Description
Home cooks cherish this hearty chicken broccoli and rice soup for its comforting blend of tender proteins, crisp vegetables, and rich, creamy base. Delicious ingredients merge seamlessly, offering warmth and nourishment that draws diners close to savor each satisfying spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 boneless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 454 g)
- 5–6 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large onion, diced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- ¼ cup uncooked white rice
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 tbsps olive oil (divided)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup water (plus more if needed)
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sear Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook in a Dutch oven with olive oil over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove, slice thinly, and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add more olive oil and introduce diced onions, carrots, and garlic. Season lightly and cook until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- Build Flavor Base: Incorporate dried thyme and butter, then dust with flour. Stir continuously to create a smooth roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and releasing a nutty aroma.
- Create Liquid Foundation: Slowly whisk in milk, chicken broth, and water, ensuring a smooth, lump-free consistency. Add uncooked rice and broccoli florets, then return sliced chicken to the pot.
- Simmer and Cook: Raise heat to medium-high until liquid nearly boils, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing rice to become tender and broccoli to reach perfect doneness.
- Finalize and Enrich: Melt sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese into the soup, stirring until creamy and fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle into warm bowls, top with additional Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley. Present immediately while hot and luxuriously creamy.
Notes
- Chicken Cooking Tip: Brown chicken thoroughly on both sides to lock in flavor and ensure even cooking, which prevents dryness and enhances overall taste profile.
- Rice Texture Hack: Watch rice carefully during simmering to achieve perfect tenderness without becoming mushy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cheese Melting Secret: Remove pot from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain smooth, creamy consistency.
- Seasoning Strategy: Taste soup at final stage and adjust salt and pepper gradually, understanding that cheese adds natural saltiness to the dish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg