You know that moment on Christmas Eve when the house smells like cinnamon and pine, and all you want is something warm, creamy, and comforting—but also not *too* guilty? That’s exactly why I created this Christmas Healthy Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup. It’s my lighter take on the classic dish, with all the cozy flavors of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese, but simmered into a silky soup that practically makes itself in the crockpot. My family used to make the traditional baked version every holiday, but one chaotic Christmas (when the oven decided to quit mid-meal!), I threw everything into the slow cooker instead. Now, it’s our new tradition—zero stress, maximum cheer. Just dump, cook, and let the crockpot work its magic while you wrap presents or sip cocoa. Trust me, it’s holiday comfort in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Healthy Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Oh, where do I start? This soup is basically Christmas magic in a bowl—here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Set-it-and-forget-it easy: Toss everything in the crockpot and let it simmer while you deck the halls (or nap by the tree).
- All the cozy flavors: Creamy Swiss cheese, savory ham, and tender chicken—like the classic dish, but spoonable!
- Lighter but still rich: Half the guilt, all the comfort (thank you, low-sodium broth and smart swaps).
- Holiday hero: Frees up your oven for cookies and keeps the kitchen smelling like a winter wonderland.
Seriously, it’s the gift that keeps on giving—especially when you’re juggling presents, guests, and Mariah Carey’s holiday playlist on repeat.
Ingredients for Christmas Healthy Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy holiday soup—I promise it’s all simple stuff you might already have! Pro tip: Prep your veggies the night before to save time on Christmas morning.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)—the star of the show!
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (trust me, regular broth makes it too salty)
- 1 cup diced ham (about 5 oz—I use leftover holiday ham or deli slices)
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (packed—Gruyère works too if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1 cup each diced celery and carrots (chop ‘em small so they cook evenly)
- 1 small onion, diced (yellow or white—whatever’s in your pantry)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp jarred if you’re in a rush)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (fresh works too—just double the amount)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked tastes best)
- 1 cup milk (any kind—I use 2% for creaminess without the guilt)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (the magic thickener—arrowroot powder works for gluten-free)
See? Nothing complicated—just good, honest ingredients that come together like a holiday miracle.
Equipment You’ll Need
Grab these basics—you probably have most already! No fancy gadgets required, just:
- A trusty crockpot (4-6 quart works best)
- Cutting board and chef’s knife for chopping
- Measuring cups (the liquid ones with spouts are my fave)
- One small mixing bowl for the cornstarch slurry
That’s it! Now you’re ready to make holiday magic happen.
How to Make Christmas Healthy Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Alright, let’s get this holiday magic started! This soup practically makes itself—just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a creamy, comforting bowl of Christmas goodness in no time.
Step 1: Prep and Combine Ingredients
First things first: dice those veggies! I like to chop the celery, carrots, and onion into small, even pieces—about the size of a pea—so they cook up nice and tender. Toss them into your crockpot with the chicken breasts (no need to chop those—they’ll shred later!), ham, garlic, thyme, and pepper. Pour in that low-sodium broth (regular broth can make it too salty, trust me). Give it a quick stir, then pop the lid on. Done! Your future self will thank you when the house starts smelling amazing.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Now for the easy part: set it and forget it! Cook on low for 6 hours (my favorite for busy days) or high for 3 hours if you’re in a hurry. When the chicken shreds easily with a fork, it’s ready! Fish out those breasts and shred ’em—I use two forks right in the crockpot to keep things simple. Stir the chicken back in, and oh my, look at that cozy broth already!
Step 3: Thicken and Add Cheese
Time for the magic touch! In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and cornstarch until smooth—no lumps allowed. Stir this slurry into the soup, then sprinkle in the Swiss cheese a handful at a time, stirring until it melts into creamy perfection. If it thickens too much, add a splash more milk. Taste it? That’s the sound of Christmas angels singing.
Tips for the Best Christmas Healthy Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Want to make this soup absolutely foolproof? Here are my tried-and-true tricks:
- Don’t peek! Keep that lid closed while cooking—every peek adds 15 minutes to your cook time.
- Shred chicken just right: Pull it at 165°F (use a thermometer!) or when it easily falls apart with forks.
- Cheese patience pays off: Add Swiss cheese gradually on low heat, stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
- Thickness control: Too thick? Add milk a tablespoon at a time. Too thin? Mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir in.
Follow these, and you’ll have velvety, restaurant-worthy soup every time!
Variations for Christmas Healthy Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
One of my favorite things about this soup? It’s like a holiday sweater—super cozy but easy to customize! Here are some fun twists I’ve tried (or plan to this Christmas):
- Turkey swap: Use leftover holiday turkey instead of chicken—it’s genius for December 26th!
- Cheese please: Gruyère makes it extra fancy, or sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
- Veggie boost: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for color and nutrients.
- Herb upgrade: Swap thyme for rosemary or sage if you’re feeling festive.
Mix and match—that’s the beauty of holiday cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the joy of ladling this soup into bowls on a chilly Christmas evening! I love pairing it with toasted whole-grain bread for dipping—it soaks up every last drop. For a festive touch, add a simple holiday salad with cranberries and pecans. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top makes it look extra special (and hides any last-minute splatters from overeager stirring). Trust me, it’s the ultimate cozy Christmas combo!
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the good news—this soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove with a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture. (Microwave works too—just stir every 30 seconds!) Fair warning: freezing tends to make the cheese grainy, so I don’t recommend it. But let’s be honest—with flavors this good, leftovers rarely last long enough to freeze anyway!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know—these numbers are estimates (your exact ingredients might tweak them a bit!). But here’s the scoop per cozy 1-cup serving: 220 calories, 24g protein, and only 8g fat. Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent, right? The Swiss cheese gives you a calcium boost too—holiday health win!
FAQs About Christmas Healthy Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
Got questions? I’ve got answers—here’s everything you need to know about making this holiday soup perfect every time!
Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! Just add an extra hour to the cook time (7 hours on low or 4 on high), and make sure it reaches 165°F internally before shredding. For more information on safe internal temperatures for poultry, check out the USDA’s guidelines.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yep—just swap regular cornstarch for a gluten-free brand like Argo or Bob’s Red Mill. Easy peasy!
Can I make it ahead?
You bet! Prep everything the night before (store veggies and broth in the fridge), then dump it all in the crockpot in the morning. Cheesy step still happens last!
What if my soup is too thin?
No worries—mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water, stir it in, and let it simmer 10 more minutes. Repeat if needed!
Can I use turkey instead?
Heck yes—leftover holiday turkey works beautifully! Just shred it and add during the last 30 minutes of cooking so it doesn’t dry out.
Share Your Holiday Creation
Did you make this cozy Christmas soup? I’d love to see your masterpiece! Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment—nothing makes me happier than seeing your holiday table filled with this comforting bowl of cheer. Happy cooking, friends!
Print
Christmas Healthy Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup: 6-Hour Comfort
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A healthy twist on the classic chicken cordon bleu, this crockpot soup is perfect for Christmas. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts, broth, ham, celery, carrots, onion, garlic, thyme, and pepper in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Remove chicken and shred it. Return to the crockpot.
- Mix milk and cornstarch in a small bowl. Stir into the soup.
- Add Swiss cheese. Stir until melted.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use gluten-free cornstarch if needed.
- Add more milk for a thinner soup.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American