Name: Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Creamy, Comforting u0026amp; Healthy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium); 2 cups milk or half-and-half; 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional); 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and subtle flavor)

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Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Chicken broccoli cheddar soup is a classic comfort dish that brings warmth, richness, and wholesome nutrition to your table. What makes it special is the perfect balance of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and velvety cheddar cheese in a creamy broth. Each spoonful delivers savory chicken flavors, subtle sweetness from the vegetables, and the satisfying creaminess of melted cheese. This soup stands out because it’s both indulgent and nourishing, offering a sense of comfort without heavy complexity. People love it for its familiar taste, easy versatility, and the way it can be adapted for different dietary preferences, whether you want a lower-calorie option, a keto-friendly version, or a hearty meal for the whole family.

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What elevates chicken broccoli cheddar soup beyond ordinary soups is the combination of technique and quality ingredients. Using a slow-cooked or stovetop method allows the flavors to meld fully, ensuring that the chicken is tender, the broccoli retains its color and slight crunch, and the cheese integrates smoothly without clumping. It is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides or can be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying meal. From a creamy, velvety base to a golden, cheesy finish, this soup embodies comfort food at its finest, perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a cozy weekend lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken broccoli cheddar soup recipe is designed to deliver a professional-quality soup that is approachable for home cooks. The soup combines wholesome ingredients with techniques that elevate flavor and texture. Using a gradual heat process ensures the chicken stays tender while the broccoli cooks just enough to retain its vibrant color. Incorporating the cheddar at the right stage guarantees a creamy, smooth texture without graininess. The recipe is versatile, allowing customization of richness, spice level, or consistency, making it suitable for various dietary goals, including low-carb meals for work or keto-friendly crockpot dinners.

Another reason to love this recipe is its convenience without compromising taste. It’s suitable for slow-cooked meals, quick stovetop preparation, or batch cooking for the week. The natural flavors of chicken broth and fresh vegetables shine, balanced by a creamy cheddar infusion that is neither overwhelming nor greasy. Additionally, this soup is highly adaptable, allowing substitutions and variations while maintaining its comforting, hearty profile. Whether serving as a low-calorie crockpot recipe, a hearty comfort meal, or a healthy creamy crockpot soup, this recipe offers a reliable foundation for multiple occasions.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35–40 minutes (stovetop) or 4 hours low in crockpot
Total time: 50 minutes (stovetop) / 4 hours (slow cooker)
Serving: 6 generous bowls

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
2 cups milk or half-and-half
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and subtle flavor)

Substitution notes:

Milk or half-and-half can be replaced with unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk for a dairy alternative.
Flour can be swapped with cornstarch for a gluten-free version (use 3 tablespoons).
Cheese can be adjusted to preference or replaced with a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
Chicken can be pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken breast or thighs.
Broccoli can be lightly steamed before adding to ensure bright green color if desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the base

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. This foundational step ensures the soup has a deep, aromatic base without overwhelming the flavors of chicken or broccoli.

Step 2: Make the roux

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring continuously for 1–2 minutes to create a roux. The roux thickens the soup while cooking and should develop a slightly golden hue without browning too much. Stir constantly to avoid lumps.

Step 3: Add liquids

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, ensuring the roux fully incorporates without clumping. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This creates a velvety base and prevents scorching.

Step 4: Add chicken and seasonings

Stir in shredded chicken, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg or paprika. Reduce heat to low and let the flavors meld for 10–15 minutes. This allows the chicken to warm through and absorb the broth’s flavor without overcooking.

Step 5: Add broccoli

Add the chopped broccoli florets to the simmering soup. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until broccoli is tender yet bright green. Avoid overcooking to maintain both color and texture.

Step 6: Incorporate cheddar cheese

Gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, allowing each portion to melt completely before adding the next. Keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from separating or clumping. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 7: Final touches

Simmer the soup for another 2–3 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are heated evenly and the soup is creamy and smooth. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully develop.

How to Serve

Serve chicken broccoli cheddar soup in warmed bowls for a comforting presentation. Top with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese, a pinch of black pepper, or a few fresh parsley leaves for color. Pair with crusty bread, low-carb crackers, or a light side salad to create a complete meal. For added texture, consider a light drizzle of cream or a few crispy bacon bits on top. The soup is visually appealing with bright green broccoli contrasted against the creamy yellow-orange broth, making it inviting for both family meals and dinner guests.

Additional Tips

Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavor; milder cheeses may require more quantity.
Add cheese gradually to prevent curdling or graininess.
Keep broccoli slightly undercooked if planning to reheat later, as it will continue cooking in residual heat.
Stir gently to avoid breaking up the chicken too finely.
For low-carb meals for work or keto-friendly versions, serve without thickening flour and increase cheese or heavy cream slightly.
Use homemade chicken broth for richer flavor or store-bought for convenience.

Recipe Variations

Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Add cheese at the end.
Broccoli Cheese Rice Soup: Add cooked rice or cauliflower rice for a thicker, heartier version.
Chicken Broccoli Chowder: Include diced potatoes for a chowder-like consistency.
Low-Calorie Creamy Soup: Use skim milk or unsweetened almond milk and reduce cheese slightly.
Spicy Variation: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño for heat.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add extra milk or broth if consistency is too thick.
Meal prep tip: Portion into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 320
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Sugar: 3g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 650mg

Final Words

Chicken broccoli cheddar soup is a comforting, nutritious, and versatile dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. By following this recipe, home cooks can achieve a rich, creamy, and flavorful soup that tastes like it came from a professional kitchen. The balance of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar creates a satisfying texture and depth of flavor that is both indulgent and wholesome. Whether serving for a family dinner, a cozy lunch, or meal prepping for the week, this soup provides a reliable, impressive dish with minimal effort.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. It works for low-carb meals, keto-friendly crockpot dinners, or lighter, low-calorie versions without sacrificing taste. The slow-cooking method or stovetop preparation ensures that the chicken remains tender, the broccoli retains its vibrant color, and the cheese melts into a silky, smooth finish. By learning the techniques outlined in this recipe, home cooks can recreate this comforting classic repeatedly, adjusting ingredients and seasonings to personal taste while maintaining a consistently delicious outcome.

Finally, chicken broccoli cheddar soup exemplifies the value of cooking at home. It combines convenience, nutrition, and flavor in a way that is hard to replicate with store-bought alternatives. Bookmark this recipe, experiment with variations, and enjoy the satisfaction of serving a homemade, comforting soup that is rich, creamy, and full of wholesome goodness. Once you master this recipe, it will become a staple in your repertoire, perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and cozy family meals.

FAQ’s

Yes, leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken works well. Reduce cooking time slightly for already cooked meat.

Yes, combine all ingredients except cheese in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Stir in cheese at the end.

Yes, skip the flour and use heavy cream or full-fat cheese to maintain a low-carb profile.

Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor and melt. You can also mix with Monterey Jack for a milder taste.