Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup is a decadent, cozy twist on the classic French-inspired dish — tender bites of chicken, savory chunks of ham, and silky ribbons of Swiss cheese all mingling in a rich, creamy broth. Every spoonful carries that signature cordon bleu flavor: a perfect balance of buttery richness, smoky saltiness, and a gentle tang from Dijon mustard. The soup is thick enough to feel indulgent but still light enough to enjoy as a main course without weighing you down.

Golden breadcrumbs sprinkled on top before serving mimic the crispy coating of the original dish, adding just the right amount of crunch to contrast with the creamy base. It’s the ultimate marriage of a comfort-food classic and an easy, weeknight-friendly soup — one that tastes like it took hours to prepare but comes together in a single pot.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

For the Soup:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

  • 2 celery stalks, diced

  • 4 cups chicken broth

  • 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed

  • 6 oz (170g) deli ham, diced

  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (plus extra for garnish)

  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • 1 tsp dried parsley

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables
    In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

  2. Thicken the Base
    Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then milk, ensuring no lumps remain.

  3. Cook the Chicken
    Add cubed chicken, thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 12–15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.

  4. Add the Ham & Cheese
    Stir in diced ham, Dijon mustard, and cream. Reduce heat to low, then add Swiss cheese in small handfuls, stirring until melted and smooth. Keep warm over low heat.

  5. Prepare the Topping
    In a small skillet, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan. Toast over medium heat until golden and fragrant.

  6. Serve
    Ladle soup into bowls, sprinkle each with the toasted breadcrumb mixture and a little extra Swiss cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

The Comfort Food Connection

Chicken Cordon Bleu is beloved for its rich, indulgent layers — juicy chicken, smoky ham, melty cheese, and a crispy crust. This soup captures all those flavors in a warm, spoonable form. It’s elegant enough for guests but approachable enough for a weeknight dinner.

Why This Recipe Works

  • All-in-One Pot: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

  • Perfect Texture: Creamy without being overly heavy.

  • Flavor Depth: The Dijon mustard and Swiss cheese add a subtle tang that keeps the richness balanced.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Use freshly shredded Swiss cheese — pre-shredded can make the soup grainy.

  • Toast the breadcrumb topping just before serving for maximum crunch.

  • For even more flavor, sauté the diced ham with the vegetables at the start.

Variations

  • Smoky Spin: Swap regular ham for smoked ham.

  • Cheese Swap: Use Gruyère for a nutty, upscale flavor.

  • Low-Carb: Skip the breadcrumb topping and serve with roasted vegetables on the side.

Make Ahead & Storage

  • Make Ahead: Prepare soup base up to 2 days in advance; add cheese and topping just before serving.

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Freezer: Freeze without the cheese for up to 2 months; thaw, reheat, and stir in cheese when ready to serve.

Serving Ideas

Pair with:

  • A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.

  • Warm, crusty baguette for dipping.

  • A glass of chilled Chardonnay for an elegant touch.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup takes everything you love about the classic dish and transforms it into a warm, creamy, comforting bowlful that’s ready in under an hour. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a casual dinner party, it’s guaranteed to be a hit — with every crunchy-topped, cheese-laced spoonful disappearing fast.