Ingredients
Method
Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until soft and fragrant.
Add Broccoli and Chicken Broth:
- Stir in the chopped broccoli and chicken broth.
- Bring the soup to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, until broccoli is tender.
Thicken the Soup:
- If you want a thicker consistency, whisk together 1 tablespoon of flour with a little milk to make a slurry, then add to the pot. Stir continuously until the soup thickens.
Add Chicken, Milk, and Cheese:
- Stir in the cooked chicken and milk (or cream) and bring the soup to a simmer for another 5-7 minutes.
- Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese while stirring, until fully melted and smooth.
Season and Serve:
- Season the soup with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese or croutons if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of cheddar cheese.
To make it gluten-free, skip the flour and rely on the cheese to thicken the soup.
You can also use frozen broccoli instead of fresh if you're short on time.
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and substitute vegetable broth.