Indulge in the ultimate comfort with this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Soup, a rich and creamy delight that promises to warm you from the inside out. Perfect for those chilly evenings, this hearty soup is brimming with fresh, tender broccoli florets, succulent shredded chicken, and a decadent blend of creamy cheddar cheese. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl, transforming a classic favorite into a fulfilling main course that’s sure to become a staple in your home.

Contents

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Any Season

There’s something uniquely magical about a steaming bowl of homemade soup, especially when the weather turns crisp. It’s an invitation to slow down, savor, and enjoy a moment of pure culinary comfort. While many soups serve well as starters, this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Soup stands proudly as a main event. It takes the beloved, classic broccoli cheddar combination and elevates it into a truly satisfying, protein-packed meal that will delight everyone at your table.

Imagine a soup so robust and flavorful, it banishes any lingering chill. That’s exactly what you get with this recipe. We’ve taken the rich, cheesy goodness of traditional broccoli cheddar soup and infused it with tender, shredded chicken, transforming it into a hearty, wholesome dinner. While you certainly can enjoy a meatless version, the addition of chicken not only boosts the protein content but also adds incredible depth and savory flavor, ensuring this dish satisfies even the heartiest appetites. It’s the perfect solution for families who crave a substantial meal, making it a true winner for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.

Why This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Soup is a Must-Try

This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Here’s why this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Soup deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection:

Unbeatable Comfort: Few dishes offer the same level of warmth and coziness as a creamy, cheesy soup. It’s the ultimate edible hug on a cold day.
Hearty & Filling: Thanks to the generous amount of shredded chicken and fiber-rich broccoli, this soup is incredibly satisfying. It won’t leave you feeling hungry; instead, you’ll feel nourished and content.
Packed with Nutrients: Broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, while chicken provides lean protein. This soup is a delicious way to get essential nutrients into your family’s diet.
Family-Friendly: The familiar flavors of cheddar cheese and mild chicken make this soup a hit with both adults and children. It’s an excellent way to encourage picky eaters to enjoy their vegetables.
Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward, relying on simple techniques and readily available ingredients.
Versatile: While perfect as is, this soup also offers plenty of room for customization, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences.

Mastering the Art of Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Soup is a rewarding experience, and with our detailed instructions, you’ll achieve a perfectly smooth, flavorful result every time. The process involves building layers of flavor, from sautéing aromatics to creating a velvety cheese sauce. Let’s walk through each step to ensure your soup is nothing short of spectacular.

First, we begin by building the foundation of flavor. Heat a large, sturdy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. A good, heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heat distribution, preventing anything from sticking or burning. Once the pot is warm, lightly coat it with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil. Add your chopped yellow onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté these aromatic ingredients for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial, as it softens the onions and garlic, releasing their sweet and savory essences, which will infuse the entire soup with incredible depth.

Next, reduce the heat to a steady medium. Add three tablespoons of butter to the pot, stirring constantly until it has fully melted and integrated with the sautéed onions and garlic. Once the butter is melted, sprinkle 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour over the mixture. This combination of butter and flour will form what’s known as a roux – a fundamental thickening agent in many creamy soups and sauces. Cook the roux for 2 minutes, continuing to stir occasionally. This brief cooking time is essential to cook out the raw flour taste, ensuring your soup has a smooth, pleasant texture without any grittiness.

Now, it’s time to create the creamy base. Gradually add 4 cups of skim milk and 1 1/2 cups of fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth to the pot. The key here is to add the liquids slowly while whisking constantly. This continuous whisking is vital to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth consistency. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue to cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring constantly with your whisk, until the soup has visibly thickened to a desirable consistency. It should be slightly viscous but still pourable.

Once your base is beautifully thickened, it’s time for the star ingredient: cheese! Add 12 ounces (about 2 cups) of shredded light processed cheese, stirring until it has completely melted into the soup, creating a rich, velvety, and irresistibly cheesy concoction. Finally, incorporate the remaining ingredients: 4 cups of small broccoli florets, 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken, 1 cup of half-and-half, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the entire soup is thoroughly heated through. The half-and-half adds an extra layer of richness and creaminess, while the salt and pepper season the soup to perfection.

Key Ingredients: What Makes This Soup So Flavorful?

Every ingredient in this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Soup plays a vital role in its flavor and texture profile:

Yellow Onion & Garlic: These aromatic vegetables form the foundational flavor, providing a sweet, pungent, and savory base that permeates the entire soup. Sautéing them properly is key to unlocking their full potential.
Butter & All-Purpose Flour: Together, these create the roux, which is essential for thickening the soup to that desired creamy, luxurious consistency. It ensures the soup isn’t watery but wonderfully rich.
Skim Milk & Chicken Broth: The liquid base for our soup. Using skim milk keeps it a bit lighter while still providing creaminess, and the broth adds savory depth. You can adjust fat content with whole milk or heavy cream if preferred.
Shredded Light Processed Cheese: This melts incredibly smoothly, contributing that iconic cheesy flavor and a silky texture that’s characteristic of classic broccoli cheddar soup. Sharp cheddar also works wonderfully for a bolder flavor.
Rotisserie Chicken: A fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds perfectly cooked, juicy, shredded chicken. It makes the soup hearty and a complete meal. You can also cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs.
Fresh Broccoli Florets: The vibrant star of the show, providing not just color but also essential nutrients and a delightful texture. Cutting them into small florets ensures even cooking and easy eating.
Half-and-Half: Added at the end, it boosts the creaminess and richness without making the soup excessively heavy.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together, enhancing the natural taste of each ingredient.

