The Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Chicken

Creamy, comforting, and packed with hearty flavors, this is truly *The Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Chicken*. Combining tender shredded chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and a rich medley of sharp cheddar cheese and silky cream, this soup is a standout for weeknight dinners or meal prep. A touch of paprika enhances its depth, while sautéed onions and garlic create an aromatic base. Thickened to the perfect consistency with a buttery roux, this family-friendly recipe is ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy schedules. Serve it warm with crusty bread or crackers for a cozy, satisfying meal that hits all the right notes. Perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor, this broccoli cheddar soup recipe is your go-to for ultimate comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 pieces chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and grated
• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon ground paprika (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Add the milk and heavy cream, stirring until smooth.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded chicken, broccoli, and grated carrots, and stir to combine.

Step 6

Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and paprika if desired. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender.

Step 7

Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, stirring after each addition until fully melted and incorporated.

Step 8

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. If the soup is too thick, you can add a small amount of additional broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 9

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3012.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3193.5

Total Fat 218.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 124.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.9g
Cholesterol 850.6mg	0%
Sodium 5054.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 113.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.5g	0%
Total Sugars 44.4g
Protein 182.6g	0%

Vitamin D 262.7IU	0%
Calcium 2598.4mg	0%
Iron 11.3mg	0%
Potassium 2928.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.4%

Protein: 23.2%

Carbs: 14.4%