What ingredients do I need for Creamy Chicken Broccoli Soup?

To make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Soup, you'll need boneless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1 pound), fresh broccoli florets (2 cups), chicken broth (4 cups), heavy cream (1 cup), butter (2 tablespoons), all-purpose flour (2 tablespoons), minced garlic (1 clove), onion (1 diced), salt and pepper to taste. Optional ingredients include shredded cheddar cheese for extra creaminess and breadcrumbs for topping.

Can I use pre-cooked shredded chicken in this soup recipe?

Absolutely! If you have pre-cooked shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken that you can shred, that would actually cut down the time to cook this soup further. Simply add the pre-cooked shredded chicken during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, just long enough to heat it through. This shortcut reduces total cooking time by about 15-20 minutes while still delivering great flavor.

How can I make my chicken broccoli soup thicker and creamier?

To achieve a thicker, creamier texture, create a roux by melting 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of flour in the pot before adding liquids. Cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly. Then gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. For extra richness, stir in 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese just before serving. The roux acts as a natural thickener that prevents the dairy from separating.

Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Broccoli Soup for later use?

While you can freeze Creamy Chicken Broccoli Soup, the texture may change upon thawing. Dairy-based soups sometimes become grainy or separate when frozen. If you plan to freeze it, consider slightly undercooking the broccoli and adding the cream portion after reheating. For best results, refrigerate for up to 3-4 days rather than freezing, or freeze the soup base without cream and add fresh cream when reheating.

What can I serve with Creamy Chicken Broccoli Soup for a complete meal?

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping. Serve with warm garlic breadsticks, buttered crackers, or a slice of sourdough. For a lighter meal, add a simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing. If serving as a main course, consider offering a grilled cheese sandwich or quiche on the side. The soup also complements roasted potatoes or a light rice pilaf for a more filling dinner.

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Soup: Homemade Comfort in 30 Mins

Name: Creamy Chicken Broccoli Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 pound boneless chicken breasts or thighs Provides lean protein that keeps you full and adds a tender bite to the soup; – 2 cups fresh broccoli floret Adds crunch and vitamins, making the soup nutritious and giving it a vibrant green color; – 4 cups chicken broth Forms the base of the soup, delivering savory depth and helping to blend all flavors together; – 1 cup heavy cream Creates the creamy texture that makes this soup so comforting and rich; – 2 tablespoons butter Helps sauté the aromatics and adds a smooth, flavorful foundation for the soup; – 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Acts as a thickener to give the soup body and prevent it from being too watery; – 1 clove minced garlic Brings a punchy aroma and taste that elevates the overall flavor profile; – 1 diced onion Adds sweetness and depth, forming the starting point for building layers of taste; – Salt and pepper to taste Seasons the soup perfectly, balancing flavors without overwhelming them; – 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese Boosts creaminess and adds a cheesy richness for extra indulgence; – Breadcrumbs for topping Provides a crispy finish that makes the soup more textured and fun to eat

Description

🥦 Warm up with a nourishing soup that’s packed with veggies and protein, offering comfort and health in every spoonful.
🥦 Delight in a creamy, easy-to-make dish that provides essential nutrients while being gentle on your stomach during cooler days.

Ingredients

– 1 pound boneless chicken breasts or thighs Provides lean protein that keeps you full and adds a tender bite to the soup

– 2 cups fresh broccoli floret Adds crunch and vitamins, making the soup nutritious and giving it a vibrant green color

– 4 cups chicken broth Forms the base of the soup, delivering savory depth and helping to blend all flavors together

– 1 cup heavy cream Creates the creamy texture that makes this soup so comforting and rich

– 2 tablespoons butter Helps sauté the aromatics and adds a smooth, flavorful foundation for the soup

– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Acts as a thickener to give the soup body and prevent it from being too watery

– 1 clove minced garlic Brings a punchy aroma and taste that elevates the overall flavor profile

– 1 diced onion Adds sweetness and depth, forming the starting point for building layers of taste

– Salt and pepper to taste Seasons the soup perfectly, balancing flavors without overwhelming them

– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese Boosts creaminess and adds a cheesy richness for extra indulgence

– Breadcrumbs for topping Provides a crispy finish that makes the soup more textured and fun to eat

Instructions

1-First Step: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Begin by chopping your ingredients to make cooking easier. Dice the onion and mince the garlic, then cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and trim the broccoli floret. This mise en place helps everything cook evenly and saves time during the process.

2-Second Step: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and release their aroma. This step builds a flavorful base for your creamy chicken broccoli soup, adding that essential depth of taste.

3-Third Step: Cook the Chicken
Add the 1 pound of chicken pieces to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn golden and are no longer pink inside. Season with salt and pepper to taste at this point to lock in the flavors. For dietary adaptations, you can use pre-cooked chicken here to speed things up.

4-Fourth Step: Add Broccoli and Broth
Stir in the 2 cups of broccoli floret and pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes until the broccoli is tender. This allows the vegetables to soften while infusing the soup with their natural goodness, keeping it light yet satisfying.

5-Fifth Step: Make It Creamy
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of flour with a bit of the broth to create a slurry, then add it to the pot along with the 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the soup thickens. If you want it extra creamy, mix in the optional 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese now for a cheesy twist.

6-Sixth Step: Final Touches and Serving
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then remove from heat. Serve hot in bowls, topped with breadcrumbs if desired, for a crunchy contrast. This creamy chicken broccoli soup is best enjoyed fresh, paired with bread for a complete meal that feels like a warm hug on a cool day.

Notes

🥦 Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture in your soup.
🍲 Freeze leftovers in portions for quick, comforting meals later.
🐔 Opt for boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and richness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
None: 0 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 300 per serving
Sugar: 4 grams
Sodium: 700 milligrams
Fat: 18 grams
Saturated Fat: 10 grams
Unsaturated Fat: 6 grams
Trans Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 12 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Protein: 25 grams
Cholesterol: 90 milligrams

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Soup, Broccoli Soup, Comfort Recipe, Chicken Broccoli