Easy Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup | Hearty Comfort Food

Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with our creamy chicken broccoli cheddar soup. It’s a mix of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese. This soup is packed with flavor and will warm your soul.

Each serving of 2.5 cups is nutritious and satisfying. It’s perfect for a cozy meal.

Key Takeaways

• Creamy, comfort food chicken broccoli cheddar soup
• Yields around 6 servings of 2.5 cups each
• Combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese
• High in protein with 39g per serving
• Relatively low in carbs with 21g per serving

Why This Creamy Chicken Soup Will Become Your Family Favorite

Get ready to love our Easy Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup. It’s a mix of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese. This combo makes a creamy soup that will win your family’s heart.

Perfect Balance of Flavors

The secret to this soup’s charm is its mix of flavors. Chicken and cheddar cheese blend well, while broccoli adds a nice crunch. Each spoonful is a treat for your taste buds.

Quick and Easy Preparation

This chicken soup recipe is a quick win. You can make a delicious meal in under an hour. It’s perfect for when you’re short on time but want a tasty meal.

Nutritious Comfort Food

Enjoy the cozy feel of our cheddar cheese soup without feeling guilty. It’s packed with protein, veggies, and dairy. This soup is both tasty and healthy, making it a great choice for any meal.

“This chicken broccoli cheddar soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s so creamy and flavorful, yet surprisingly easy to make. My family can’t get enough of it!”

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Making a tasty vegetable soup, creamy soup, or soup recipe starts with picking the right ingredients. For Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ll need a few key things:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (2 lbs)
• Broccoli Florets (4 cups)
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups)
• Unsalted Butter (5 tbsp)
• Onion, chopped (½ cup)
• All-Purpose Flour (⅓ cup)
• Chicken Stock (2 cups)
• Celery, finely diced (1 stalk)
• Whole Milk (2 cups)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

For extra flavor, think about adding garlic, carrots, bay leaves, dried herbs (oregano, thyme), and a bit of chili flakes. These can make your vegetable soup, creamy soup, or soup recipe even better.

“The key to a truly delectable Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup is striking the perfect balance between the creamy, cheesy broth and the fresh, vibrant broccoli.”

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a comforting and tasty soup recipe. Your family will love it.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make a tasty homemade soup recipe, you need some key kitchen tools. Let’s explore the must-have equipment for a perfect homemade soup every time.

Essential Cookware

A large pot or Dutch oven is the base for any soup recipe. It’s perfect for simmering and sautéing ingredients. Make sure it has a heavy bottom to avoid scorching.

Helpful Tools and Appliances

You’ll also need a sharp chef’s knife for chopping veggies. A cutting board is great for prepping. Measuring cups and spoons help get the flavors right. An immersion blender or regular blender is handy for smooth soups.

Optional Equipment

Some extra tools can make soup recipe making easier. A slow cooker or Instant Pot lets flavors blend with little effort. A box grater is useful for shredding cheese for a creamy soup.

With the right kitchen tools, you’re ready to make a delicious homemade soup recipe your family will enjoy.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making the chicken broccoli cheddar soup is easy and fun. Start by cooking diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced carrots in a big pot with olive oil. When they’re soft, add broccoli florets and chicken broth. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Then, slowly add milk and shredded cheddar cheese while stirring. This makes the soup creamy. Use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup for a smooth feel, but keep some chunks for texture.

1. Sauté onion, garlic, and carrots in olive oil until softened.
2. Add broccoli florets and chicken broth, then simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Whisk in milk and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
4. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks.
5. Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken and let the soup simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Finally, add the cooked, shredded chicken to the pot. Let the soup recipe simmer for another 5 minutes. This lets all the flavors mix well. The whole process takes about 30 minutes. You’ll get a delicious, comforting chicken broccoli cheddar soup that everyone will enjoy.

Tips for Perfect Soup Consistency

Getting the right thickness and texture in your creamy soup is key for a cozy and comforting meal. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect cheddar cheese soup consistency:

Achieving the Right Thickness

To thicken your soup, try a roux or cornstarch slurry. Mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with the same amount of milk until it’s smooth. Then, stir it into the soup and simmer until it’s just right. This method creates a rich, velvety texture without losing the flavors.

Cheese Selection and Melting

Choose a high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for the best results. Shredding the cheese yourself is better than using pre-shredded, as it melts more evenly. Slowly add the cheese to the hot soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Vegetable Preparation

For the best texture, chop broccoli and carrots into small pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and don’t leave tough chunks in the soup. You can also blend about 75% of the soup for a creamier texture. This way, you keep some vegetable pieces for a heartier feel.

