Hearty Chicken and Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Embrace the cozy comforts of winter with this delicious Chicken and Broccoli Cheddar Soup. This creamy yet low-fat version omits traditional heavy cream, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. Enriched with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich cheddar cheese infusion, this soup is a complete meal that warms the heart and satisfies the palate. Perfect for chilly evenings, it can be easily prepared in a slow cooker for a hassle-free dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
N/A
Servings
390
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Low Sodium Chicken Broth
32 ounces (4 (8-ounce) cans)
Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened)
All-Purpose Flour
1/2 cup (none)
Butter (or Butter Alternative)
8 tablespoons (divided)
Red Onion
1 cup (diced)
Fresh Broccoli
2 cups (minced)
Russet Potatoes
3 medium (peeled and cubed)
Shredded Chicken
2 cups (pre-cooked)
Cheddar Cheese
12 ounces (shredded)
Fresh Garlic Cloves
2 teaspoons (minced)
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2
In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining butter over low heat. Gradually whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes without browning the mixture.
3
In a crock pot, combine the sautéed onions and garlic, roux, chicken broth, softened cream cheese, cubed potatoes, minced broccoli, shredded chicken, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and half of the cheddar cheese.
4
Whisk together until well combined. Cook on high for 4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally during the first hour to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
5
Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, topped with the remaining cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of green onions for an added touch.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
42g
Carbs
22g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Chicken and Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
It is a creamy, low-fat winter comfort food enriched with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich cheddar cheese infusion.
Is this soup version considered low-fat?
Yes, it is a healthier version that omits traditional heavy cream and uses reduced-fat cream cheese instead.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, the recipe is specifically designed to be prepared easily in a crock pot or slow cooker.
What is the total cooking time on high heat?
The soup should be cooked on high for approximately 4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
How much chicken is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of pre-cooked shredded chicken.
What specific vegetables are included in the soup?
The soup includes red onion, fresh minced broccoli, and cubed russet potatoes.
Can I use a butter alternative?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either butter or a butter alternative for sautéing and the roux.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 390 calories.
What type of cheese does the recipe use?
The recipe uses 12 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese.
How do you prepare the flour roux?
Melt butter over low heat and gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour for 2-3 minutes without browning.
Does the recipe call for fresh garlic?
Yes, it requires 2 teaspoons of minced fresh garlic cloves.
Does this soup have any spice or heat?
It contains 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
What kind of potatoes are recommended?
The recipe calls for 3 medium russet potatoes, which should be peeled and cubed.
Is heavy cream an ingredient in this recipe?
No, this version achieves creaminess without heavy cream, making it a lower-fat option.
How should I prepare the fresh broccoli?
The fresh broccoli should be minced before being combined with other ingredients in the crock pot.
What kind of chicken broth is used?
The recipe recommends using 32 ounces of low sodium chicken broth.
What type of cream cheese is used in the recipe?
It uses 8 ounces of softened reduced-fat cream cheese.
What are the suggested toppings for serving?
Serve the soup topped with remaining cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of green onions.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 22 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in each serving of the soup?
Each serving contains 18 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 42 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
When is the cheddar cheese added to the crock pot?
Half of the cheese is added during initial assembly, and the rest is saved for topping at the end.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to saute diced red onion and minced garlic in butter until the onion is translucent.
Is it necessary to stir the soup while it cooks?
Yes, you should stir the soup occasionally during the first hour to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
Is this recipe suitable for chilly winter evenings?
Yes, it is specifically described as a cozy comfort food perfect for winter and chilly evenings.
What type of onion should be used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of diced red onion.
How much flour is required for the roux?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour.
How many total ingredients are listed in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients used to prepare this hearty soup.
Should the chicken be raw or pre-cooked?
The chicken should be pre-cooked and shredded before being added to the slow cooker.
What should I do after the soup is finished cooking?
Once cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary before serving hot.