Creamy Chicken Broccoli Soup Comfort in a Bowl
Recipe Introduction
Ever stare into the fridge wondering what to whip up? This chicken broccoli soup recipe is your answer! It's like a warm hug on a cold day, and Honestly? It’s easier to make than ordering takeout.
Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Soup: Comfort in a Bowl
This ain't your average soup. It's creamy chicken broccoli soup ! This classic combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a hint of cheesy goodness.
Think of it as chicken noodle soup's more sophisticated cousin.
Okay, let's get this show on the road. This is a recipe for comfort food soup , plain and simple.
What Makes This Soup So Special?
Originally, the humble chicken soup was a remedy for everything. It has evolved. Today you can enjoy as a delicious and convenient easy chicken broccoli soup recipe .
Perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather, or just want a taste of home. It's a simple dish, but it's packed with flavour and nutrients.
Quick Overview
This homemade chicken broccoli soup recipe comes together in under an hour. It’s an easy chicken broccoli soup recipe that serves about six people.
With a difficulty level suitable for even novice cooks.
Nutritious and Delicious
This chicken and broccoli soup healthy option boasts a good dose of protein and vitamins. It is primarily through the chicken and broccoli.
Need a reason to slurp down a bowl? Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse. This quick chicken broccoli soup is perfect for a light lunch or a cozy dinner.
This recipe isn't just about taste; it's about convenience too. Using rotisserie chicken broccoli soup for time saving option is one of my favourite shortcuts.
For a little extra something, try adding a bit of cream cheese for a broccoli cheddar chicken soup .
Get Ready to Cook!
It's time to gather those ingredients. Ten comin' right up – think of it as the perfect "Top of the Pops" playlist for Chicken Broccoli Soup SEO! Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Chicken Broccoli Soup
Okay, let's get this show on the road! We're diving into creamy chicken broccoli soup territory! This comfort food soup is easier than you think.
Homemade chicken broccoli soup is about to become your new fave. Ten comin' right up think of it as the perfect "Top of the Pops" playlist for Chicken Broccoli Soup SEO!
Main Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Broccoli Soup
Here's what you'll need for this easy chicken broccoli soup recipe .
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Any good quality will do.
- Yellow onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup). Look for firm onions without soft spots.
- Carrots: 2 , peeled and diced (about 1 cup). Bright orange and firm are best.
- Celery: 2 stalks , diced (about 1 cup). Crisp celery is what we are searching for.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best.
- Chicken broth: 6 cups (1.4 liters) , low sodium preferred. This controls the salt.
- Chicken breasts: 1 pound (450g) , cooked and shredded. Rotisserie chicken broccoli soup is the way to go if you wanna speed things up.
- Broccoli: 4 cups , fresh florets. Bright green, tight florets are what we want.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (240ml) . This gives it the creamy texture.
- Cheddar cheese: 1/2 cup (60g) , shredded (optional). Adds a cheesy goodness.
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup (30g) . The one and only thickening agent!.
My grandma always said, "The secret to good soup is good broth." She wasn't wrong!
Seasoning Notes to Elevate Chicken Broccoli Soup
Essential spice combinations add depth to chicken and broccoli soup healthy .
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper. Season to your liking!
- Pinch of dried thyme (optional). Thyme gives a subtle earthy flavour.
- A dash of red pepper flakes. Adds a bit of heat.
Experiment! I once added a touch of nutmeg. Oh my gosh! It was amazing!.
Quick substitution options are key.
Equipment Needed for One Pot Chicken Broccoli Soup
Essential tools only are needed to make quick chicken broccoli soup .
- Large pot or Dutch oven. A heavy bottom helps prevent scorching.
- Cutting board and knife. Safety first!.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Accuracy is important.
- Wooden spoon or spatula. Great for stirring.
- Whisk. Prevents lumps in the soup.
A good pot can make all the difference. I've had mine for years. Don't boil it after adding the cream to avoid separation.
Now you're ready to make an incredible chicken broccoli soup with cream cheese
Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Soup: Comfort in a Bowl
Okay, let's get this show on the road! We're diving headfirst into a creamy chicken broccoli soup that’s basically a warm hug on a chilly day.
Seriously, is there anything better than a big bowl of comfort food soup ? This recipe is super easy, even if you're not a pro in the kitchen.
It's about to be your go-to easy chicken broccoli soup recipe .
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first: mise en place! Or, as I like to call it, "getting your sht together" before you start cooking.
Chop your 1 medium yellow onion , 2 carrots , and 2 celery stalks . Mince 2 cloves of garlic . Measure out your 6 cups of chicken broth .
Shred your cooked chicken rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here! Finally, chop your 4 cups of broccoli florets into bite sized pieces.
This is the essential mise en place.
Time saving tip: I often chop the veggies the night before. Honestly, it makes the whole process much faster.
step-by-step: Soup's On!
