Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup

There’s something incredibly soothing about a warm bowl of Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup on a cold winter’s evening. I remember the first time I made this dish; the aroma of sautéed onions and garlic filled my kitchen, welcoming everyone to the table. It was one of those evenings where comfort food was the only answer to the chilly weather outside. As I stirred in the vibrant green broccoli and rich, shredded chicken, I could hardly wait to serve it. Each spoonful turned out to be a creamy delight, a perfect hug in a bowl. This soup has become a go-to in my house, especially when I want something hearty yet easy to whip up. Cozying up with a bowl of this delicious soup feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup

When it comes to the ingredients for this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup, the synergy is what truly stands out. Each element plays its part in creating a deliciously comforting dish. The key players include fresh broccoli, tender chicken, and a creamy base that brings everything together. Let’s dive into the list of wholesome ingredients that will make this soup shine.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – This is used to sauté the vegetables, adding depth and richness to the flavor.
• 1 sweet onion, diced – A sweet onion adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• ⅔ cup chopped carrots – Carrots provide color and a hint of sweetness.
• ⅔ cup chopped celery – Celery adds a crunchy texture and fresh flavor.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced – Garlic infuses the soup with a rich, aromatic taste.
• kosher salt and pepper – These are essential for seasoning the soup to enhance the flavors.
• 4 cups broccoli florets – The star of the show, broccoli provides nutrients and vibrant color.
• 1 parmesan rind – A rind adds a deep, savory flavor as it simmers in the soup.
• 1 ½ cups cooked, shredded chicken – This adds protein and heartiness, making the soup filling.
• 6 cups chicken stock – The base of the soup, bringing all flavors together.
• 1 ½ cups milk – Milk creates the creamy consistency we all love.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Flour helps thicken the soup, giving it that rich body.
• 1 spritz fresh lemon juice – A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors at the end.

Cooking Method for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup

Cooking this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup is a perfect opportunity to engage with your ingredients. As you sauté, stir, and simmer, take in the lovely aromas and the vibrant colors of your fresh veggies. This method will bring out the best flavors, resulting in a comforting dish you’ll want to share with family and friends.

1. Start by heating olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer but not smoke, indicating it’s hot enough. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Stir these ingredients together, allowing the heat to soften the vegetables, which takes about 5 to 6 minutes. You’re looking for the onions to become translucent and fragrant.
2. Next, stir in the broccoli florets. Cook these vibrant greens for another 5 minutes. They should turn bright green and maintain a slight crunch, which adds texture to the soup.
3. Now, it’s time to add the parmesan rind, along with the shredded chicken and chicken stock. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring well. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. In a separate shaker cup, combine the milk and flour. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, ensuring the flour is fully incorporated into the milk. This is your thickening slurry for the soup.
5. Slowly stream the slurry into the simmering soup, stirring continuously. This is where your soup begins to transform into that creamy delight we love. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often. Watch as it thickens and develops a rich texture.
6. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more kosher salt and pepper if needed. This is your chance to customize the flavor to your liking.
7. Finish off by spritzing in a bit of fresh lemon juice. This simple addition brightens the entire dish, making each bite vibrant.
8. Serve the soup immediately, perhaps with some crusty bread on the side for dipping. This is the kind of meal that brings everyone together.

Expert Tips about Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup

To help you create the best Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup, here are some expert tips to keep in mind. These tips will enhance your dish and ensure it turns out perfectly every time.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3 to 4 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well! Portion it out into containers, and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the soup.
• Garnish: Consider garnishing the soup with some grated parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for additional flavor.
• Thickening: If you prefer a thicker soup, simply let it simmer longer to reduce, or add a bit more flour slurry.

Side Dish Ideas for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup

When it comes to serving the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal even more. Here are some delightful options:

• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Garden Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette goes well to balance the richness of the soup.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Nothing beats the classic pairing of this soup with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
• Quinoa or Rice: Serve the soup over a bed of quinoa or rice for a heartier meal.
• Seasonal Fruits: A side of seasonal fruits can add a refreshing touch to the meal.
• Perfect for Lunch or Dinner: This dish is versatile enough to be served for either lunch or dinner, making it a hit any time of day.
• Ideal for Gatherings: It’s great for family gatherings or cozy evenings in, providing warmth and satisfaction.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup is truly a comforting dish that combines rich flavors, wholesome ingredients, and a heartwarming texture. It’s perfect for a cozy evening at home or when you need a quick meal that the whole family will love. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it might just become your new favorite soup!

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup

The ultimate comfort food, Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup is creamy, savory, and perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, this easy weeknight dinner is bound to satisfy your cravings. Make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Soups

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Whisk
• Large Pot
• Saucepan
• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 unit Sweet Onion diced
• ⅔ cup Chopped Carrots
• ⅔ cup Chopped Celery
• 4 cloves Garlic minced
• Kosher Salt and Pepper
• 4 cups Broccoli Florets
• 1 unit Parmesan Rind
• 1 ½ cups Cooked, Shredded Chicken
• 6 cups Chicken Stock
• 1 ½ cups Milk
• 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
• 1 spritz Fresh Lemon Juice

Instructions

 

• Heat the olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add in the diced onion, chopped carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 to 6 minutes.
• Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for another 5 minutes. Add in the parmesan rind, the shredded chicken, and the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer.
• Combine the milk and flour in a shaker cup (or even in a measuring cup and use a whisk) for 30 seconds, until the flour is fully incorporated. Stream the slurry into the soup, stirring the entire time.
• Let the soup simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often - it will thicken and cook down a bit.
• Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Spritz in the lemon juice and stir.
• Serve immediately!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3 to 4 days.
• Tip 2: This soup freezes well! Portion it out into containers, and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Tip 3: Serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the soup.
• Tip 4: Consider garnishing the soup with some grated parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for additional flavor.
• Tip 5: If you prefer a thicker soup, simply let it simmer longer to reduce, or add a bit more flour slurry.

Keyword Broccoli soup recipe, comfort food recipes, creamy chicken soup, easy chicken soup

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Meet Camila Rivera

I’m Camila, and I believe the very best meals are the ones that bring the whole family together. My passion is taking classic, beloved dishes and adding a spicy or zesty twist to wake up your palate. I have cooked, tweaked, and taste-tested this recipe right here in my own home kitchen to ensure it works perfectly for you. I hope you enjoy every single bite let me know how it turns out!