Easy Broccoli Chicken Soup Recipe

When you’re craving something warm, comforting, and nutritious, nothing beats a homemade Broccoli Chicken Soup. Packed with tender chicken, nutrient-rich broccoli, and a savory broth, this easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy lunch. It’s hearty, delicious, and comes together in less than 30 minutes! Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this recipe will fit seamlessly into your kitchen routine. Ready to warm up with a bowl of healthy goodness? Let’s dive into how to make this easy broccoli chicken soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, you can cook chicken breasts by boiling or sautéing them in a pan. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the Onion, Carrots, and Garlic: Sauté the onions and carrots for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 3: Add Broccoli and Broth

1. Add the Broccoli: Toss in the chopped broccoli florets and stir them with the other vegetables for about 2 minutes.
2. Pour in the Chicken Broth: Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring everything to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the soup cook for about 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

Step 4: Add the Shredded Chicken

1. Incorporate the Chicken: Add the pre-cooked shredded chicken into the soup and let it heat through for about 5 minutes.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Cheese

1. Add the Heavy Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the soup and stir to combine, letting it simmer for a couple more minutes to achieve a creamy texture.
2. Optional Cheesy Goodness: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese at the end for a rich, cheesy flavor. Allow the cheese to melt fully before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Ladle the Soup: Serve the broccoli chicken soup in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
2. Pair with Bread: Enjoy the soup with a side of crusty bread or a light salad.

Tips for Making the Best Broccoli Chicken Soup

• Use Leftover Chicken: To save time, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken. This cuts down on prep time and makes the soup even easier to whip up.
• Frozen Broccoli Option: If you’re short on fresh broccoli, frozen broccoli works just as well. Just add it directly to the soup without thawing and adjust the cooking time by a few minutes.
• Blending Option: If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend some or all of the soup before adding the chicken back in.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or leave out the cheese to make this soup dairy-free.

Health Benefits of Broccoli Chicken Soup

This broccoli chicken soup isn’t just comforting; it’s also incredibly healthy:

• High in Protein: The chicken provides a great source of lean protein, which helps in muscle repair and keeps you feeling full.
• Loaded with Vitamins: Broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins, especially vitamin C and K, which are essential for immune health and bone strength.
• Low-Carb Option: This soup is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it perfect for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
• Rich in Fiber: The combination of broccoli and carrots offers a good amount of fiber, which is beneficial for digestion.

What to Serve with Broccoli Chicken Soup

This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a few side dishes can make your meal extra special:

• Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Nothing beats dunking fresh bread into a creamy bowl of soup.
• Garlic Bread: For a more indulgent side, garlic bread complements the creamy texture of the soup perfectly.
• Green Salad: A simple salad with fresh greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.

Storing and Reheating Broccoli Chicken Soup

Storing:

• Refrigerator: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Freezer-Friendly: This soup freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

• On the Stovetop: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• In the Microwave: You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between until warm.

Conclusion

This Easy Broccoli Chicken Soup Recipe is a delicious, comforting, and healthy meal that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal-prep option that’ll last you through the week, this soup checks all the boxes. Creamy, hearty, and full of flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, with minimal ingredients and simple instructions, it’s a no-fuss recipe that anyone can make!

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and tenderness to the soup.
2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
   Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Just add all the ingredients (except for the cream and cheese) to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
3. Is this soup keto-friendly?
   Yes, as long as you don’t add any extra starchy vegetables or toppings like croutons, this soup is naturally low in carbs and keto-friendly.
4. Can I add other vegetables?
   Definitely! Feel free to throw in other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrients.
5. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
   To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more broccoli or beans for protein.

Yield: 4

Easy Broccoli Chicken Soup Recipe

Print

When you’re craving something warm, comforting, and nutritious, nothing beats a homemade Broccoli Chicken Soup. Packed with tender chicken, nutrient-rich broccoli, and a savory broth, this easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy lunch. It’s hearty, delicious, and comes together in less than 30 minutes! Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this recipe will fit seamlessly into your kitchen routine. Ready to warm up with a bowl of healthy goodness? Let’s dive into how to make this easy broccoli chicken soup.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into small florets
• 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a cheesy version)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables:
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
   Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.
   Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Add the diced chicken pieces to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides (it doesn't need to be fully cooked at this point).
   
3. Simmer:
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil.
   Add the chopped broccoli florets, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
   Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the broccoli is tender.
   
4. Make It Creamy:
   Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese (if using).
   Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy and well combined.
   
5. Serve:
   Ladle the broccoli chicken soup into bowls.
   Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve with crusty bread or crackers.

Notes

Cheese Option: For a cheesy version, use cheddar or a blend of cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan. You can omit the cheese if you prefer a lighter soup.

Thickening the Soup: If you want a thicker consistency, mash some of the cooked broccoli with a fork or use a blender to purée a small portion of the soup before adding the cream.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.