Description
A creamy, comforting soup featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese, made easily on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, shredded or finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Croutons (optional topping)
- Extra cheddar (optional topping)
- Fresh parsley (optional topping)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper. Cook 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Sprinkle flour evenly over the vegetables. Cook 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour in chicken broth gradually while whisking. Add milk and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in broccoli florets, paprika, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer 8–10 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Return cooked chicken to the pot. Stir and let flavors combine for 2–3 minutes.
- Turn heat to low. Add shredded cheddar and Parmesan (if using). Stir slowly until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheddar, croutons, and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- If the soup is too thick after adding cheese, add more broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- If the soup is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to allow it to reduce slightly.
- Shred cheese from a block for the best melting quality.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 22
- Unsaturated Fat: 16
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 130
Keywords: Chicken and Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Winter Soup Recipes, Fall Soup Recipes, Crockpot Soup Recipes, Healthy Soup Recipes, Comfort Soup Recipes, Cheddar Soup