Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Featured in: Cozy One-Pan Home Suppers

This comforting soup combines tender chunks of chicken with fresh broccoli florets in a velvety cheese-infused broth. The roux-based technique creates a perfectly smooth texture while the sharp cheddar adds depth. Ready in just 45 minutes, this nourishing bowl delivers protein and vegetables in every spoonful. Ideal for meal prep and even better the next day.

Updated on Fri, 23 Jan 2026 23:56:24 GMT
A steaming bowl of creamy Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup, featuring tender chicken and vibrant green broccoli florets, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Save Pin
A steaming bowl of creamy Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup, featuring tender chicken and vibrant green broccoli florets, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. | meadowforks.com

Warm up with a bowl of this creamy Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup, the ultimate comfort food for any chilly day. This recipe combines tender chicken and fresh broccoli in a rich, velvety cheese sauce that is as nutritious as it is delicious.

A steaming bowl of creamy Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup, featuring tender chicken and vibrant green broccoli florets, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Save Pin
A steaming bowl of creamy Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup, featuring tender chicken and vibrant green broccoli florets, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. | meadowforks.com

This American classic is a staple for a reason. By creating a smooth roux and slowly incorporating chicken broth and milk, you achieve a thick consistency that perfectly coats the chunks of chicken and florets of broccoli. The addition of sharp cheddar cheese at the very end ensures a smooth finish and a punch of savory flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Instructions

Step 1
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
Step 2
Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Step 3
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, ensuring no lumps form.
Step 4
Add the broccoli, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
Step 5
Stir in the cooked chicken and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step 6
Remove from heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Step 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheddar or fresh herbs if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Für eine besonders cremige Konsistenz können Sie die Hälfte der Suppe pürieren, bevor Sie den Käse und das Hähnchen hinzufügen. Wenn es schnell gehen muss, ist die Verwendung von fertig gegartem Rotisserie-Hähnchen eine zeitsparende und schmackhafte Option.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Diese Suppe lässt sich leicht variieren: Ersetzen Sie den Brokkoli durch Blumenkohl oder fügen Sie gewürfelte Kartoffeln für eine herzhaftere Mahlzeit hinzu. Um das Gericht glutenfrei zuzubereiten, verwenden Sie einfach eine entsprechende glutenfreie Mehlmischung für die Mehlschwitze.

Serviervorschläge

Servieren Sie die Suppe heiß und garnieren Sie diese nach Belieben mit zusätzlichem Cheddar oder frischen Kräutern. Besonders gut schmeckt sie mit einer Beilage aus knusprigem Brot zum Dippen oder einem leichten Gartensalat als frischem Kontrast.

Rich golden Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup with shredded cheddar melting into a velvety broth, served hot in a rustic ceramic bowl. Save Pin
Rich golden Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup with shredded cheddar melting into a velvety broth, served hot in a rustic ceramic bowl. | meadowforks.com

Whether enjoyed as a hearty lunch or a comforting dinner, this Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a reliable favorite. Its perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and creamy cheese makes it a wholesome meal that truly hits the spot every time.

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Recipe FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, prepare up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

Can I freeze this soup?

Freezing works best before adding the cheese. Cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, reheat, then stir in the cheese.

What can I substitute for rotisserie chicken?

Use poached chicken breasts, leftover roast chicken, or even cooked turkey. For a vegetarian version, substitute with white beans or extra broccoli.

How do I prevent the cheese from separating?

Remove the pot from heat before stirring in the cheese. Add gradually while stirring constantly. Avoid boiling after the cheese is incorporated.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your chicken broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How can I make this soup thicker?

Increase the flour to 3 tablespoons when making the roux, or blend a portion of the soup before adding the cheese and chicken. Adding diced potatoes also naturally thickens the broth.

Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A rich, creamy soup loaded with chicken, broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese. Ready in under an hour.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time in Oven/Pan
30 minutes
Complete Time
45 minutes
Recipe by Meadow Forks Olivia Morgan


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Servings Produced 4 Portions

Diet Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Proteins

01 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded

Vegetables

01 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
02 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
03 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

01 2 cups whole milk
02 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
03 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
04 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Thickeners & Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
02 ½ teaspoon dried thyme
03 ½ teaspoon paprika
04 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Prepare the Base: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are softened.

Step 02

Create the Roux: Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux, cooking out the raw flour taste.

Step 03

Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring constantly.

Step 04

Cook Vegetables: Add broccoli, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until broccoli is tender.

Step 05

Incorporate Chicken: Stir in cooked chicken and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.

Step 06

Add Cheese: Remove pot from heat. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth, avoiding high heat to prevent separation.

Step 07

Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheddar or fresh herbs if desired.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Large soup pot
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Whisk
  • Ladle

Allergy Notice

Always review ingredients for allergens. When unsure, consult your doctor.
  • Contains milk (cheese, butter, milk) and wheat (flour). Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

This nutritional guidance is for informational use only. For personal advice, speak to a healthcare provider.
  • Total Calories: 370
  • Fat Content: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 20 grams
  • Proteins: 31 grams