Imagine a warm, comforting bowl of chicken broccoli cheddar soup. It’s easy to make and full of nutrients. You can have it ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner.
It’s a favorite because of its simple ingredients and customizable recipe. Broccoli cheddar soup with chicken is loved by many.
This soup is not only tasty but also healthy. Each serving has 53g of protein, 61g of carbs, and 36g of fat. It’s great for a comforting meal or a quick dinner.
So, let’s start making a delicious bowl of chicken broccoli cheddar soup. It’s sure to become a new favorite.
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Why This Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup Will Become Your New Comfort Food Favorite
This chicken broccoli soup is yummy and full of good stuff. It has chicken, broccoli, and cheese. It’s a healthy meal choice.
You can change the ingredients to fit your taste. It’s good for any time of the year.
This chicken broccoli cheese soup is special because it’s versatile. You can have it when it’s cold outside or when it’s warm. It’s great for busy times because you can make it ahead.
- Rich in nutrients from chicken, broccoli, and cheese
- Can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs
- Perfect for any season
- Can be made ahead of time and stored for later use
This chicken broccoli soup is a mix of tasty flavors and good for you. It’s perfect for a healthy meal or a cozy soup. Try it and see why it’s a favorite.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Soup
To make a tasty chicken broccoli cheddar soup, you need some key things. You’ll need chicken, broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese. Also, some spices and herbs for extra flavor in your broccoli cheddar chicken soup.
For a great broccoli chicken cheddar soup, use the best ingredients. Fresh broccoli is full of vitamins and antioxidants. And, choose a good cheddar cheese for a creamy soup.
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Half-and-half or whole milk
- All-purpose flour
- Butter
- Onion and garlic
- Salt and pepper
These ingredients make a rich and creamy chicken broccoli cheddar soup. It’s perfect for any time. With these, you’ll make a delicious broccoli cheddar chicken soup everyone will love.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To make a tasty chicken cheddar broccoli soup, you need some basic kitchen tools. These tools help make your soup creamy and full of flavor. It’s important to have the right tools when making chicken soup with broccoli.
Must-Have Tools
Here are the tools you need for chicken cheddar broccoli soup:
- Large pot (at least 4-5 quarts)
- Utensils (spoon, whisk, etc.)
- Blender or immersion blender
- Cutting board
- Knife
Optional but Helpful Equipment
While not essential, these tools can be helpful for chicken broccoli cheese soup:
- Hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To make a tasty chicken broccoli cheddar soup, start by getting your ingredients ready. You’ll need 1-2 cups of fresh broccoli, 1 onion, and 2 cloves of garlic. Also, get 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of heavy cream for creaminess.
Then, cook your chicken in a big pot until it’s browned and done. You can use a rotisserie chicken to save time. Next, add the broccoli, onion, and garlic to the pot. Cook until the veggies are soft. Use chicken broth to add moisture and flavor.
Creating the Creamy Base
To make the soup creamy, make a roux with 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 tablespoon of butter. This thickens the soup and makes it smooth. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese slowly, stirring constantly to avoid clumps.
Final Assembly Tips
After making the creamy base, it’s time to put your soup together. Add the cooked chicken, broccoli, and onion to the pot. Stir well. Use heavy cream or half-and-half for extra creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot. You can also add diced carrots or cauliflower for more flavor and nutrients.
Expert Tips for the Creamiest Results
To get the creamiest soup, use a roux to thicken it. Add cheese slowly, stirring well to avoid lumps. Blending the soup right makes it smooth and creamy.
Here are some expert tips to help you achieve the creamiest results:
- Use a mix of sharp and extra-sharp cheddar cheese for the best taste.
- Add the cheese slowly, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Blend the soup to the right consistency for a smooth and creamy texture.