Tips for the Perfect Pot of Soup

Achieving soup perfection is easy with a few simple tips:

Prevent Lumps: When adding milk and broth, pour slowly and whisk continuously. This is the golden rule for a smooth, lump-free soup base.
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: You want your broccoli tender but still vibrant green, with a slight bite. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and lose its appealing color.
Melt Cheese Slowly: Low heat is crucial when melting cheese into soup. High heat can cause cheese to separate or become stringy.
Season to Taste: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Different broths and cheeses can vary in sodium content.
Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver. If you’re cooking chicken from scratch, boil or bake chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Soup is truly a standalone meal, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your dining experience even further. For a truly satisfying meal, serve your piping hot soup with a side of crusty artisan bread, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of that creamy broth. A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup, adding a wonderful balance to your plate.

Don’t forget the garnishes! A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, some fresh chives, or a handful of crispy croutons can add texture and an extra layer of flavor that makes each spoonful even more delightful. Get creative with what you have on hand!

Customize Your Comfort: Soup Variations

One of the best things about homemade soup is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with these variations to make the recipe truly your own:

Vegetarian Delight: Easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could add white beans, chickpeas, or even extra vegetables like diced carrots or celery for added heartiness.
Cheese Please: While processed cheese ensures a smooth melt, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Sharp cheddar, Gruyere, or even a touch of smoked gouda can add incredible depth. For an even richer texture, you can use a combination of cheeses.
Add More Veggies: Boost the vegetable content by stirring in a handful of baby spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking, or adding diced carrots and celery along with the onion and garlic.
Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can add a subtle kick that complements the creamy flavors beautifully.
Dairy Alternatives: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk, and a dairy-free cheese alternative. A swirl of cashew cream can also mimic the richness of half-and-half.
Smoky Flavor: A hint of smoked paprika can add a wonderful warmth and depth to the soup.

Storage and Reheating

This soup is wonderful for meal prepping! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out if it has thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid boiling rapidly, as this can sometimes cause the cheese to separate. While freezing is possible, dairy-based soups can sometimes change texture upon thawing, becoming a bit grainy. If freezing, cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers and enjoy within 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Beyond Broccoli Cheddar: Other Soul-Soothing Soup Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting embrace of this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Soup, you’re in for a treat! The world of warm, hearty soups is vast and inviting, perfect for any season or mood. Whether you’re craving something rich and creamy, light and herbaceous, or zesty and vibrant, there’s a soup to soothe your soul. Explore these other beloved recipes from our kitchen that promise to deliver the same level of comfort and flavor:

Our Tuscan Tortellini Soup offers a comforting one-pot meal that’s absolutely perfect for a chilly winter day. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and bursting with the robust, aromatic flavors of Tuscany, featuring tender tortellini in a savory broth. For those who appreciate a unique twist on comfort food, our Baked Sweet Potato Soup is a must-try. It comes loaded with sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh green onions, creating an irresistible blend of sweet and savory that defines ultimate comfort. And for fans of a beloved classic, experience a homemade take on Chick-fil-A’s Chicken Tortilla Soup. This rendition tastes even better than the original, offering a zesty, flavorful experience you can enjoy all year round – even on Sundays!

Your Culinary Creations: Share the Love!

We are absolutely thrilled for you to try this incredibly flavorful Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Soup. It’s packed with so much goodness – fresh, vibrant broccoli, tender shredded chicken, and that irresistible creamy cheese – making it a truly unforgettable meal. Once you’ve whipped up a batch and savored its comforting warmth, we would absolutely love to see your culinary masterpiece!

Be sure to snap a picture of your beautiful soup and share it with us. You can tag us on Instagram @thebakermama so we can admire your delicious creations. We always enjoy seeing how inspired and creative you all get with the recipes we share. Happy cooking, and most importantly, enjoy every spoonful of this delightful soup!

xoxo,

Recipe adapted from Cooking Light (March 2009)

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Soup

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews

Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Yield: 8
Category: Main

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting soup that’s packed with fresh broccoli, shredded chicken and creamy cheese. It makes for the perfect dinner on a chilly night!

Ingredients

1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups skim milk
1–1/2 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
12 ounces (about 2 cups) shredded light processed cheese
1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (about 3 cups)
4 cups small broccoli florets
1 cup half-and-half
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Coat pot with cooking spray. Add onion and garlic to pan; sauté 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat to medium; add butter, stirring until butter melts. Sprinkle onion mixture with flour; cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Gradually add milk and broth, stirring constantly with a whisk; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook 10 minutes or until slightly thick, stirring constantly. Add cheese and stir until cheese melts. Add broccoli, chicken, half-and-half, salt and pepper; cook 10 minutes or until broccoli is tender and soup is thoroughly heated.