When the weather cools down, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm, creamy bowl of soup. This Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Soup takes the comfort of the classic recipe and lightens it up with wholesome ingredients, lean rotisserie chicken, and reduced-fat cheese. It’s thick, cozy, and satisfying—without being overly heavy.
Made with fresh broccoli, carrots, onion, and celery, this soup is packed with nutrients while still delivering that cheesy, comforting flavor everyone loves. Pair it with some crusty bread or a simple side salad, and you’ve got a nourishing weeknight dinner in under 40 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Healthier twist – less cream and butter, but still creamy and delicious.
- Protein-packed – rotisserie chicken makes it hearty and filling.
- Veggie-loaded – broccoli, carrots, celery, and onion add fiber and nutrients.
- Meal prep friendly – makes great leftovers for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 small yellow onion, quartered
- 10 baby carrots
- 1 large stalk celery
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 6 cups chopped broccoli
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 cup skim milk
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ¼ cups reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the vegetables
- In a food processor, blend the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots until finely chopped.
- Cook the aromatics
- In a large pot, melt butter over low heat. Add the vegetable mixture and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
- Make the roux
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine, cooking for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, breaking up any clumps.
- Add the milk and broccoli
- Stir in the skim milk, then bring the soup to a gentle boil. Add chopped broccoli, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
- Blend for thickness
- Carefully remove about 2 cups of the soup and blend in the food processor until smooth. Return the blended mixture to the pot and stir well.
- Add chicken and cheddar
- Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and reduced-fat cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
- Serve and enjoy
- Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheddar or black pepper if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Extra creamy – stir in a splash of half-and-half or Greek yogurt for added richness.
- Make it vegetarian – skip the chicken and use vegetable broth.
- Spice it up – add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
- Meal prep – store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Soup is proof that comfort food can also be nourishing. With plenty of protein, cheesy goodness, and fresh vegetables, it’s the perfect recipe to warm up your weeknights without the guilt.
Serve it with warm bread, a grilled sandwich, or just on its own for a hearty and wholesome meal everyone will love.
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