Imagine the comforting aroma wafting through your kitchen as you prepare a warm pot of Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
It’s a breeze to whip up, with cozy, indulgent flavors that make it an instant favorite.
Watch as diced chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheddar meld into a harmonious, velvety soup.
Let’s bring this delightful dish to life and savor the simple pleasure it offers.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 cutting board
- 1 chef’s knife
- 1 whisk
- 1 ladle
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup, here’s a suggested timeline:
Preparation Time (15 minutes)
- Reading & Gathering Ingredients (3 minutes)
- Read through the recipe to understand the steps.
- Gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Chopping and Dicing (12 minutes)
- Dice 1 pound of chicken breast.
- Chop 1 medium onion.
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
- Prepare 3 cups of broccoli florets.
Cooking Time (30 minutes)
3. Cooking the Chicken (5 minutes)
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Cook until chicken is browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. Sautéing Onion and Garlic (3 minutes)
- In the same pot, add chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Sauté until the onion is translucent.
5. Creating the Base (5 minutes)
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the onion mixture and whisk to combine.
- Slowly pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
6. Cooking Broccoli (10 minutes)
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add 3 cups of broccoli florets.
- Cook until broccoli is tender.
7. Adding Cheese and Chicken (4 minutes)
- Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot.
8. Final Steps (3 minutes)
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream.
- Add 1 teaspoon paprika, stirring to combine.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.
Resting Time (5 minutes)
9. Resting the Soup (5 minutes)
– Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
This timeline allows for efficient use of time, ensuring that each step flows smoothly into the next, and you have a delicious Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup ready to serve in under an hour.
Adjust the steps as necessary, especially if you need more time for certain tasks.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add diced chicken, salt, and pepper, cooking until chicken is browned.
Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same pot, add onion and garlic, sautéing until onion is translucent.
Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and whisk to combine.
Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and add broccoli florets.
Cook until broccoli is tender, about 10 minutes.
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Return the cooked chicken to the pot.
Pour in heavy cream and add paprika, stirring to combine.
Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.
Let soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy soup.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad complements the richness of the soup.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the meal.
- Grilled Sandwich: Pair with a grilled cheese or turkey sandwich for a hearty lunch.
- Steamed Rice: Serve the soup over rice for a more filling option.
Storage
Store Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.
Freezing
To freeze Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup, let it cool completely.
Then transfer to airtight containers, leaving space for expansion.
Freeze up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup, gently warm it over low heat on the stove.
Stir occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
Alternatively, microwave in short bursts. Stir in between.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheddar cheese.
This soup is perfect for a cozy meal at home and can be easily prepared in under an hour.
The use of fresh ingredients, such as broccoli and good-quality cheddar cheese, enhances the richness of the soup.
For those who prefer a thinner consistency, additional chicken broth can be added.
Adjust the seasoning to your preference, and consider serving this delicious soup with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
You can substitute frozen broccoli for fresh. Just adjust the cooking time to guarantee it’s tender. Thaw and drain well to prevent excess water from diluting flavors. This maintains the recipe’s integrity, assuring a delightful texture.
Is It Possible to Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
You can transform this dish to dairy-free by substituting cheddar with nutritional yeast and heavy cream with coconut milk. Use dairy-free alternatives for a creamy texture while maintaining flavor. Adjust seasonings to guarantee balanced taste.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Breast?
You can substitute chicken breast with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness. Alternatively, use turkey breast or tofu for a leaner option. Adjust cooking time to guarantee proper doneness and maintain texture.
How Can I Add Extra Spices for a Different Flavor?
To enhance flavor, incorporate spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or cayenne. Toast them briefly in olive oil before adding other ingredients. For an aromatic twist, consider a sprinkle of nutmeg or a dash of turmeric.
Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Sauté the chicken, onion, and garlic first, then transfer to the slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients, cook on low for 6 hours, stirring occasionally for even consistency.
Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Ladle
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, salt, and pepper, cooking until chicken is browned.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onion and garlic, sautéing until onion is translucent.
- Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and whisk to combine.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and add broccoli florets.
- Cook until broccoli is tender, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot.
- Pour in heavy cream and add paprika, stirring to combine.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Let soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
