There is just comfort food for a steaming bowl of chicken broccoli cheddar soup. There is that rich creamy texture and those sharp bold flavors, really combining the best of the tender chicken and fresh broccoli with the best of the sharp cheddar cheese all into a comforting meal that is perfect for when it gets chilly or when you crave something very hearty, for sure.
In this guide, we take you through every step of making the perfect homemade soup. From tips on getting it just right in terms of consistency to storing leftovers and mouth-watering variations making this recipe completely customizable, let’s dive into all the tasty details.
What is Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
It is creamy and thick, having chicken, broccoli, and cheddar cheese all in this soup, cooked in a rich, smooth broth. That well-balanced characteristic of its ingredients gives the dish both filling and nutritious content. The chicken provides protein, whereas the broccoli introduces fiber, vitamins, and that slight earthiness that plays really well against the creamier flavors of cheddar.
The soup is usually thickened by a roux-a mix of butter and flour, which it endows with luxuriously smooth texture. Some recipes add cream or half-and-half to give it an added richness, making it more comforting. It can be served as a full meal in itself or as an appetizer to other courses.
Why you’ll love this chicken broccoli cheddar soup
1. For All Ages: It is not spicy or cheesy, hence both kids and adults like it.
2. Super Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps, an excellent soup is prepared within less than an hour.
3. Packed Full of Flavor and Nutrition: This dish packs in loads of flavor and nutrition, bringing creaminess, cheesiness, and loaded nutritious ingredients with every spoonful.
4. Customizable: You can modify it to your own preferences-it goes very well with adding in more vegetables, using different kinds of cheese, or even making it spicier.
5. Awesome to Prepare in Advance: It keeps very well in the fridge and freezes and thaws for later; really great to meal prep.
Ingredients for homemade chicken broccoli cheddar soup
To make this comforting soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken: 2 cups cooked and shredded (leftover chicken or rotisserie works well)
- Broccoli: 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, or you can use frozen for convenience
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded (sharp cheddar adds the most flavor)
- Onion: 1 small onion, finely diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Carrots: 1 cup shredded or thinly sliced (optional, for added color and texture)
- Butter: 3 tablespoons for sautéing vegetables and making the roux
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons to thicken the soup
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups, forming the soup’s base
- Milk or Cream: 1 cup (half-and-half or whole milk for creaminess)
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Optional Seasonings: Paprika, thyme, or a pinch of red pepper flakes
Ingredient Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar give the soup a rich, full flavor.
- Rotisserie Chicken: This shortcut saves time and adds depth to the soup.
- Cheese Choice: Sharp cheddar melts well and adds bold flavor. Grate your own cheese for the smoothest consistency.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to make chicken broccoli cheddar soup
Steps to Prepare a Surefire Delight of Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and shredded carrots (if using). Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally around to ensure onions are translucent and fragrant.
Step 2: Prepare the Roux
• Toss with the sautéed vegetables, coating and cooking about 2 minutes to cook off any raw flour taste
• Gradually whisking in the chicken broth to smooth out the mixture without any lumps that would cause. Bring the mixture to a boil and continue until just thickened about 5-7 minutes
Step 3: Add in the broccoli and chicken
• Add the broccoli florets and shredded chicken, cover, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the broccoli is tender. Cooking time depends on the size of your pieces of broccoli.
Step 4: Add Dairy and Cheese
• Lower the heat, add the milk or cream, and stir in gently.
• Add shredded cheddar cheese gradually in small handfuls, stirring over medium heat until each portion melts into the soup. Keep stirring until it’s all smooth and cheesy.
Step 5: Season and Serve
• Taste soup for salt and pepper seasoning and add what is necessary. Include optional seasonings to your liking.
• Hot. Garnish with cheddar cheese flanks extra or a dotting paprika or so. Serve with crusty bread for a self-sustaining meal!
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Making the perfect home-made soup is a little bit of a skill. Here are some tips that will help you get the ideal, creamy texture and robust flavor:
1. Whisk well: Whisk constantly while adding flour and broth to avoid lumps. This makes the soup runnier.
2. Freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy. Grate all your cheese yourself for a creamy texture.
3. Avoid high heat after addition of dairy: Milk and cream must not be added to the soup while it is boiling. The temperature of the soup should first reduce to low heat.
4. Experiment in consistency: If your soup feels too thick, then add a little broth and milk to thin it.
Flavorful Variations for Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This soup is so easy to customize. Here are some creative variations you might want to try:
1. Add grains for flavor
• Stir in cooked rice, quinoa, or a small pasta like orzo at the end of cooking for a more filling meal. Be careful not to overcook, as they will absorb the liquid and become mushy.
