Thick Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is everything you need for a comforting meal in one bowl. It comes together quickly in just 30–45 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. The creamy base, loaded with sharp cheddar and American cheese, creates a rich, velvety texture that pairs perfectly with tender chicken and broccoli. Plus, it’s a complete meal that requires just one pot, which makes clean-up a breeze. It’s a great way to sneak in vegetables and create a dish that everyone will enjoy.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Soup:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, cut into thin matchsticks
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
4 cups broccoli tops, cut into ½-inch pieces (about 1 lb)
2 cups half-and-half, or 1 cup whole milk plus 1 cup heavy cream
8 oz extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated (2 cups)
4 oz American cheese, cubed (about 1 cup)
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 1 lb)

For Garnishing:
Additional shredded cheddar cheese

directions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather and prep all the ingredients: finely chop the onion, cut the carrots into matchsticks, cut the broccoli into ½-inch florets, shred or dice the cooked chicken breast, and grate the cheddar cheese if needed. Prepping everything in advance helps, as the soup comes together quickly.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a Dutch oven or large soup pot, melt the unsalted butter with the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and matchstick carrots.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onions begin to soften and become fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat.
Cook and stir, letting the flour form a light fond on the bottom of the pot. This will help develop a rich flavor for the soup.

Step 3: Simmer the Broccoli

Slowly pour in the chicken stock, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits (fond) that have formed.
Add the broccoli pieces and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and let the soup cook for 10 minutes, allowing the broccoli to become tender.

Step 4: Add the Dairy and Chicken

Stir in the half-and-half (or the milk and cream mixture), grated cheddar cheese, and cubed American cheese.
Continue to cook and stir the soup over low heat until all the cheese is completely melted into the broth, making the soup creamy.
Add the shredded or diced cooked chicken, cover again, and simmer for 5 to 10 more minutes until the chicken is heated through.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
Top each serving with a sprinkle of additional shredded cheddar cheese and a bit of freshly cracked black pepper for extra flavor and color.
Serve immediately, ideally with crusty bread for dipping to enjoy all the creamy goodness!

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 10–15 minutes
Cook time: 20–30 minutes
Total time: 30–45 minutes

Variations

• Lighter Version: Substitute the half-and-half with whole milk for a lighter version, or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk for a vegan-friendly option.

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian soup.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.

• Different Cheese: If you prefer a different cheese, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a sharp white cheddar can be great alternatives.

• Add Potatoes: Add diced potatoes for a heartier, more filling soup.

storage/reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For freezing, store the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, note that the dairy may separate slightly, so stir well.
To reheat, gently heat on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to avoid curdling. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup is too thick after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but fresh broccoli will maintain a better texture and color in the soup.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and is a quick option if you want to save time.

How can I make this soup spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some diced jalapeños to give the soup a spicy kick.

How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

To prevent the cheese from clumping, add it gradually over low heat, stirring constantly until melted into the soup.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores well and even tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Simply reheat before serving.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, if you don’t have cheddar or American cheese, you can substitute with other melting cheeses like Gruyère or a mix of cheeses.

How do I make the soup thicker?

If the soup is too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes, or you can make a slurry by mixing a bit of flour or cornstarch with water and stirring it into the soup.

How can I make this soup dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk in place of the half-and-half, and a plant-based cheese substitute for the cheddar and American cheese.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Yes, you can add vegetables like cauliflower, peas, or corn to make the soup more colorful and nutritious.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, but keep in mind that dairy-based soups may have a slightly different texture after freezing and reheating.

Conclusion

Thick Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and creamy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich cheese base, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal on a cold day, this soup delivers all the warmth and flavor you need.