Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Best Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, hearty comfort soup loaded with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese — perfect for a nourishing meal.

Save Pin

This American classic is designed for ease and flavor, offering a high-protein dish that can easily be adapted for a gluten-free diet. It is a warm, nourishing soup that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
• 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Provides cushioned support while cooking, washing dishes, and standing longer during meal preparation.

Check price on Amazon

Instructions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot; sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.

Step 2

Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ensuring the mixture is smooth.

Step 5

Add broccoli florets, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and nutmeg. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, until broccoli is tender.

Step 6

Stir in cooked chicken, milk, and cream. Heat gently for 5 minutes, but do not boil.

Step 7

Remove from heat. Gradually add grated cheddar, stirring until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8

Serve hot, garnished with extra cheddar or fresh herbs if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a smoother soup, blend half the soup with an immersion blender before adding the cheese. This adds a velvety consistency while retaining some chunky texture from the chicken and broccoli.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can substitute turkey for chicken if desired. For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of hot sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the broth.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this hearty soup with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also garnish each bowl with additional shredded cheddar or fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Save Pin

Whether you are serving it for a cozy family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this Best Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a satisfying choice that delivers on both nutrition and flavor.

Quickly chop vegetables, blend sauces, and prepare dips or dressings for fast, everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the soup up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop better overnight. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Freezing is possible, though the dairy may separate slightly upon thawing. To freeze, cool completely and store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly, whisking to restore creaminess.

→ What can I use instead of chicken?

Leftover turkey works beautifully as a substitute. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and add white beans or chickpeas for protein. You can also increase the broccoli or add cauliflower for more bulk.

→ How do I prevent the cheese from separating?

Remove the pot from heat before adding the cheddar. Gradually stir in small handfuls at a time, allowing each portion to melt completely. Avoid boiling the soup once the dairy has been added, as high heat can cause separation.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Ensure your chicken broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The texture and flavor remain excellent.

→ How can I make this soup thicker?

For extra thickness, mash some of the cooked broccoli against the pot's side or use an immersion blender on half the soup before adding cheese. You can also increase the flour to 3 tablespoons or add a peeled potato during simmering.