Welcome to a cozy culinary adventure that will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds! If you’re on the hunt for the perfect comfort food, look no further than this irresistible Chicken Cheddar Broccoli Soup. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, this American classic is not just a meal; it's a hug in a bowl! With just 40 minutes of your time, you can whip up a hearty dish that serves six and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Ready to dive into this delicious recipe? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken, 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once the broth is simmering, add the 2 cups of broccoli florets to the pot. Cook the broccoli for about 5 minutes, or until it is tender but still bright green.
- After the broccoli is cooked, add the 2 cups of shredded chicken to the pot. Stir well to combine the chicken and broccoli with the broth.
- Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to incorporate the seasonings evenly throughout the soup.
- Slowly pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring continuously to ensure that the cream blends smoothly into the soup.
- Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Once the soup has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
- Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Chicken Cheddar Broccoli Soup hot, garnishing with additional cheddar cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade soup!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, shred your chicken and chop your broccoli florets in advance. This way, you can have everything ready to go when you start cooking.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker option, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It adds great flavor and cuts down on prep time significantly.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Keep your broccoli bright and vibrant by cooking it just until tender. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture and dull color.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, feel free to reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half or milk for a less rich version.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is a classic choice, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique twist on flavor.
- Garnish for Flair: Elevate your soup presentation by garnishing with extra shredded cheese, fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Storage Tips: This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove and add a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy texture. Enjoy your cooking experience and savor every spoonful of this delightful Chicken Cheddar Broccoli Soup!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
