Hearty Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Chicken & Fresh Veggies
Hearty Broccoli Cheddar soup with Chicken & Fresh Veggies combines rich, creamy textures with fresh, nutrient-packed ingredients to deliver a bowl of comfort that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Inspired by classic Midwestern flavors and elevated by vibrant garden vegetables, this soup brings warmth and nourishment with every spoonful. Whether you’re warding off chilly evenings or craving a satisfying meal, the harmonious blend of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese creates an irresistible balance of creaminess and crunch.
Prep and Cook Time
- Readiness: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield
Serves 6 generous bowls
Difficulty Level
Easy - Perfect for both home cooks and those new to hearty soup-making
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for subtle depth)
- Fresh thyme sprigs or dried thyme, for garnish
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, then sauté until the vegetables are softened and onions are translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetable mixture and whisk continuously to form a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color, which helps eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking steadily to avoid lumps. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to thicken for about 5 minutes.
- Add the broccoli florets and simmer for another 8-10 minutes until they are tender yet retain a slight crunch-this keeps the soup vibrant and texturally engaging.
- Blend 1-2 cups of the soup base using an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender (in batches) to achieve a creamy consistency while still leaving some chunky texture. Return the puréed portion to the pot.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, milk, and heavy cream. Allow the soup to warm through gently but avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
- Remove from heat and gradually fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Dijon mustard, stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is luxuriously creamy.
- Taste and season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme sprigs and an extra sprinkle of cheddar if desired.
Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success
- Choosing your cheese: Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar rather than pre-shredded for smoother melting and richer flavor.
- Broccoli texture: Avoid overcooking the broccoli to maintain a delightful contrast between creamy soup and crisp vegetables.
- Dairy alternatives: Substitute half-and-half for cream or use lactose-free milk for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
- Make-ahead: Soup flavors deepen when refrigerated overnight. To prevent thickening, reheat gently and add a splash of broth or milk before serving.
- Gluten-free option: Replace flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch; mix cornstarch with cold milk before adding to eliminate lumps.
- vegetable variations: Incorporate finely chopped kale or spinach for an extra nutritional boost and vibrant color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty broccoli cheddar soup alongside a crusty artisan bread or toasted sourdough for dipping. Garnish with freshly chopped chives or crispy bacon bits for an enhanced flavor profile. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the creamy soup, making for a perfectly rounded meal. For a cozy presentation, ladle into rustic bowls and place a small dollop of crème fraîche or a swirl of extra cream atop each serving.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
Looking for more wholesome recipes? Check out our Comfort Food Chicken Recipes for easy ideas that bring warmth and satisfaction. For facts on the nutritional benefits of broccoli, visit Healthline’s broccoli nutrition guide.
Q&A
Q&A: Everything You Want to Know About Hearty Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Chicken & Fresh Veggies
Q1: What makes this broccoli cheddar soup “hearty” compared to customary versions?
A: The secret to its heartiness lies in the addition of tender chicken and a medley of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. These ingredients not only boost the texture and flavor but also turn the soup into a satisfying, complete meal rather than just a creamy starter.
Q2: Can I use pre-shredded cheese, or is freshly shredded cheddar better?
A: Freshly shredded cheddar is your best bet for this soup. It melts more smoothly, creating that luscious, velvety texture that the soup is known for. Pre-shredded cheese frequently enough contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting and texture.
Q3: How do fresh veggies impact the overall flavor profile?
A: Fresh vegetables bring a vibrant, natural sweetness and crunch that balance the rich, cheesy base. They infuse the soup with layers of flavor-earthy broccoli, sweet carrots, and aromatic celery and onions make every spoonful complex and comforting.
Q4: Is this soup suitable for meal prepping or freezing?
A: Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for batch cooking. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove to maintain the creamy texture, and consider adding a splash of milk or broth if it seems too thick.
Q5: Can I swap out the chicken for another protein or make it vegetarian?
A: Definitely! For a vegetarian twist, simply omit the chicken and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. For other proteins, cooked turkey or even crispy bacon can add flavorful variations without overpowering the soup’s core flavors.
Q6: What tips can make the soup extra creamy without adding too much fat?
A: Using a combination of low-fat milk and a small amount of sharp cheddar strikes a balance between creaminess and richness. Pureeing a portion of the broccoli before stirring it back in can also enhance the soup’s creamy texture naturally.
Q7: How long does it take to prepare and cook this hearty soup?
A: From start to finish, it usually takes about 40 to 50 minutes. Chopping fresh veggies and cooking the chicken may take some time upfront, but the rewarding depth of flavor is well worth the effort.
Q8: What sides or toppings pair well with this soup?
A: Crusty bread or garlic rolls make excellent companions for dipping. For toppings, a sprinkle of extra cheddar, crispy crumbled bacon, or freshly chopped herbs like chives or parsley adds a radiant finishing touch.
Q9: Can I control the soup’s thickness easily?
A: Yes! adjust the amount of broth for a thinner, more broth-forward soup, or reduce the liquid slightly and add more cheese to thicken it up. Using a cornstarch slurry or a small amount of flour in the roux can also provide extra body without heaviness.
Q10: What’s the best time of year to enjoy this soup?
A: While its warmth and richness make it a cozy winter favorite, the fresh veggies keep it bright enough for springtime enjoyment too. It’s truly a year-round comfort food that nourishes body and soul whenever you need a delicious, wholesome meal.
The Conclusion
As the final spoonful of this hearty broccoli cheddar soup warms your palate, you’re reminded why comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Combining tender chicken, fresh garden vegetables, and the rich, creamy embrace of melted cheddar, this soup is a vibrant bowl of nourishment and flavor. whether served piping hot on a chilly evening or packed for a wholesome lunch, it stands as a delicious testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together thoughtfully. So next time you crave something satisfying yet wholesome, let this broccoli cheddar chicken soup be your go-to recipe-a cozy hug in a bowl that’s as good for your body as it is for your soul.
