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; 4 cups broccoli florets; 1½ cups cooked, shredded chicken; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 1 parmesan rind; 6 cups chicken stock; 1½ cups milk; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 spritz fresh lemon juice

If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and downright nourishing, **Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup Recipe** is exactly what you need. I absolutely love this soup because it’s creamy without being heavy, packed with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, and finishes with a touch of bright lemon that really brings the whole dish to life. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want a soul-soothing meal, this soup hits all the right notes and I can’t wait to share how you can make it in your own kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Creamy Texture: Thanks to the milk and flour slurry, this soup feels luxurious but is easy to make from scratch.
Loaded with Veggies: The broccoli, carrots, and celery not only add flavor but lots of wholesome nutrients.
Comfort Food Made Healthy: It’s satisfying yet light enough to enjoy anytime without feeling weighed down.
Super Simple to Prep: You can have this on the table in under an hour, even on busy nights.

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, healthy chicken broccoli soup, easy creamy chicken soup, comforting chicken and broccoli dish, quick and nutritious soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup Recipe come together to create a flavor-packed bowl that balances richness with freshness. I always recommend getting a good quality chicken stock and fresh broccoli florets for the best results.

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, healthy chicken broccoli soup, easy creamy chicken soup, comforting chicken and broccoli dish, quick and nutritious soup

Olive oil: Use a good extra virgin olive oil to sauté your veggies—it adds a lovely subtle fruitiness.
Sweet onion: This gives a gentle sweetness that blends beautifully with the garlic and broth.
Carrots: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Celery: Provides a subtle crunch and aromatic base for the soup.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives a punch of flavor that brightens the entire dish.
Kosher salt and pepper: Season as you go, and taste to adjust the balance perfectly.
Broccoli florets: Use fresh for the best texture and bright green color; frozen can work if you’re in a pinch.
Parmesan rind: This little secret adds a deep, cheesy umami that elevates the soup.
Cooked shredded chicken: Use leftover roast chicken or quickly poach breasts—both work wonderfully here.
Chicken stock: Homemade or store-bought, it’s the backbone of the soup’s flavor.
Milk: Adds creaminess without heaviness; whole milk works best but you can try 2%.
All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the soup gently when combined with milk.
Fresh lemon juice: Just a spritz at the end brightens everything up and balances the cream.

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

One of my favorite things about this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup Recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can play around with whatever you have in your fridge, and I encourage you to make it your own!

Swap the Chicken for Turkey: During the holidays, I love using leftover turkey — it works beautifully and adds a festive touch.
Make it Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or any plant-based milk, and swap the parmesan rind for nutritional yeast to keep that umami flavor.
Add Some Heat: I sometimes stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a little kick.
Extra Creamy Version: Stir in a bit of cream cheese or Greek yogurt at the end for an ultra-silky texture.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Build Flavor

Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat, then add diced onions, chopped carrots, celery, minced garlic, and a good pinch of kosher salt and pepper. I like to stir often here to soften everything evenly without browning—about 5 to 6 minutes until the veggies feel nice and tender. This step really builds the base flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Broccoli and Bring it All Together

Add the broccoli florets to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing them to soften but still keep their beautiful green color. Then toss in the parmesan rind, shredded chicken, and pour in the chicken stock. Bring this mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently. I always keep the lid slightly off to help deepen the flavors and let some liquid reduce for a bit more intensity.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

While the soup simmers, mix the milk and flour together in a small shaker cup or measuring cup—whisk well for about 30 seconds until smooth with no lumps. Slowly pour this mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to avoid clumps. You’re going to love how this simple addition transforms the soup by thickening it up and adding that luscious creaminess we want.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Let the soup simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often so nothing sticks to the bottom. This is where the magic happens—the soup thickens and the flavors meld beautifully. Taste towards the end and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Right before serving, add a quick spritz of fresh lemon juice to brighten all those rich flavors.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup Recipe

Use Fresh Broccoli: I learned that fresh florets keep their texture and bright color better than frozen, which can get mushy.
Whisk the Slurry Well: Mixing the milk and flour thoroughly avoids lumps and creates a silky smooth soup every time.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: The brightness at the end lifts the whole dish and prevents it from feeling too heavy.
Simmer, Don’t Boil After Adding Milk: Keeping the heat low after adding the slurry avoids curdling and keeps your soup perfectly creamy.

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, healthy chicken broccoli soup, easy creamy chicken soup, comforting chicken and broccoli dish, quick and nutritious soup

Garnishes

I love to finish this soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few twists of cracked black pepper. A little drizzle of good olive oil or some crispy bacon bits can also add a fantastic texture contrast. Fresh chopped parsley or chives work wonders too if you want a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

For sides, crusty bread or warm garlic toast pairs beautifully, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop. I also sometimes serve this with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to keep things light and fresh alongside the creamy soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I like to serve the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup Recipe in rustic bowls garnished with microgreens and a Parmesan crisp on the side. It’s an easy way to elevate presentation and impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 3 days. I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes surprisingly well. I let it cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. Just leave some headspace because the soup thickens when frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. If it’s too thick, add a splash of stock or milk to bring it back to the perfect creamy consistency. Avoid boiling to keep the texture smooth and velvety.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli in this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available, but keep in mind that frozen broccoli tends to become softer and might make the soup a bit less vibrant in color. To minimize this, add frozen broccoli later in the cooking process and avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for the Parmesan rind?

If you don’t have a Parmesan rind, you can add extra grated Parmesan cheese near the end or use a bit of Parmesan cheese powder. Another option is a small piece of Parmigiano-Reggiano or any hard, aged cheese rind you have on hand—the key is to add that umami depth.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! This soup freezes very well. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before freezing, and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove to preserve the creamy texture.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup Recipe is ideal for making ahead. Prepare the soup completely, then refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently before serving and add a quick lemon spritz to refresh the flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s just so darn reliable and comforting. When friends come over on a chilly night, it’s always a crowd-pleaser, and it feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I hope you enjoy making this as much as I do and find it becomes one of your go-to soups — perfect for feeding your family or cozying up on your own. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out—you’re going to love it!