More Delicious Soup Recipes

• Egg Roll Soup
• Carrot and Lentil Soup
• Cream of Asparagus Soup
• Chicken Corn Chowder
• Homemade Chili