Pin It The scent of my kitchen on cold winter afternoons completely changed the day I mastered this Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup. During a particularly brutal January blizzard, with snow piling against the windows and the wind howling, I craved something that would warm us from the inside out. My usual soup recipes seemed too light, and that's when inspiration struck to combine our household favorites – tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and sharp, tangy cheddar.
Last Christmas Eve, when my sister unexpectedly arrived with her family after their flight was delayed, this soup saved the celebration. With everyone exhausted from travel and the stores closed, I pulled containers of frozen soup from the freezer and warmed them while fresh bread baked. My brother-in-law, typically reserved about compliments, asked for the recipe twice before the night ended, which felt like winning a culinary medal.
Ingredients
- Sharp cheddar cheese: I once substituted mild cheddar in a pinch and regretted it immediately – the sharp variety creates this magnificent flavor backbone that stands up beautifully to the broccoli.
- Broccoli florets: Try to cut these uniformly so they cook evenly, and dont discard those stems – they add incredible flavor to the broth when diced finely.
- Cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here and saves tremendous time, just be sure to remove the skin to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: This gives you complete control over the saltiness of your soup, which is crucial since the cheese already contributes significant salt.
- Heavy cream: I tried making this with just milk once to reduce calories, but the velvety mouthfeel was lost – the cream is worth every delicious calorie.
Instructions
- Create your flavor foundation:
- Melt butter in your pot until it foams slightly, then add your diced onion, carrot, and celery. Listen for that gentle sizzle as the vegetables release their moisture and begin to soften.
- Build the roux:
- When you sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables, make sure to keep stirring continuously. Youll notice the mixture becoming paste-like as it cooks, which prevents that raw flour taste from haunting your finished soup.
- Incorporate the liquids:
- Pour the chicken broth in slowly while whisking – patience here prevents lumps. The mixture will transform before your eyes, thickening into what will become your silky soup base.
- Cook the vegetables:
- As the broccoli simmers in the seasoned broth, youll notice it changing from bright green to a slightly softer shade. This visual cue tells you the broccoli is becoming tender without turning mushy.
- Enrich the base:
- When adding the milk and cream, keep the heat gentle to prevent curdling. Watch how the color lightens to a beautiful creamy hue as you stir.
- Finish with cheese:
- Remove the pot from heat completely before adding cheese to prevent graininess. Add it handful by handful, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more.
Pin It 
Pin It The soup became our unofficial good news celebration meal after my daughter received her college acceptance letter during dinner one night. We were all nervously picking at our bowls when the email notification chimed. After reading the wonderful news, we couldn't finish eating fast enough to pour second helpings into our bowls, laughing and planning her future between spoonfuls of this comforting soup that somehow became part of our family memory.
Customizing Your Soup
After making this recipe dozens of times, Ive discovered its incredibly forgiving with substitutions and additions. Turkey works beautifully in place of chicken, especially after Thanksgiving when leftovers abound. For a vegetarian version that doesnt sacrifice protein, try adding white beans or chickpeas – they absorb the flavors magnificently and provide a pleasant textural contrast to the tender vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
The first time I served this soup with homemade garlic bread, the combination was so perfect we barely spoke during dinner, just appreciative murmurs between bites. A simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing provides a bright, acidic counterpoint that cuts through the richness of the soup. For casual gatherings, I serve it in bread bowls which never fails to impress guests, even though its arguably the easiest presentation trick in my repertoire.
Storage and Reheating
I accidentally discovered this soup tastes even better the second day when I forgot about a container pushed to the back of the refrigerator. The flavors had married overnight, creating a deeper, more complex taste profile that made me deliberately make extra batches for leftovers from that point forward. When freezing portions, I leave out the cheese and add it fresh during reheating to maintain the best texture possible.
- Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop rather than microwaving to prevent the dairy from separating.
- If the soup thickens too much during storage, thin with a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating.
Pin It 
Pin It This Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup isnt just a recipe in our house – its become the taste of comfort, celebration, and care. Each steaming bowl carries the promise of nourishment that goes beyond simple nutrition into the realm of nurturing the spirit.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, prepare up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
- → Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Substitute 4 cups frozen florets for fresh. Add during the last 8 minutes of simmering to prevent mushiness. No need to thaw beforehand.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely and transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- → What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, garlic knots, or buttery crackers make perfect accompaniments. A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully.
- → Can I make it thicker or thinner?
Adjust consistency easily. For a thicker version, increase flour to 3 tablespoons or blend more of the soup. To thin, add more broth or milk until desired texture is reached.