Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Printable)

Creamy, comforting blend of chicken, broccoli, and cheddar perfect for chilly days.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
03 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

06 - 2 cups whole milk
07 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Thickeners & Seasonings

10 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
11 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
12 - ½ teaspoon paprika
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
02 - Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux, cooking out the raw flour taste.
03 - Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring.
04 - Add broccoli, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until broccoli is fork-tender.
05 - Stir in cooked chicken and continue simmering for 5 minutes to heat through.
06 - Remove from heat. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheddar or fresh herbs if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour using ingredients you probably already have
  • The roux technique creates restaurant level creaminess without any heavy cream
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day, if they last that long
02 -
  • Never add cheese while the soup is boiling or it will separate into oily strings instead of melting into silky smoothness
  • Shredding your own cheese makes a massive difference in texture
  • If the soup gets too thick, stir in a splash more broth or milk
03 -
  • Cauliflower works as a seamless substitute if you're not feeling broccoli
  • Grate some nutmeg over the top for a sophisticated twist that surprises people
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