Indulge in the creamy goodness of Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Soup, a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any season. This rich soup combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese in a velvety broth. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly night or a satisfying lunch, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

The inspiration for Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Soup came during a particularly cold winter when our family craved something warm and comforting. We wanted a soup that was not only hearty but also packed with flavors that everyone loves. Combining the classic duo of cheddar and broccoli with tender chicken was an instant hit.

From the first spoonful, we knew this recipe was special. The creamy texture, the savory chicken, and the burst of flavor from the sharp cheddar cheese made it an instant favorite. Now, it’s our go-to soup for cozy dinners, bringing warmth and joy to our table. I’m excited to share this recipe with you so you can enjoy the same comforting goodness with your loved ones.

Why You’ll Love Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Soup

Rich and Creamy: A velvety broth packed with sharp cheddar cheese.

Hearty and Nutritious: Filled with tender chicken and fresh broccoli.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for family dinners, lunch, or as a comforting meal on a chilly day.

Ingredients Notes For Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Soup

Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy meat.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add vibrant color and nutrition.

Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese provides a rich, tangy flavor.
Broth: Chicken broth forms the base of the soup, enhanced with a touch of cream.

Recipe Steps:

Prepare the Ingredients:
- Dice 1 large onion and mince 3 cloves of garlic.
- Cut 2 cups of fresh broccoli into small florets.
- Dice 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- Grate 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese.
Cook the Chicken:
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Prepare the Soup Base:
- Stir in 1/4 cup of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Gradually add 6 cups of chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer.
Cook the Broccoli:
- Add the broccoli florets to the pot and simmer for 5-7 minutes until tender.
Finish the Soup:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot.
- Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and the grated cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy the rich, creamy flavors of Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Soup!

Storage Options:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations & Substitutions:

Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Different Cheese: Substitute cheddar with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.

CHEDDAR BROCCOLI CHICKEN SOUP

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Ingredients

Scale

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour

6 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Dice onion and mince garlic. Cut broccoli into small florets. Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces. Grate cheddar cheese.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
Add broccoli florets and simmer for 5-7 minutes until tender.
Return chicken to the pot. Stir in heavy cream and grated cheddar cheese until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Ladle into bowls and enjoy your Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Soup!

Author: Susan C. Sexton