Make-Ahead and Storage Options

This homemade hearty soup is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient. You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it for days. Whether you’re meal prepping or just want a comforting homemade soup, these tips will keep your Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup fresh and flavorful.

Refrigerator Storage

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to the fridge. When you’re ready, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot and bubbling.

Freezer Storage

For longer-term storage, this hearty soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cool the soup completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then warm it up on the stove or in the microwave until hot.

With these easy make-ahead and storage options, you can always have a delicious, homemade soup ready. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Enjoy your Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup anytime, knowing it’s just a quick reheating away.

Nutritional Benefits and Dietary Information

The creamy chicken soup you’ve just learned to make is not only delicious, but also packed with essential nutrients. This hearty comfort food is a fantastic source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It makes it a nutritious choice for your family.

Protein and Vitamin Content

Each serving of this broccoli soup provides a generous 39 grams of protein. This is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. It’s also rich in vitamins A and C, with 4,070 IU and 70.8 mg respectively per serving. These vitamins support immune function and healthy vision.

Dietary Modifications

For those following specialized diets, this chicken soup recipe can be easily modified. You can use plant-based milk instead of dairy to make it vegan-friendly. Or omit the flour to create a low-carb version.

Caloric Breakdown

This comfort food soup is a well-balanced meal. It provides 310 calories per serving, with 21 grams of carbohydrates, 39 grams of protein, and 9 grams of fat. It also offers a good source of calcium and potassium.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

There are many ways to serve your chicken broccoli cheddar soup. This comfort food goes well with various sides, making a complete meal.

Try it with a crusty bread like sourdough or dinner rolls. It’s great for dipping into the creamy broth. You can also use edible bread bowls for a fun twist.

• Crusty Sourdough Bread
• Homemade Dinner Rolls
• Asiago Sourdough Bread
• Fluffy Dutch Oven Sourdough Bread
• Bread Bowls

To balance the soup’s richness, add a fresh salad. A simple green salad or a kale salad with Parmesan and almonds works well.

For a more filling meal, serve the soup with roasted veggies. Try Brussels sprouts, carrots, or potatoes. They add a nice contrast to the creamy soup.

This comfort food is sure to be a hit with your family. Try different sides and toppings to find your favorite way to enjoy it.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

This chicken soup recipe is very versatile. The classic mix of chicken, broccoli, and cheddar cheese is great. But, you can also add your own twist to this comforting dish.

Want a vegetarian option? Just leave out the chicken and use vegetable soup instead. You can also try different cheeses like Gruyère or Gouda for more flavor.

Looking to add more veggies? Swap some broccoli for cauliflower or spinach. You can make this recipe your own in many ways.

Need a dairy-free version? Use plant-based milk and cheese. Adding crispy bacon bits or diced ham can also boost the flavor and protein.

With these simple changes, you can make this chicken soup fit your needs or taste. The options are endless, so don’t be afraid to try new things and make it your own.

Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect soup recipe or homemade soup needs careful attention. Avoiding common mistakes ensures your Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup is creamy and flavorful. This is true every time you make it.

Temperature Control Tips

Temperature control is key for the right soup consistency. Don’t boil the soup hard after adding cheddar cheese. This can make the cheese curdle and separate. Instead, keep the heat low to let the cheese melt smoothly into the broth.

Ingredient Proportions

Watch the ingredient amounts closely. Too much broccoli can overpower the other tastes. Too much salt makes the soup too salty. The Broccoli Cheddar Soup usually has about 3/4 pound of bacon, 2-3 cups of carrots, and 2-3 cups of small broccoli florets.

Storage Mistakes

Storing your soup recipe right is crucial. Let it cool down before refrigerating or freezing to stop bacteria growth. Also, don’t freeze soups with cream or cheese. They can become grainy when thawed and reheated. Add these dairy items after reheating the soup.

Remembering these tips helps you make a homemade soup your family will love.

Conclusion

The chicken broccoli cheddar soup you’ve mastered is a tasty and healthy comfort food. It’s a favorite among families. Its flavors are perfect, it’s easy to make, and it’s full of good stuff.

This soup is packed with protein from chicken and cheese, and vitamins from broccoli. It’s great for warming up on a cold night or for a healthy meal. Every spoonful is full of good nutrients.

You can make it your own by changing the recipe, trying different cheeses, or adding more veggies. This soup will be a mainstay in your home. It brings comfort and health with every bite.