When you need a cozy and nourishing meal, look no further than this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup. Packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a hint of spice, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between hearty and healthy. It’s quick to prepare and delivers a flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or make-ahead lunches.
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon dried mixed herbs
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes/red pepper flakes (optional)
- 5 cups broccoli, stems removed and finely chopped
- 6 cups chicken stock/broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons cornflour/cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon juice, to taste
Instructions:
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic, bay leaf, mixed herbs, and chili flakes (if using).
- Add Broccoli and Broth: Stir in the chopped broccoli, then pour in the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Blend for Creaminess: Remove the bay leaf. Blend the soup with a hand blender, pulsing gently to create a mix of smooth and chunky sections for added texture. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender and puree before returning it to the pot.
- Add Milk and Thickener: Stir in the milk and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Add the cornflour slurry (cornflour mixed with water) while stirring continuously to thicken the soup.
- Add the Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to fully heat and blend with the flavors.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup is a delightful mix of creamy richness and wholesome goodness. Perfect for any season, it’s an excellent way to get your veggies while indulging in comforting flavors. Serve it as a main course or a starter, and watch it become a family favorite.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup: A Bowl of Comfort and Health
Acreamy and healthy chicken and broccoli soup made with tender chicken, freshvegetables, and a touch of spice for a comforting, hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 large carrots peeled and finely chopped
- 2 celery ribs finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves crushed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon dried mixed herbs
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes/red pepper flakes optional
- 5 cups broccoli stems removed and finely chopped
- 6 cups chicken stock/broth homemade or store-bought
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons cornflour/cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups shredded chicken rotisserie chicken works well
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon juice to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic, bay leaf, mixed herbs, and chili flakes (if using).
- Add Broccoli and Broth: Stir in the chopped broccoli, then pour in the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Blend for Creaminess: Remove the bay leaf. Blend the soup with a hand blender, pulsing gently to create a mix of smooth and chunky sections for added texture. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender and puree before returning it to the pot.
- Add Milk and Thickener: Stir in the milk and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Add the cornflour slurry (cornflour mixed with water) while stirring continuously to thicken the soup.
- Add the Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to fully heat and blend with the flavors.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.