Creamy High-Protein Low-Carb Broccoli Chicken Soup Recipe
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
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
- Prepare Broccoli: Chop the broccoli crowns into small bite-size florets to ensure even cooking and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken breasts or thighs into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed to your preference.
- Optional Thin Out: If the soup is too thick, thin by adding additional chicken broth or water and stir well to combine.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended as the soup may separate when thawed.
- Alternative Slow Cooker Method – Prepare Base: Add butter, softened cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and water to a crockpot and mix well.
- Alternative Slow Cooker Method – Add Chicken: Add chopped chicken pieces to the crockpot.
- Alternative Slow Cooker Method – Add Broccoli and Spices: Add chopped broccoli and all seasonings to the crockpot, stir to combine.
- Alternative Slow Cooker Method – Cook: Cover and cook on low setting for 3 hours or medium-high for 80 minutes, stirring occasionally if possible.
- Alternative Slow Cooker Method – Finish with Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring a few times until it melts fully.
- 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