A surprising 67% of Americans turn to soup as their comfort food when temperatures drop.

Nothing beats a warm, creamy bowl of chicken broccoli cheddar soup after a long day. Most people don’t have hours to spend in their kitchen. Our perfected 30-minute recipe delivers full flavor without the wait.

This chicken broccoli cheese soup blends tender chicken chunks, fresh broccoli florets, and rich cheddar cheese into a velvety, satisfying meal. You can call it cheddar broccoli chicken soup or chicken and broccoli soup – this recipe brings restaurant-quality taste straight from your kitchen.

Your pantry likely has most ingredients right now. This one-pot recipe means minimal cleanup and more time to savor your meal.

Let’s create the most comforting soup of the season together!

Incorporating broccoli into your diet isn’t just delicious—it’s healthy too. Discover the nutritional benefits of broccoli to see why this superfood is worth adding to your meals. If you’re craving other comforting dishes, explore additional soup recipes for inspiration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let me share the ingredients you need to make this rich and comforting chicken broccoli cheddar soup. The recipe serves 6 people, and I’ve organized everything into simple categories.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes). For quick preparation tips, see how to make Instant Pot whole chicken in under an hour.
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 medium yellow onion (finely diced)
• 3 medium carrots (sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)

Base and Dairy:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Pro Tips for Ingredients:

1. Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar delivers the best flavor – pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt smoothly
2. Fresh broccoli creates better results than frozen, though frozen works fine when needed
3. Your best choice is low-sodium chicken broth if you watch your salt intake

The secret to success lies in having all ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking. Professional chefs call this preparation “mise en place.” This simple step makes your cooking experience smoother and ensures perfect results every time.

How to Make the Perfect

Ready to make an amazing chicken broccoli cheddar soup? Let me show you how to create this creamy, flavorful dish that will become your new favorite!

Prep Work

Getting everything ready makes cooking so much easier. Start by shredding fresh cheddar cheese because pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as nicely. Dice the onions and carrots, then break the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Chefs call this preparation “mise en place” and it really helps the cooking process flow smoothly.

Cooking Instructions

1. A large Dutch oven works best to heat your oil over medium heat. Cook onions and carrots until the onions look clear – about 5 minutes should do it.
2. The butter and garlic go in next. Once you smell that amazing garlic aroma, sprinkle flour over your vegetables and let it cook 2-3 minutes. This step gets rid of that raw flour taste.
3. Slowly add your chicken broth and keep stirring. This simple trick stops those pesky lumps from forming.
4. Your broccoli florets need about 10-15 minutes to get tender. Just pop the lid on and let them simmer.
5. Time to add milk and pre-cooked chicken. The cheese goes in next – just one handful at a time while you stir. This keeps your soup smooth and creamy. For additional creamy soup options, try Crock pot Crack Potato Soup.

Serving Suggestions

This soup tastes incredible in a bread bowl – it looks fantastic too! Make it a complete meal with:

• A fresh Caesar salad
• Some crusty artisan bread
• Hot crispy potato wedges

Tips for Perfect Recipe

These tried-and-true tips will help you nail it every time:

• Smooth Soup Secret: Add your cheese gradually while stirring – no graininess!
• Perfect Consistency: A cornstarch slurry works great to adjust thickness if needed
• Smart Storage: Your leftovers will last 3-4 days in the fridge, but skip freezing dairy soups
• Reheating Right: Keep the heat low to medium and stir now and then to maintain that creamy texture

Full Nutritional Profile Per Serving

The food you eat matters as much as its taste. Here’s a detailed look at our chicken broccoli cheddar soup’s nutritional profile to help you choose the right portion size.

A generous serving (1 cup, approximately 245g) contains:

This soup stands out nutritionally because:

• High in protein at 35g per serving
• Excellent source of Vitamin C with 136mg (151% DV)
• Rich in calcium providing 320mg (25% DV)
• Good source of potassium with 427.9mg (9% DV)

Your ingredient choices can slightly alter the nutritional content. Low-fat dairy products reduce total fat, while extra vegetables boost fiber and vitamin content.

