Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Soup
Indulge in this luscious and creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Soup that combines the health benefits of fresh broccoli with the rich flavors of Velveeta cheese and tender chicken. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weekday meal, this soup is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients. The velvety texture and savory taste will warm you from the inside out, making it a favorite among both kids and adults. With the addition of lean chicken, this hearty soup offers a satisfying blend of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Serve it with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
5 tablespoons (divided)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Garlic
1 clove (chopped)
Celery
1 stalk (chopped)
Chicken broth
2 (14.5 ounce) cans (canned)
Broccoli
4 cups (fresh, chopped)
Flour
3 tablespoons (all-purpose)
Milk
2 cups (or use 1 1/2 cups milk and 1/2 cup evaporated milk)
Velveeta cheese
1/2 cup (or more, cubed)
Pepper
to taste (freshly cracked)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized stock pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion, garlic, and celery to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Introduce the broccoli and chicken broth to the pot, cover, and bring to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the broccoli to become tender.
4
Once the broccoli is cooked, use a hand blender to purée the soup to your desired consistency, or alternatively, mash gently with a potato masher for a chunkier texture. Return the pot to low heat.
5
In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes.
6
Gradually add the milk (or the milk and evaporated milk combination) to the roux, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
7
Pour the thickened mixture into the broccoli soup, stirring well to combine and achieve a creamy consistency.
8
Add in the Velveeta cheese and stir until completely melted and integrated into the soup.
9
Season with freshly cracked pepper to taste, then serve hot, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Soup?
It is a luscious and creamy soup that combines fresh broccoli, Velveeta cheese, and tender chicken for a hearty and nutrient-packed meal.
What are the main ingredients for this soup?
The main ingredients include butter, onion, garlic, celery, chicken broth, fresh broccoli, flour, milk, Velveeta cheese, and pepper.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and celery for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are tender.
How much broccoli is required?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of fresh, chopped broccoli.
How long does the broccoli need to simmer?
The broccoli should be simmered in the chicken broth for 10 minutes.
Should I cover the pot while the broccoli simmers?
Yes, you should cover the pot while the broccoli and chicken broth simmer.
How do I achieve a smooth consistency for the soup?
Use a hand blender to purée the soup to your desired consistency once the broccoli is cooked.
Can I make the soup chunkier?
Yes, instead of using a blender, you can gently mash the soup with a potato masher for a chunkier texture.
How is the roux for this soup prepared?
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter and stir in the flour, cooking for about 2 minutes.
What type of milk should I use?
You can use 2 cups of milk, or a combination of 1.5 cups of milk and 0.5 cup of evaporated milk.
When do I add the milk to the roux?
Gradually add the milk to the roux while whisking continuously until it thickens and begins to bubble.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
Velveeta cheese is used for its creamy and meltable qualities.
How much cheese should I add?
Add 1/2 cup of cubed Velveeta cheese, or more if you prefer a cheesier soup.
How much butter is needed in total?
The recipe requires a total of 5 tablespoons of butter, divided into 2 tablespoons for sautéing and 3 tablespoons for the roux.
What type of chicken broth is recommended?
The recipe suggests using two 14.5-ounce cans of chicken broth.
How do I season the soup?
Season the soup with freshly cracked pepper to taste.
What are some suggested garnishes?
You can garnish the hot soup with extra cheese if desired.
What can I serve with this soup for a complete meal?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a light side salad.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, its velvety texture and savory taste make it a favorite among both kids and adults.
Is this soup quick to prepare?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick weekday meal that is also packed with nutrients.
What heat setting should I use for the roux?
The roux should be prepared over medium heat.
When should I return the pot to low heat?
Return the pot to low heat after puréeing or mashing the broccoli.
What kind of flour is used in the roux?
The recipe uses all-purpose flour.
How many stalks of celery are needed?
The recipe requires 1 stalk of chopped celery.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
While the recipe specifies fresh broccoli, you may substitute frozen, though cooking times may vary.
What kind of onion is best?
The recipe calls for one chopped onion; a yellow or white onion works well.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe uses 1 clove of chopped garlic.
Is this soup hearty?
Yes, the addition of lean chicken and broccoli makes it a very satisfying and hearty dish.
Does this soup contain fiber?
Yes, the broccoli provides a healthy source of fiber.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While Velveeta is specified for its texture, you can experiment with cheddar or other melting cheeses.