Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup

When the air turns crisp, there is nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of Best Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup. This creamy, hearty comfort soup is loaded with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese, making it the ultimate nourishing meal for any day of the week.

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This American classic balances the richness of heavy cream and sharp cheddar with the freshness of diced carrots, celery, and a full head of broccoli florets.

Ingredients

• Poultry: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
• Vegetables: 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head), 1 medium carrot (diced), 1 small onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 celery stalks (diced)
• Dairy: 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (grated), 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Broth & Thickener: 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• Seasonings: 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional), pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.

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Instructions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot; sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.

Step 2

Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ensuring the mixture is smooth.

Step 5

Add broccoli florets, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and nutmeg. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, until broccoli is tender.

Step 6

Stir in cooked chicken, milk, and cream. Heat gently for 5 minutes, but do not boil.

Step 7

Remove from heat. Gradually add grated cheddar, stirring until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8

Serve hot, garnished with extra cheddar or fresh herbs if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a smoother soup, blend half the soup with an immersion blender before adding the cheese. This creates a thicker, creamier base while still leaving some chunks of broccoli and chicken for texture.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily substitute turkey for chicken if you have leftovers on hand. For those with dietary restrictions, using gluten-free flour works perfectly. If you want a bit more zip, try adding a splash of hot sauce or a dollop of Dijon mustard to the broth.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this soup hot with a side of crusty bread for a complete, cozy meal. You can also garnish each bowl with extra sharp cheddar cheese or fresh herbs like parsley to brighten the flavor.

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With its rich texture and savory depth, this Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup is sure to become a staple in your home recipe collection.

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

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Recipe FAQ

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the soup up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. When reheating, warm gently over low heat to prevent the dairy from separating. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore consistency.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Freezing is possible but may cause slight texture changes due to the cream and cheese. For best results, freeze before adding the dairy, then whisk in milk, cream, and cheese when reheating.

→ What can I use instead of chicken?

Shredded turkey works beautifully as a substitute. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and add white beans or extra broccoli for protein.

→ How do I make it thicker?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, increase the flour to 3 tablespoons or blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the cheese. Adding a peeled potato while simmering also naturally thickens the broth.

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Frozen broccoli works well in a pinch. Add it during the last 5–7 minutes of simmering since it's already partially cooked. Fresh broccoli will have better texture and flavor.