Name: Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 sweet onion, diced; ⅔ cup chopped carrots; ⅔ cup chopped celery; 4 garlic cloves, minced; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 4 cups broccoli florets; 1 Parmesan rind; 1 ½ cups cooked, shredded chicken; 6 cups chicken stock; 1 ½ cups milk; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 spritz fresh lemon juice

If you’re craving something comforting yet packed with wholesome goodness, you’ve got to try this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this soup balances rich creaminess with fresh veggies and tender chicken — it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something to meal prep for the week, this recipe won’t let you down. So stick around, because I’m sharing all my tricks to make this bowl of deliciousness come together perfectly every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and Creamy: The velvety texture will make you feel cozy and satisfied after the first spoonful.
Loaded with Fresh Veggies: Broccoli, carrots, celery, and onion bring brightness and nutrition to each bite.
Easy and Quick to Prepare: From start to finish, this soup comes together in under an hour—perfect for busy days.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this recipe, and yours will too!

A close-up shot shows a ladle filled with creamy chicken and broccoli soup held above a pot. The soup has a thick, creamy texture with visible chunks of light beige shredded chicken, bright green broccoli florets, and small orange carrot pieces mixed throughout the light cream-colored broth. The surface beneath the pot is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup, hearty chicken broccoli soup, easy chicken and broccoli dinner, comforting creamy soup recipe, healthy chicken broccoli soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup Recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients that work beautifully together. If you shop smart—like grabbing cooked chicken from your local deli or pre-chopped veggies—you’ll save even more time without sacrificing flavor.

Flat lay of bright green broccoli florets, shredded cooked chicken, diced sweet onion, chopped orange carrots, chopped celery stalks, peeled garlic cloves, a wedge of parmesan rind, and a fresh lemon half with a spritz of juice, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup, hearty chicken broccoli soup, easy chicken and broccoli dinner, comforting creamy soup recipe, healthy chicken broccoli soup

Olive Oil: Adds a lovely base flavor when sautéing the veggies; I always use extra virgin for a richer taste.
Sweet Onion: Gives a mild sweetness that balances the garlic and broccoli nicely.
Carrots: Chopped small for even cooking and a hint of natural sweetness.
Celery: Adds subtle crunch and aroma that rounds out the veggie mix.
Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic packs a fragrant punch; don’t skip it!
Kosher Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning at the right moments—taste as you go.
Broccoli Florets: The star of the soup, offering body and a pop of color.
Parmesan Rind: This little secret infuses a deep umami flavor while simmering.
Cooked Shredded Chicken: I usually use leftover rotisserie chicken; it’s super convenient and adds hearty protein.
Chicken Stock: The broth base that ties all the flavors together—homemade or store-bought works well.
Milk: Helps create that creamy texture; whole milk gives the best richness, but you can go lighter if you want.
All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the soup without clumps if you prepare the slurry right.
Fresh Lemon Juice: A quick spritz brightens up the soup at the end, balancing the creaminess perfectly.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup Recipe my own by switching up ingredients depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to get creative and find the version you love best!

Make it Dairy-Free: I once swapped milk with coconut milk and skipped the parmesan rind, and it still turned out rich and tasty.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in cauliflower or spinach; they blend right in and boost the nutrient count.
Spicy Kick: When my family wanted a little heat, I added a pinch of red pepper flakes—it worked wonderfully!
Use Turkey Instead: Leftover roasted turkey can replace chicken and is amazing during the holidays.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies Until Soft and Fragrant

Start by heating the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onions, chopped carrots, celery, and minced garlic with a generous pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Stir frequently so nothing sticks or burns. After about 5 to 6 minutes, the veggies should soften nicely and fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma. This step builds your flavor foundation—don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Broccoli and Simmer with Chicken and Cheese Rind

Next, stir in the broccoli florets and cook for another 5 minutes, letting them soften but stay vibrant. Then add the parmesan rind, shredded chicken, and chicken stock. Bring everything to a boil, then immediately reduce to a simmer. This slow simmer melds the flavors beautifully—the parmesan rind infuses that deep cheesy undertone that gives this soup its soul. Just remember to fish out the rind before serving!