The soup’s balanced macro profile consists of 63% fat, 29% protein, and 8% carbohydrates. Its high protein content makes it filling, and moderate carb count suits many dietary preferences.

These values are based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet. You might need to adjust portions based on your nutritional needs and goals.

FAQs

You might have some questions about making the perfect chicken broccoli cheddar soup. Let me share answers to common questions from home cooks.

Is broccoli cheddar soup good or bad for you?

It depends! While it’s rich in nutrients like protein, calcium, and Vitamin C, the cream and cheese can make it high in calories and fat. Balance it with portion control and lighter side dishes.

What is broccoli cheddar soup made of?

Core ingredients include broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream or milk, chicken broth, and seasonings. Some recipes, like this one, also feature chicken for added protein.

Why is broccoli cheddar soup not vegetarian?

Traditional recipes use chicken broth, which is not vegetarian. Switching to vegetable broth makes it vegetarian-friendly.

What can I use to thicken broccoli cheddar soup?

Options include a slurry of cornstarch and water, a roux made from butter and flour, or blending part of the soup for a natural thickening effect.

Can I freeze broccoli cheddar soup?

Yes, but avoid freezing if the soup contains cream, as it may separate upon reheating. For freezer-friendly preparation, add the cream after reheating.

How can I make this soup lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with whole or low-fat milk and reduce the cheese quantity slightly. Using more broth can also help lighten the calorie count.

What are some variations of this soup?

Try substituting cheddar with Gruyere for a nutty flavor or adding shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein.o I prevent my soup from becoming grainy? The heat should stay at medium or medium-low as you add milk. Remember to whisk the mixture continuously. Your soup might curdle if you add dairy at too high a temperature. The heat should be reduced slightly before adding any milk components.

Storage and Reheating Guide:

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?Yes! Frozen broccoli works perfectly in this recipe without any cooking time adjustments. Both fresh and frozen versions have given me great results.

How do I thicken my soup if it’s too thin? Your soup can be thickened using these methods:

1. Add more heavy cream or cheddar cheese over low heat
2. Create a flour slurry (mix 1 tablespoon soup with 2-3 tablespoons flour)
3. Use cornstarch mixed with cold water

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?The soup should be heated in a saucepan over medium heat for about 10 minutes until hot throughout. Give it an occasional stir to keep that creamy texture.

Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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• Author: Emma

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Nutrition

• Calories: ~300 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Protein: 25g

Why you should make this soup

Chicken broccoli cheddar soup is more than a meal—it’s a hug in a bowl. Creamy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, it promises comfort and warmth. Its rich, velvety texture and wholesome ingredients make it an all-time favorite. Whether served as a main course or an appetizer, it sets the tone for a cozy and memorable dining experience.

Versatile and Easy to Adapt

Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping meals for the week, this soup is a surefire way to make everyone smile. You can also make it a quiet evening treat just for yourself. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—try adding your favorite toppings, like croutons and a drizzle of cream, or pair it with warm, crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal.

Suitable for Every Occasion

You can easily adapt the recipe to fit your dietary needs, making it suitable for every occasion. Whether it’s a casual dinner with loved ones, a potluck gathering, or meal prep for a hectic week, this soup delivers every time. The combination of fresh broccoli, creamy cheese, and tender chicken creates an indulgent yet nourishing dish. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and again, not just for its simplicity but for the way it brings people together around the table.

Explore More Delicious Recipes

For more tips on creamy chicken dishes, check out Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken, which pairs perfectly with this soup for a comforting meal. Feeling inspired? Don’t miss our easy homemade bread recipes to elevate your dining experience further. We’d love to hear your creative twists and serving ideas—share your thoughts in the comments below!