By following these tips, you can make a delicious and creamy soup. It will be a favorite for sure.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broccoli florets | 1 cup |
| Shredded sharp cheddar cheese | ½ cup |
| Whole milk | ½ cup |
| Heavy cream | ¼ cup |
With these tips and the right ingredients, you can make a creamy and tasty soup. It’s perfect for any time.
Customizing Your Soup
Chicken broccoli cheddar soup is very flexible. You can change it to fit your taste. It’s great for many occasions. You can adjust the spice or ingredients to meet your needs.
Start by choosing your cheese. Sharp cheddar is common, but try Parmesan or mix cheeses for a new taste. Add spices like paprika for a smoky flavor.
Dietary Modifications
For special diets, this soup can be changed. Use veggie broth for a veggie option or non-dairy cream for vegan. These changes let you enjoy the soup while following your diet.
Spice Level Adjustments
Want some heat? Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper. For less spice, use less or none. This makes the soup good for everyone.
Vegetable Variations
Try different veggies in your soup. Carrots, potatoes, and celery work well with chicken and cheese. Experiment to find your favorite mix.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 3 tbsp |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Flour | 4 tbsp |
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
There are many ways to serve your chicken broccoli cheddar soup. You can pair it with sides for a complete meal. Crusty bread is a classic choice. It adds a nice crunch to the creamy soup.
A side salad is also a good idea. A simple green salad with a light dressing is refreshing. You can also add croutons or crackers to the soup for extra texture.
Other options include whole grain pasta, chickpeas, or quinoa. These add nutrition and texture. You can also try different cheeses like sharp cheddar or parmesan for a unique flavor.
Bread Options
- Crusty bread
- Whole grain bread
- Garlic bread
Side Salad Recommendations
- Simple green salad
- Caesar salad
- Greek salad
Choosing what to serve with your soup is up to you. Try different things to find what you like best.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When making chicken broccoli soup, you might see lumps or a thick soup. To fix this, add more broth to thin it out. Or, use an immersion blender to make it smooth.
For creamier soup, add a roux of butter and flour. Or, use cornstarch to thicken it. You can also add mashed potatoes for thickness without gluten.
Here are some more tips for chicken soup with broccoli:
- Add a little more broth to thin out the soup if it’s too thick
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to a smooth consistency
- Add a roux or cornstarch to thicken the soup
- Use cooked, mashed potatoes to enhance the thickness without adding gluten
These tips will help you make a delicious, creamy chicken broccoli soup. Whether it’s chicken broccoli cheese soup or just chicken soup with broccoli, you’ll get it just right.
| Troubleshooting Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Add more broth | Thin out the soup if it’s too thick |
| Use an immersion blender | Puree the soup to a smooth consistency |
| Add a roux or cornstarch | Thicken the soup |
| Use cooked, mashed potatoes | Enhance the thickness without adding gluten |
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Storing and reheating your chicken broccoli cheddar soup is important. You can keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days. Or, freeze it for 2-3 months.
For freezing, use containers or bags that keep air out. This stops freezer burn. Write the date and what’s inside on the containers. Lay them flat to save space and thaw faster.
Freezing Instructions
- Use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers with the date and contents.
Best Reheating Methods
To reheat, use the microwave or stovetop. In the microwave, heat in 30-second bursts, stirring each time. This ensures it’s 165°F (74°C) hot.
On the stovetop, heat it low and stir often. This makes it hot and creamy.
Always check the soup’s temperature before eating. This keeps it safe and tasty. Follow these tips to enjoy your soup longer and better.
Conclusion: Mastering Your Homemade Soup Game
Learning to make chicken broccoli cheddar soup is fun and rewarding. It can make your homemade soups better. By following the steps in this guide, you can make a tasty and comforting dish.
This chicken soup with broccoli is great for a nourishing meal or a cozy weekend treat. It will make your taste buds happy and fill your cravings.
You can change the ingredients and flavors to your liking. This means you can try different versions of chicken broccoli cheddar soup. You can add more spices or veggies. So, why not try making this recipe? It’s a great way to enjoy homemade comfort food.