Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe

Imagine sitting down to a bowl of creamy, comforting soup that not only fills your stomach but also brings the rich, savory flavors of a classic French dish to your taste buds. Cordon Bleu Soup is one of those comforting recipes that manages to be both indulgent and satisfying while offering the unique twist of being a soup version of the famous Chicken Cordon Bleu. This recipe brings together chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and a smooth, velvety broth, making it a perfect choice for colder days or when you’re craving something that feels fancy yet comforting.

Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this soup is bound to impress. It’s not only packed with flavor but also surprisingly easy to prepare, making it an accessible choice for both beginners and seasoned cooks. So let’s dive into how you can recreate this incredible dish in your own kitchen.

This Cordon Bleu Soup recipe combines the essence of the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu-a beloved French dish with crispy breaded chicken, thinly sliced ham, and melted cheese-with the creamy, warming texture of a classic soup. The results are nothing short of magical, especially when paired with a fresh baguette or crusty rolls. It’s an ideal dish to serve on a chilly evening or when you want to treat yourself to something a little special.

Ingredients Needed

Chicken Breast (Boneless and skinless): The heart of the dish, providing lean protein and a smooth, tender texture that pairs perfectly with the rich broth.
Ham (Thinly sliced or diced): The ham brings that salty, smoky element, mimicking the ham layer in traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu.
Swiss Cheese: A must for that mild, slightly nutty flavor that melts beautifully into the soup, giving it that creamy, cheesy texture.
Chicken Broth: The base of the soup, providing depth and flavor without overwhelming the delicate ingredients.
Heavy Cream: For that luscious, velvety texture and rich flavor that elevates the soup from just “good” to extraordinary.
Onions (Chopped): Adds sweetness and complexity to the soup, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Garlic (Minced): The garlic complements the onions and provides a savory backbone to the soup.
Flour: To create a roux that thickens the soup, ensuring it’s creamy but not overly heavy.
Butter: A rich fat to start the roux and bring in that luxurious mouthfeel.
Salt & Pepper: Seasoning is key to ensuring all the ingredients shine without one overpowering the other.
Fresh Parsley (Optional): For garnish, adding a touch of color and freshness to balance out the richness of the soup.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cutting your chicken breast into small bite-sized pieces. If you prefer a more traditional texture, you can slice it thinly, like you would in a Cordon Bleu. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of butter or oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add another tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the chopped onions and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic mixture, stirring constantly. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to form a thick paste that will help thicken the soup.
Add the Broth: Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring it to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the broth has thickened slightly.
Add the Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Swiss cheese, a little at a time, until melted and smooth. Keep stirring to incorporate the cheese completely into the soup.
Return the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken and diced ham to the soup. Stir to combine. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors meld.
Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, with a side of crusty bread or a light salad.

Ingredient Insights

Chicken Breast: A lean protein that keeps the soup light, but still hearty enough to make the dish satisfying. It absorbs the flavors of the broth well.
Swiss Cheese: Known for its smooth melting properties, Swiss cheese is perfect for creating a creamy soup without being too overpowering. It also provides a slight nuttiness that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
Heavy Cream: Adding a touch of richness to the soup, the heavy cream creates that luxurious texture that makes this soup feel indulgent. A little goes a long way, so you don’t need to overdo it.
Chicken Broth: The backbone of this soup, the broth brings in savory depth. If you want a more intense flavor, use a homemade chicken broth, or go for a high-quality store-bought version.

Expert Tips

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a shortcut, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. It will add an extra layer of flavor and save you time.
Grate the Cheese Yourself: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents, which can affect how well it melts. Grating it fresh from a block ensures it melts beautifully into the soup.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Since the chicken is already cooked through before you add it to the soup, avoid overcooking it in the broth. You want the chicken to stay tender and juicy.
Make It Lighter: To cut down on calories, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though this may slightly alter the richness and texture of the soup.
Don’t Skip the Roux: The roux is key to thickening the soup and giving it that creamy consistency. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step, but it will change the final texture of the soup.

Recipe Variations

Add Vegetables: While the classic Cordon Bleu dish is all about the chicken, ham, and cheese, you can add vegetables to your soup for more texture and nutrition. Think peas, carrots, or even spinach.
Spicy Cordon Bleu Soup: If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.
Bacon: For a smoky, crispy element, you can add crumbled bacon on top of the soup just before serving. This will complement the ham and add another layer of flavor.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for a gluten-free version. You can also use gluten-free bread on the side.
Vegetarian Version: If you want to make it vegetarian, skip the chicken and ham, and opt for a combination of mushrooms and extra cheese for the umami flavor.

Final Words

Cordon Bleu Soup is a perfect blend of familiar comfort food flavors, wrapped in a warm, creamy bowl of deliciousness. It captures all the essence of a Chicken Cordon Bleu but with the added benefit of being a soup, which brings a whole new layer of comfort. It’s an easy dish to customize based on your tastes or what you have in your kitchen, making it an ideal recipe for both planned meals and impromptu cooking adventures.

Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests at a dinner party, this soup is sure to be a hit. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of savory goodness, with just the right balance of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese.

Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe