Description
Lightened up chicken and broccoli soup packed with fresh or frozen broccoli, chicken breast, and cheddar cheese goodness! An oh so satisfying, protein-packed meal in a bowl perfect for chilly nights when you're craving comfort but want a hefty dose of veggies, too. See recipe notes for dairy free options.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt + freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 5 cups broccoli (I used 16oz frozen broccoli florets)*
- 3 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk**
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 1 lb chicken)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded will melt the best)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, warm oil over medium heat. Once hot, add onion, carrots, garlic, salt and several grinds of black pepper. Cook, stirring often, for about 7 minutes.
- Add flour and cook for another minute, coating the veggies.
- Add broth and broccoli, stirring well and scraping the bottom of the pan to release any stuck flour. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
- Stir in milk or cashew cream and cheese. Once melted, stir in chicken and lemon juice. Taste and adjust as needed, adding more salt, lemon juice, and/or cheese until the flavors really pop! I always add another big pinch of salt.
- Serve garnished with cheese. Bonus points if you have crusty bread!
Notes
*If using fresh broccoli, you can use stems and florets. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
**Using lower fat milk will result in a thinner, less creamy soup. For dairy free or if you don't have whole milk, blend 1/4 cup soaked cashews with 3/4 cup water in a high sped blender or Nutribullet until smooth and creamy. Use this in place of milk. Omit cheese and add 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (similar to my Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Soup).
Vegetarian: Omit chicken, can sub chickpeas!