Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Looking for a soup that’s both comforting and creamy? This chicken broccoli cheese soup is perfect. It mixes tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce. It’s a meal that will comfort your soul and satisfy your appetite.

Whether you’re craving a comforting dinner or a healthy lunch, this chicken, broccoli, and cheese soup will surely please. This dish is bound to become a family favorite.

Key Takeaways

Creamy and comforting chicken broccoli cheddar soup recipe
Blends tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce
Ideal for a comforting dinner or a wholesome lunch
A flexible dish that can be customized to suit your taste
Easy to prepare with step-by-step instructions

Creamy and Comforting Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup

Get ready to enjoy a creamy, comforting chicken broccoli cheese soup. This classic dish is loved by many. It combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce. It’s perfect for a hearty meal or a cozy comfort food.

Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe Ingredients

To make this broccoli cheese chicken soup, you’ll need a few ingredients:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Broccoli florets, freshly chopped
Shredded cheddar cheese or a mixed cheese blend
Diced onions, garlic, and celery
Chicken broth or stock
Cream or milk for the creamy base
Butter, flour, and seasoning (such as salt, pepper, and thyme)

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup (Step-by-Step)

Here’s how to make your own chicken broccoli and cheese soup:

Sauté the Vegetables: Start by heating butter in a large pot and sautéing diced onion, garlic, and carrots. This helps develop a flavor base for the soup. Once the onions are soft, stir in the flour to form a roux, which will help thicken the broth.
Create the Broth: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring the roux is fully incorporated without any lumps. Bring this mixture to a simmer.
Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets and simmer until they’re tender but still bright green. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes.
Incorporate the Chicken and Cheese: Stir in the cooked chicken and cheddar cheese. Lower the heat to avoid curdling the cheese, and stir constantly until the cheese melts smoothly into the soup.
Add the Milk: Finish off by adding the milk or half-and-half. Mix everything together and allow it to simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Serve this delicious chicken, broccoli, and cheese soup while it’s hot. Add extra cheese, croutons, or parsley if you like. Enjoy it as a main dish or as a side.

Expert Tips for Success

Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. For optimal texture, grate your cheese fresh from a block.
Don’t Boil the Milk: After adding the milk or half-and-half, keep the soup at a low simmer. Boiling could result in the milk curdling.
Adjust Consistency: If the soup becomes too thick, simply add a little more broth or milk to thin it out.
Use Fresh Broccoli: While frozen broccoli can work, fresh broccoli provides a better texture and flavor for this soup.

Variations and Customizations

Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add in extra vegetables like cauliflower or mushrooms to bulk up the soup.
Low-Carb/Keto: For a keto-friendly version, replace the flour with almond flour or xanthan gum to keep it low-carb. You can opt for heavy cream as a substitute for milk.
Spicy Twist: Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. You can also add chopped jalapeños for an extra layer of heat.
Bacon Lovers: Crisp up some bacon and sprinkle it on top for a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheese.

Chicken Broccoli And Cheese Soup: A Classic Family Favorite

The chicken broccoli cheese soup is a favorite in many American homes. It comes from a long tradition of American cooking. Families have enjoyed it for years, sharing it at meals.

This soup brings back memories and warmth. It’s a dish that families have made their own over time. They bring their unique flair to the recipe.

The soup combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheese broth. It’s a blend of flavors that everyone enjoys. The chicken, broccoli, and cheese all work together perfectly.

This soup is ideal for a cold day or a cozy evening. It’s a cozy dish that brings families closer. It can be a family recipe or a new favorite.

“A spoonful of chicken, broccoli, and cheese soup is like a comforting hug on a cold day. It’s a comforting taste of home that always nourishes both body and soul.”

The love for chicken soup with broccoli shows no signs of fading. It’s clear that this classic dish will stay a favorite in American cuisine for years to come.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Broccoli Cheese Chicken Soup

To make your chicken broccoli cheese soup even better, try these tips. Start by mixing different cheeses like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend. This will help you find the perfect taste. Adding a bit of Parmesan can also add a savory depth.

For a thicker soup, puree some of it and mix it back in. This makes the soup creamy without losing the chicken and broccoli. You can also add heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer flavor.

Feel free to add your favorite veggies to the soup. Onions, carrots, or roasted garlic can all make it taste better. Try different veggies to find the perfect mix for your family.

Serving Suggestions

Broccoli cheese chicken soup is a rich, hearty dish that pairs beautifully with light sides. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette
A crisp green salad topped with a tangy vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or cauliflower
Grilled cheese sandwiches for an added cheesy delight

FAQ

How do you make the cheese sauce for chicken broccoli cheese soup?

Begin by preparing a roux with butter and flour. Then, add milk or cream slowly to make it smooth. Finally, add shredded or grated cheese until it’s fully melted and mixed in.

How do you thicken chicken broccoli cheese soup?

There are a few ways to thicken it: – Make a roux with butter and flour, then whisk it into the soup. – Blend or puree some of the soup for a creamier texture. – Add a cornstarch or arrowroot slurry and simmer until thickened. – Let it simmer longer to evaporate some liquid.

What sides or toppings go well with chicken broccoli cheese soup?

Delicious sides and toppings include: – Crusty bread or rolls for dipping – Croutons or crackers – A simple green salad – Sour cream or fresh chives – Shredded cheese or crumbled bacon.

Can you add chicken broth to broccoli cheese soup?

Yes, adding chicken broth to broccoli cheese soup not only enhances the flavor but also adds a savory depth that balances the richness of the cheese.

How to make broccoli cheese soup without chicken broth?

You can replace chicken broth with vegetable broth if you’re looking for a vegetarian option. Water can also be used, though the flavor will be less rich.