Healthy Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe You’ll Love

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, creamy soup on a chilly day to bring comfort and joy. Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup is the epitome of comfort food, and this recipe takes it to the next level with rich flavors and a creamy texture. With the perfect balance of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and gooey melted cheese, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that will become a regular in your meal rotation. It’s quick to prepare, filling, and packed with protein, making it a fantastic choice for lunch or dinner.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a filling meal prep option, this healthy chicken broccoli cheese soup is sure to delight your taste buds. Plus, it’s super easy to make, and you can adjust the recipe to suit your dietary preferences. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps so you can start cooking this scrumptious soup today!

Basic Information:

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Number of Servings: 10 servings
• Cook Mode: Keeps your screen awake for convenience while cooking.

Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup

To make this chicken broccoli cheese soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 11 cups water
• 3 cubes chicken bouillon
• 2  pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into small, bite-sized chunks.
• 2 heads fresh broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup light cream
• 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Feel free to adjust the serving size as needed. The original recipe yields 10 servings, but you can scale it up or down depending on the number of people you’re serving.

Directions for Making Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup:

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to cook up this delicious chicken broccoli cheese soup! Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Melt the butter

Start by melting ½ cup of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the butter doesn’t burn.

Step 2: Create the flour paste

Once the butter has melted, slowly add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, whisking continuously to create a smooth paste. This paste will help thicken the soup later on. If you’re worried about lumps, it can help to prepare the flour mixture separately in a small bowl before adding it to the butter. This ensures the paste is nice and smooth!

Step 3: Combine the water, bouillon, chicken, and broccoli

Now, pour in 11 cups of water and 3 chicken bouillon cubes. Stir until the bouillon cubes dissolve completely. Add in the chicken pieces and broccoli florets. Season with 1 ½ teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender.

Step 4: Thicken the soup

Once the chicken and broccoli have cooked through, slowly stir in the flour paste that you made earlier. This will help thicken the soup to that creamy, velvety consistency we all love. Allow the soup to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add the cream and cheese

Reduce the heat to low, and pour in 1 cup of light cream. Stir until the cream is fully incorporated into the soup. Then, add 3 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into the soup, creating a rich and creamy texture.

Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add extra salt, pepper, or even some garlic powder if you like.

Nutrition Facts:

This chicken broccoli cheese soup is a nutritious and filling meal that’s both comforting and packed with protein. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutrition per serving:

• Calories per serving: 434
• Fat: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 33g
• Vitamin C: 55mg (important for immune function)
• Calcium: 314mg (supports strong bones)
• Iron: 2mg (essential for oxygen transport in the blood)
• Potassium: 508mg (supports heart health)

These values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet, so keep in mind that individual nutritional needs may vary. If you’re following a specific diet plan, it’s always best to consult a professional for tailored advice.

Helpful Tips:

• Make it creamy: If you prefer an even richer soup, you can use heavy cream instead of light cream. For a lighter version, opt for half-and-half or coconut milk.
• Add extra veggies: While broccoli is the star of this dish, you can add additional vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or spinach to make the soup even heartier.
• Cheese variety: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Parmesan, or Gouda for a unique twist.
• Meal prep tip: This soup makes excellent leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to reheat it gently on the stovetop to avoid curdling the cream.
• Serve it right: Serve your soup with a side of crusty bread or a salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen broccoli! While fresh broccoli gives the soup a slightly firmer texture, frozen broccoli will still work perfectly. Just be sure to thaw and drain the frozen broccoli before adding it to the soup, to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this chicken broccoli cheese soup is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid curdling the cream.

To freeze the soup, let it cool down fully before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months.When you’re ready to enjoy it, defrost it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stovetop.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Unfortunately, this chicken broccoli cheese soup is not naturally gluten-free due to the use of all-purpose flour to thicken the soup. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a substitute for the regular flour. Be sure to check that the bouillon cubes and cheese you’re using are also gluten-free.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, it’s possible to make a dairy-free version of this soup! To do so, replace the light cream with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut cream, almond milk, or cashew cream. For the cheese, opt for a dairy-free cheese that melts well, such as vegan cheddar or cashew-based cheese.

How can I make this soup lower in fat?

To make this soup lower in fat, you can make a few simple substitutions:

• Use low-fat or skim milk instead of the cream.
• Swap the butter for olive oil or coconut oil to reduce the saturated fat content.
• Use a reduced-fat cheese or light Cheddar cheese to keep the flavor while cutting back on fat.

How can I make this soup spicier?

If you prefer a bit of heat in your soup, there are several ways to spice things up:

• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the soup along with the salt and pepper.
• Stir in a little jalapeño (fresh or pickled) for a mild heat.
• For a smoky, spicy flavor, add smoked paprika.

Adjust the amount of spice based on your taste preference.

What can I serve with this soup?

This chicken broccoli cheese soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
• A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the soup.
• Grilled cheese sandwiches for the ultimate comfort meal.
• Baked potatoes for a hearty option.

 Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Here’s how:

• Sauté the chicken and broccoli in a pan first, then add them to the slow cooker with the broth, bouillon, salt, and pepper.
• Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and the broccoli is soft.
• Stir in the cream and cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

This method will allow the flavors to develop slowly, giving you a delicious, hands-off version of the soup.

 Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, such as thighs or breasts. However, keep in mind that bone-in chicken will take longer to cook. Be sure to remove the bones after cooking and shred the meat before adding it back into the soup. The broth will also be richer with bone-in chicken, so expect a deeper flavor.

How can I make the soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can:

• Add more flour or a flour/cornstarch slurry to the soup.
• Allow the soup to cook uncovered for a little longer so that some of the liquid can evaporate and the consistency thickens.
• Puree a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender and stir it back into the pot for a creamier consistency.

Related Recipes:

If you love this chicken broccoli cheese soup, you might also enjoy these delicious soup recipes:

• High-Protein Village Soup – Packed with tofu and veggies, this soup is as nutritious as it is flavorful.
• Lipton Onion Soup Mix Recipes – Use this classic ingredient to make quick, savory dishes that are always a hit.

This healthy chicken broccoli cheese soup is not only a comforting and filling meal but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making a batch to enjoy throughout the week, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. With the creamy texture, tender chicken, and the rich flavor of melted cheese, every spoonful will warm you from the inside out.

So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and make this delicious soup tonight! It’s an easy, wholesome, and satisfying dish that will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

Note: This recipe is perfect for customizing. Feel free to tweak the ingredients based on your preferences. The key is to enjoy the process and have fun in the kitchen!