Step 3: Make the Milk & Flour Slurry to Thicken the Soup

While the soup is simmering, mix the milk and flour together—shake them in a jar or whisk in a measuring cup for about 30 seconds until smooth. Slowly stream this slurry into your simmering soup, stirring constantly. This trick ensures the flour blends evenly without forming lumps, giving you that luscious creamy texture that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Step 4: Let It Thicken and Season to Perfection

Keep simmering the soup uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often. You’ll see it thicken and the flavors become even richer. Before serving, taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Finish with a quick spritz of fresh lemon juice—this little addition cuts through the richness and brightens the entire bowl, making every spoonful more vibrant.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup Recipe

Use a Parmesan Rind: I discovered this trick when I kept parmesan rinds in my freezer—it adds an incredible depth without any extra effort.
Make the Slurry Smooth: Shaking the milk and flour mix in a jar prevents lumps far better than adding flour directly.
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Cooking broccoli too long makes it mushy and dulls the color—aim for tender-crisp for the best texture.
Season Gradually: I learned to add salt slowly because the parmesan and stock already bring saltiness; it’s easier to avoid overseasoning this way.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy soup, showing small green broccoli pieces, orange carrot bits, and tiny shreds of light-colored meat mixed in a thick light beige broth, all topped with a sprinkle of black pepper. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with two soft bread rolls nearby, one partially visible at the top right and another near the bottom right edge. The texture of the soup looks smooth yet chunky with visible small vegetable and meat pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup, hearty chicken broccoli soup, easy chicken and broccoli dinner, comforting creamy soup recipe, healthy chicken broccoli soup

Garnishes

I like to finish this soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives—it adds a fresh pop of color and a subtle herbal note. Sometimes I also grate a little extra parmesan on top for cheesiness. A few crunchy croutons are a fun texture contrast that my kids always appreciate!

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to be a full meal, but you can’t go wrong pairing it with warm crusty bread, garlic toast, or even a simple green salad to round out the meal. I especially enjoy dipping a toasted baguette right into the creamy broth.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve ladled the soup into mini bread bowls—it looks impressive and makes serving a breeze. Alternatively, try layering the soup in clear glass mugs with a garnish of herbs on top for a modern, casual vibe at brunch or light dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover creamy chicken and broccoli soup in airtight containers in the fridge, and it usually keeps well for up to 3 days. I always let the soup cool slightly before sealing the containers to help maintain freshness and prevent condensation buildup.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, which is great for busy weeks. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, label them, and freeze for up to 3 months. When thawed, you might notice a little separation; just give it a good stir while reheating, and it bounces back perfectly.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or stock while warming helps to revive the creamy texture if it feels too thick. Microwave works too, but stirring halfway keeps everything smooth and evenly heated.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this soup?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe and can be a convenient option. Just add it with the fresh veggies during the cooking process and adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure it’s tender but not mushy.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup. Just mix cornstarch with a little cold milk or stock before adding, and it will thicken nicely without altering the flavor.
Can I substitute sour cream or cream cheese for the milk?

You can add sour cream or cream cheese for extra tang and richness, but I find that milk combined with the parmesan rind delivers a smoother consistency. If you do use sour cream or cream cheese, add it at the end of cooking off the heat to prevent curdling.
How do I make this soup more filling?

Adding extra shredded chicken or stirring in cooked pasta or rice makes the soup heartier and perfect for satisfying bigger appetites. I often toss in cooked quinoa for a protein-packed twist that my family enjoys.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup Recipe truly feels like comfort food made better—packed with fresh veggies and tender chicken, plus that irresistible creamy texture. I love how easy it is to throw together, and the way it manages to both nourish and delight at the same time. If you try it out, I bet it’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes for cozy nights in or quick weeknight dinners. Give it a whirl, and don’t be surprised if it ends up on repeat in your kitchen like it did in mine!