Warm up your kitchen and your taste buds with a bowl of our irresistibly creamy Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup! This American classic combines tender shredded chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy family dinner, this soup is not just a meal; it's a hug in a bowl! Ready to discover the secrets to creating this delicious comfort food? Let’s dive into the recipe that will elevate your weeknight dinners and impress your loved ones!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, 2 cups of broccoli florets, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the chicken broth over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
- While the broth is heating, prepare the broccoli florets. If using fresh broccoli, wash and cut them into bite-sized pieces. If using frozen, measure out 2 cups and set aside.
- Once the broth is simmering, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.
- Next, add the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir well to combine the chicken with the broth and broccoli.
- Reduce the heat to low, and slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. This will create a creamy base for your soup.
- After the cream is fully incorporated, add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount, and adjust according to your preference.
- Allow the soup to simmer on low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help all the flavors meld together.
- Once the soup is heated through and creamy, remove it from the heat. Serve hot in bowls, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Creamy Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup with crusty bread or crackers on the side for a complete meal!
Tips
- Use Leftover Chicken: To save time, use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand. This will cut down on prep time and add extra flavor.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: Fresh broccoli will give you a brighter color and a slightly firmer texture, but frozen broccoli is perfectly fine and convenient. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the soup.
- Gradual Cream Addition: When adding the heavy cream, do it slowly while stirring continuously. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture without any lumps.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique twist on flavor.
- Seasoning to Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of cayenne pepper can also enhance the flavor profile.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow the soup to simmer on low for a few extra minutes after adding the cheese. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Garnish for Presentation: For an extra touch, garnish your soup with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or even croutons before serving.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your soup with crusty bread, crackers, or a fresh salad to make it a complete meal that everyone will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 110mg
