Description
Hearty cheesy chicken broccoli soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending creamy textures with nutritious ingredients. Rich flavors and simple preparation make this recipe a satisfying meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- 6 cups chicken stock
Vegetables and Grains:
- 14-ounce bag broccoli florets, frozen
- 1 cup jasmine rice
Seasonings and Dairy:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Warm an expansive cooking vessel over medium-high heat, transforming chicken into uniform, bite-sized morsels.
- Introduce olive oil and seasoned chicken pieces to the pot, sprinkling with pepper and paprika. Sauté until golden and caramelized, approximately 5 minutes. Pour chicken stock, cover, and elevate to a rolling boil.
- Incorporate rice and broccoli into the bubbling liquid. Restore lid and simmer until grains reach a tender yet slightly firm consistency, around 8-10 minutes.
- Create a roux by thoroughly blending butter and flour in a compact mixing vessel until a smooth paste emerges. Fold this thickening agent into the simmering soup, stirring to integrate seamlessly.
- Cascade cheese into the mixture, gently stirring to distribute. Reduce heat, allowing the soup to rest and consolidate flavors for roughly 5 minutes. During this time, the liquid will naturally thicken and develop a rich, creamy texture.
Notes
- Select tender chicken breasts for the most succulent texture and optimal flavor absorption.
- Use fresh broccoli florets to enhance nutritional value and provide a crisp, vibrant green color to the soup.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for the thickening process.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or gruyère to customize the soup’s richness and depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg