by Tammy L Mahan

Created on: August 04, 2008   Last Updated: August 20, 2009

Broccoli cheese soup is a great soup anytime of the year. However, I find myself making this soup more often during the fall season when the colorful leaves are blowing past the kitchen window or when snowflakes are piling up outside during the winter months.

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Soup

~ Ingredients ~

2 pounds of chicken breasts (cooked and cut into bite size pieces)

2 cups of fresh or frozen broccoli florets (cut up)
1/2 cup of white onion (chopped)
2 cloves of garlic (minced)
1/4 cup of butter or margarine
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
5 cups chicken stock or 3 chicken bouillon cubes OR 6 cups water (to make stock)
1 cup of heavy cream
1 cup of grated cheese (sharp)
1/4 teaspoon of oregano
1 teaspoon of dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon of salt (optional)
1/4 teaspoon of white ground pepper

~ Preparation ~

Boil the broccoli florets in hot water for two minutes; and rinse with cold water and drain; set aside.

In a medium size stock pot, add the 6 cups or chicken stock and the butter/margarine. Add the onions and garlic, and the salt and pepper, cook until tender. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 15 minutes.

Add flour to make a paste and cook well. (If you are using bouillon cubes, add them at this point.)

Bring to a boil while constantly stirring; let simmer for a minute then add the broccoli florets, heavy cream, oregano and dry mustard.

I usually serve this soup with croutons on top; to make croutons, slice day old white bread into cubes; drizzle with melted butter and put in a 350' F oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes; remove from oven and let your croutons completely cool down before using.

This soup is a complete meal in itself especially if you serve it with croutons or any kind of bread. It is very filling and nutritious as well as easy to prepare.

You can also substitute the chicken with diced ham or omit the chicken and just use the other ingredients for a nice light bowl of broccoli cheese soup.

This soup freezes well and be easily defrosted for a quick healthy lunch or dinner.

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