Cheese and Broccoli Chicken Soup is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines the deliciousness of chicken, cheese, and tender broccoli florets. This comforting soup is perfect for a chilly day or when you’re craving a hearty meal. It’s also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. This recipe is easy to make and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner or a last-minute meal.
The soup starts with sautéing onions and garlic in a pot until they become translucent and fragrant. Then, chicken breasts are added and cooked until they are fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Broccoli florets are added next and cooked until they are tender. The soup is then seasoned with herbs and spices, such as thyme and pepper, to add extra flavor. Finally, cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, is melted into the soup to give it a creamy and cheesy texture. The result is a delicious and satisfying soup that will warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
The Cheese and Broccoli Chicken Soup is made with a variety of ingredients that combine to create a delicious and comforting meal. The main ingredients for this recipe include:
- Chicken: The recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are cooked and then shredded. This adds a protein component to the soup.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are added to the soup, providing a nutritious and flavorful vegetable element.
- Cheese: The soup is made with a combination of cheddar cheese and cream cheese, which gives it a creamy and cheesy consistency.
- Chicken broth: Chicken broth serves as the base for the soup, providing a flavorful liquid to cook the chicken and vegetables in.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics are sautéed before adding the other ingredients, adding depth of flavor to the soup.
- Flour: A small amount of flour is used to thicken the soup and give it a slightly thicker consistency.
- Seasonings: Various seasonings such as salt, pepper, and dried thyme are used to enhance the flavor of the soup.
- Heavy cream: A splash of heavy cream is added at the end to further enhance the creamy texture of the soup.
These ingredients come together to create a delicious and hearty Cheese and Broccoli Chicken Soup that is sure to please the whole family.
Steps to prepare Cheese and Broccoli Chicken Soup
Step 1: Gather the ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 2: Cook the onions and garlic
- In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Add the chicken and broccoli
- Add the shredded or diced chicken and broccoli florets to the pot with the onions and garlic.
- Cook for a few minutes until the broccoli is slightly tender.
Step 4: Make the cheese sauce
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and milk until well combined.
- Pour the milk mixture into the pot with the chicken and broccoli.
- Stir in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Continue to cook until the soup thickens slightly.
- Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips from professional chefs for making Cheese and Broccoli Chicken Soup
When it comes to making a delicious Cheese and Broccoli Chicken Soup, professional chefs have a few tips to share. Here’s what they recommend:
- Use high-quality ingredients: To ensure the best flavor, it’s important to use high-quality chicken, cheese, and broccoli. Look for organic or free-range chicken, aged cheddar cheese, and fresh broccoli.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken can easily become dry and tough if overcooked. To keep the chicken tender and juicy, poach it in the soup for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Take time to sauté the vegetables: Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the soup adds a deep, rich flavor. Take the time to cook them until they are golden brown and aromatic.
- Blend the soup for a creamier texture: For a smoother and creamier texture, use a blender or immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup. This will help incorporate the cheese and thicken the broth.
By following these tips, you can elevate your Cheese and Broccoli Chicken Soup to the next level and impress your guests with a dish that is not only delicious but also beautifully presented.
Reviews
I recently tried the “Cheese and Broccoli Chicken Soup” recipe and it was absolutely delicious! The combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli created a flavorful and satisfying meal. The soup was incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect choice for a quick and comforting dinner.
The recipe called for simple ingredients that are easily found in any kitchen. I loved the addition of sharp cheddar cheese, which added a rich and tangy flavor to the soup. The chicken was tender and flavorful, and the broccoli added a nice crunch and earthy taste. The soup had the perfect balance of flavors, with neither the cheese nor the broccoli overpowering the dish.
What I loved most about this recipe was its versatility. I had leftovers the next day and the soup tasted just as amazing. The flavors had melded together even more, creating an even more delicious and comforting bowl of soup. I also experimented with adding some crumbled bacon on top, which added a smoky and salty flavor that perfectly complemented the other ingredients.
All in all, the “Cheese and Broccoli Chicken Soup” recipe is a must-try. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a cozy night in. I’ll definitely be adding this recipe to my regular rotation and I highly recommend giving it a try!
As a food enthusiast and an avid cook, I was extremely excited to try out the recipe for Cheese and Broccoli Chicken Soup. The combination of cheese, broccoli, and chicken sounded absolutely delicious and comforting. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
First of all, the soup was incredibly creamy and rich. The cheese added a wonderful depth of flavor, while the broccoli gave a nice freshness and a touch of crunch. The chicken was tender and added a satisfying protein element to the dish. All the ingredients worked so well together, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Not only did this soup taste amazing, but it was also very easy to make. The recipe instructions were clear and concise, making it simple to follow along. The preparation time was minimal, which is always a plus for busy individuals like myself. Within no time, I had a piping hot bowl of Cheese and Broccoli Chicken Soup ready to be enjoyed.
I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone who appreciates a good, comforting meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this soup is a winner. It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. Give it a try, and you won’t be disappointed!
As a busy working mom, I am always on the lookout for quick and easy recipes that are tasty and nutritious. The Cheese and Broccoli Chicken Soup recipe is a real winner in my book. Not only is it incredibly simple to make, but it also packs a flavorful punch that the whole family can enjoy.
The combination of cheese, broccoli, and chicken creates a creamy and hearty soup that is perfect for those chilly winter evenings. The flavors blend together perfectly, with the cheese adding a rich and indulgent taste, while the broccoli adds a fresh and vibrant touch. The chicken adds a protein-packed punch, making this soup a complete and satisfying meal.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding extra vegetables or spices. I often like to throw in some diced carrots or peas for added color and nutrition. The soup is also great for meal prep, as it reheats well and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
If you’re in need of a delicious and comforting meal that is quick and easy to make, look no further than the Cheese and Broccoli Chicken Soup. It’s a recipe that will warm your heart and please your taste buds, making it a family favorite in no time.