2. Spicy twist
• If you like spicy food add a pinch of cayenne pepper, some hot sauce, or chopped jalapeno. This gives it a good tang to mix with the creaminess.
3. Vegetarian version
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken and omit the chicken. You can add extra veggies like mushrooms or cauliflower for added texture and flavor
4. Low-carb version
• Remove the flour and go with a heavy cream as base. More cheese is added; the carbs are removed, and the soup will naturally thicken in this version. The thickening agent is not required in this creamy and delicious version.
5. Herb-rich version
• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be used to thicken the soup. The earthy aromatic flavor that it imparts on the soup is enhanced by the herbs.
Serving suggestion for chicken broccoli cheddar soup
Chicken broccoli cheddar soup actually goes really well with such a huge variety of side dishes:
• Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Awesome for dipping and sopping up every last drop.
• Salad: Bright green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts the richness of soup.
• Baked Potatoes: Eat it with baked potatoes drenched in sour cream and chives, for instance.
Storing and Reheating Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Refrigerator
Put the leftover soup in an airtight container and refrigerate it for 3 to 4 days. Reheat over low heat on your stovetop, occasionally stirring so the dairy doesn’t separate.
Freezer
This soup freezes well; just remember that dairy-based soups turn out differently in texture when thawed. Freeze the soup in a container that is safe for your freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat slowly, adding a little milk or broth if needed to thin it out.
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting dish, but it’s also nutritional value:
• rich in protein: Chicken is good for protein, which is essential for muscle repair and will keep you fuller longer.
• rich in vitamin: Broccoli is a good source of vitamins C, K, and fiber, so this yummy soup gets a healthy boost.
• Calcium from the cheddar: Cheese, of course, is a good source of calcium. This is an important nutrient for bone health. Despite being a rich soup, it can still be part of a healthy meal by incorporating whole, fresh ingredients, along with proper portioning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely. You can substitute all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener. In the event of using cornstarch, mix a little of that with cold water in a bowl, and then stir the soup slowly over low heat until it’s at the right thickness.
2. Which cheddar should I use in this soup?
Ideally, an extra-sharp cheddar is desired. The sharper the cheddar, the more pronounced its flavor will be: that cuts into the creaminess; mild cheddar can get lost in this mixture. Cheese freshly grated will also melt more easily and thus will be creamier.
3. Can I make this soup with frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is okay and will do in this recipe. Just add it to the soup straight without thawing and cook until it’s heated through. You might want to add a bit more cooking time if you are using frozen vegetables.
4. How can I prevent my soup from curdling?
The milk often curdles when boiled. To prevent that, keep the soup on a low heat after adding in milk or cream. Adding cheese slowly and continuously stirring also helps to make it smooth.
5. Can I use almond milk or coconut milk instead?
Of course, you can use unsweetened almond milk or full-fat coconut milk, if you like the dairy-free or lighter version. The distinction in taste will be really minimal, with coconut milk making the soup a little milder and a bit sweeter.
conclusion
Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup: The Whole Family Comfort Food. This is comfort food at its best recommended level. It can be served casually for dinner or for special occasions. This hearty, cheesy soup is high in proteins and nutritive elements. Without doubt, it is an excellent balanced meal. It has simple ingredients, and its base is rich and creamy. This kind of soup brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal, but you can experiment to make it your own.
Chicken broccoli cheddar soup
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
- 3 cups fresh broccoli
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrot, shredded or thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter, for sauteing vegetable and making roux
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional Seasonings: Paprika, thyme, or a pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the AromaticsIn a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and shredded carrots (if using). Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally around to ensure onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Prepare the Roux• Toss with the sautéed vegetables, coating and cooking about 2 minutes to cook off any raw flour taste• Gradually whisking in the chicken broth to smooth out the mixture without any lumps that would cause. Bring the mixture to a boil and continue until just thickened about 5-7 minutes
- Step 3: Add in the broccoli and chicken• Add the broccoli florets and shredded chicken, cover, and let it simmer for 10-15minutes, until the broccoli is tender. Cooking time depends on the size of your pieces of broccoli.
- Step 4: Add Dairy and Cheese• Lower the heat, add the milk or cream, and stir in gently.• Add shredded cheddar cheese gradually in small handfuls, stirring over medium heat until each portion melts into the soup. Keep stirring until it's all smooth and cheesy.
- Step 5: Season and Serve• Taste soup for salt and pepper seasoning and add what is necessary. Include optional seasonings to your liking.• Hot Garnish with cheddar cheese flanks extra or a dotting paprika or so. Serve with crusty bread for a self-sustaining meal!