Creamy High-Protein Low-Carb Broccoli Chicken Soup Recipe

Introduction

This high protein, low carb soup is a creamy and comforting meal packed with chicken, broccoli, and rich cheeses. Perfect for those looking for a satisfying dish that’s both nutritious and flavorful. Easy to make on the stove or in a crockpot, it’s a great option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 pound raw boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets and set aside.
2. Step 2: Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large 5-quart pot over medium heat, add the butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese is fully melted and blended.
4. Step 4: Add the chicken pieces, sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, and grated parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Step 5: Add the chopped broccoli to the pot. Cover and reduce heat to low. Let the soup simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is opaque and cooked through, about 20 minutes.
6. Step 6: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to cook, stirring, until the cheese melts completely and the soup is creamy.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. If the soup is too thick, thin it out with additional water or chicken broth.
8. Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with extra shredded cheddar cheese or chopped parsley if you like.

Tips & Variations

• For a crockpot version, combine all ingredients except cheddar cheese in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3 hours or medium-high for 80 minutes. Stir in cheddar cheese at the end and cook until melted.
• You can substitute cauliflower for broccoli for a different low-carb option.
• Use smoked paprika or chili flakes to add a little heat and smokiness to this creamy soup.
• For extra creaminess, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the cheddar cheese.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Freezing is not recommended as the soup tends to separate when thawed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid excess water making the soup too thin.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. It stores well in the refrigerator and can be reheated for quick, nutritious meals throughout the week.

Creamy High-Protein Low-Carb Broccoli Chicken Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 80 reviews

This comforting High Protein Low Carb Soup combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich creamy blend of cheeses and spices to create a satisfying, nutritious meal. Perfect for those seeking a low-carb, high-protein option, this soup can be made on the stovetop or slow cooker, delivering a rich flavor profile with minimal fuss.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes (stovetop) or 80 minutes to 3 hours (slow cooker)
• Total Time: 35 minutes (stovetop) or 3 hours 15 minutes (slow cooker)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Produce

• 6 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into small pieces

Proteins

• 1 pound raw boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces

Dairy

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Liquids

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water

Spices & Seasonings

• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Prepare Broccoli: Chop the broccoli crowns into small bite-size florets to ensure even cooking and set aside.
2. Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken breasts or thighs into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
3. Melt Base Ingredients: In a large 5-quart pot over medium heat, combine the butter, softened cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and water. Stir occasionally until the cream cheese is fully melted and blended smoothly into the broth.
4. Add Chicken and Seasonings: Add the chopped chicken pieces along with sea salt, black pepper, dried thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, and grated parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5. Add Broccoli and Simmer: Add the chopped broccoli florets into the pot, cover with a lid, lower the heat to low, and let it simmer with occasional stirring. This allows the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld. Cook until chicken is opaque and cooked through, about 20 minutes.
6. Incorporate Cheddar Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, continuing to cook while stirring until the cheese melts completely and the soup achieves a creamy consistency.
7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed to your preference.
8. Optional Thin Out: If the soup is too thick, thin by adding additional chicken broth or water and stir well to combine.
9. Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
10. Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended as the soup may separate when thawed.
11. Alternative Slow Cooker Method – Prepare Base: Add butter, softened cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and water to a crockpot and mix well.
12. Alternative Slow Cooker Method – Add Chicken: Add chopped chicken pieces to the crockpot.
13. Alternative Slow Cooker Method – Add Broccoli and Spices: Add chopped broccoli and all seasonings to the crockpot, stir to combine.
14. Alternative Slow Cooker Method – Cook: Cover and cook on low setting for 3 hours or medium-high for 80 minutes, stirring occasionally if possible.
15. Alternative Slow Cooker Method – Finish with Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring a few times until it melts fully.
16. Alternative Slow Cooker Method – Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning as needed, thin soup if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

• Use bite-sized broccoli florets to ensure even cooking and tenderness in the soup.
• Softened cream cheese melts easier and prevents lumping in the broth.
• This soup can be made on stovetop or in a slow cooker for convenience and flexibility.
• Do not freeze leftovers as the creamy base tends to separate upon thawing.
• Adjust seasoning towards the end to get the perfect flavor.
• If you prefer a thinner consistency, add extra chicken broth or water after cooking.
• Using a mix of chicken breasts or thighs works well; thighs provide more moisture and flavor.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheddar cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Keywords: high protein soup, low carb soup, chicken broccoli soup, creamy chicken soup, keto soup, healthy soup recipe, easy dinner