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- Sauté those aromatics! Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened ( 5- 7 minutes ). Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Sprinkle in ¼ cup flour until fully coated and cook for 1 minute .
- Gradually whisk in 6 cups chicken broth and a pinch of dried thyme if you're feeling fancy. Simmer, baby, simmer!
- Toss in the 4 cups broccoli florets and simmer until tender crisp ( 8- 10 minutes ). Nobody likes mushy broccoli, ya know?
- Stir in your shredded chicken. Heat it through. You're getting closer to that chicken and broccoli soup healthy goodness!
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup cheddar cheese (if using). Careful, don't boil.
- Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust this is your soup now!
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup Game
Want to make this homemade chicken broccoli soup even better?
First, a shortcut: Rotisserie chicken isn't just a time saver, it adds flavor! Trust me on this one. Secondly, don't overcook the broccoli.
I can't stress this enough, Nobody wants mushy broccoli, ya know?
Common mistake: Boiling the soup after adding the cream. That's a curdling disaster waiting to happen. Keep that heat low!
You can definitely make this soup ahead. In fact, I think it tastes even better the next day. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently.
This quick chicken broccoli soup is your new best friend! It makes for great comfort food and can definitely be considered chicken broccoli soup with cream cheese .
It's time to make this one pot chicken broccoli soup !
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Chicken Broccoli Soup
Okay, let's get this show on the road! We're diving deep into those little details that can take your chicken broccoli soup from "meh" to "OMG, this is amazing!" Trust me, it's all about the tweaks.
Serving It Up Right
Forget boring bowls! Think about how you wanna plate your creamy chicken broccoli soup . I love a rustic look. A swirl of cream, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and maybe even a few croutons.
Bam! Suddenly it's Insta worthy. On the side? Crusty bread is a MUST. Seriously, what's better than dipping some sourdough into this comfort food soup ? Or maybe a light salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
You know? Balance is key.
Storage Smarts
Leftover homemade chicken broccoli soup ? Score! But let's do it right.
Refrigeration: Pop it in an airtight container. It'll be happy in the fridge for 3-4 days .
Freezing: Yep, you can freeze it! Let it cool completely first. Then, portion it out into freezer safe containers. It's good for up to 3 months .
Just remember, the texture might change a bit.
Reheating: Gently does it! Low and slow on the stovetop is best. Or, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.
Honestly, a little extra broth might be needed to bring it back to its former glory.
Remix Time: Soup Variations
Want to mix things up?
- dairy-free Dream: Swap out the heavy cream for full fat coconut milk. You might get a hint of coconut. But honestly, it works! Making your chicken and broccoli soup healthy while being dairy-free.
- Seasonal Swap: In autumn, roast some butternut squash and add it to the soup. So good! Also, If you are looking for Chicken broccoli soup with cream cheese , feel free to add it.
Nutrition Nuggets
Let's keep it real: I'm no nutritionist. But this chicken broccoli soup healthy is packed with good stuff! Protein from the chicken.
Vitamins from the broccoli. Carbs for energy. Think of it as a well rounded meal. Estimated per serving: Calories: 320, Protein: 25g, Fat: 20g, Carbohydrates: 12g.
It varies with portions.
With these tips in hand, you're totally ready to rock this easy chicken broccoli soup recipe . Go forth, and create soup magic! You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken broccoli soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chicken broccoli soup is a great make-ahead meal. The flavors actually meld together even better overnight. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the cream from separating think slow and steady wins the race!
How can I prevent my chicken broccoli soup from being watery?
Nobody wants a watery soup! The key is the roux cooking the flour with the butter at the beginning helps to thicken the soup. Also, be careful not to add too much broth; stick to the recipe's recommended amount.
If it’s still too thin, you can try adding a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the simmering soup.
What are some good substitutions I can make in this chicken broccoli soup recipe?
Plenty of room for improvisation here! If you're dairy-free, full fat coconut milk makes a good swap for heavy cream, although it will slightly change the flavor profile. You could use diced cooked turkey instead of chicken. Cauliflower can be substituted for broccoli if that's what you have on hand.
Get creative and make it your own!
Is this chicken broccoli soup recipe healthy?
Relatively speaking, yes! It contains plenty of veggies and lean protein from the chicken. To make it even healthier, use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the amount of cream. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost.
Remember those nutritional facts are estimates and can vary based on substitutions.
My broccoli turned to mush! How do I avoid overcooking it in the chicken broccoli soup?
Ah, the dreaded mushy broccoli! Add the broccoli florets to the simmering soup only about 8-10 minutes before the end of the cooking time. You want them to be tender crisp, not falling apart. Keep a close eye on them, and test their doneness with a fork.
How long does chicken broccoli soup last, and what's the best way to store it?
When stored properly, chicken broccoli soup will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure it cools down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it, but be aware that the texture of the cream and broccoli may change slightly upon thawing.
It’s still perfectly safe and tasty though!
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Soup Comfort In A Bowl
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 320 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
