If you’ve been hunting for a healthy chicken broccoli soup that’s hearty, nourishing, and doesn’t take all night to make—pull up a chair, friend. This recipe is one of my go-tos when the weather turns chilly, and I want something that feels like a hug in a bowl. Growing up in Texas, soup wasn’t exactly a cold-weather staple, but after moving to New York, I quickly learned that nothing warms you up faster than a pot of creamy, veggie-packed goodness simmering away on the stove.
This healthy chicken broccoli soup delivers all the comfort you crave—without the heaviness. It’s packed with protein-rich chicken, fiber-filled veggies, and a gentle creaminess that makes every spoonful satisfying. Pair it with crusty bread, and you’ve got yourself a dinner worth repeating.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chicken Broccoli Soup
- Quick to make: Ready in just 40 minutes—perfect for weeknights.
- Nutritious & comforting: High in protein and full of fresh veggies.
- Customizable: Great way to use leftover chicken or swap in turkey.
- Family-approved: Even the kids come back for seconds.
It’s the kind of simple, satisfying meal that fills your kitchen with rich, savory aromas and makes everyone ask, “When’s dinner ready?”
What Does Healthy Chicken Broccoli Soup Taste Like?
Imagine the best parts of chicken noodle soup—savory broth, tender bites of chicken, and a comforting base—but with a burst of green broccoli flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. It’s light enough for lunch yet hearty enough for dinner. The lemon at the end brightens everything up, keeping the flavors fresh and balanced.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Healthy Chicken Broccoli Soup
To make this wholesome, comforting soup, you’ll need:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp dried mixed herbs
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 5 cups broccoli (stems removed and chopped)
- 6 cups chicken stock (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A squeeze of lemon juice
For another soul-warming bowl of veggie comfort, try my Homemade Cabbage Soup Recipe next—it’s a fan favorite around here!
How to Make Healthy Chicken Broccoli Soup (Step by Step)
If you’ve ever wished someone would walk you through the process of making healthy chicken broccoli soup step by step, this is your moment. Below is a simple, detailed guide that’s perfect for both new cooks and seasoned home chefs who want to make something hearty, wholesome, and easy.
This is the exact method I use in my own kitchen—and trust me, it never fails to bring everyone to the table before I can even call “Dinner’s ready!”
Step 1: Prep and Chop Your Veggies
Before you even turn on the stove, take a few minutes to get organized.
Chop your onion, carrots, celery, and broccoli into small, even pieces so they cook evenly. Don’t toss those broccoli stalks—they’re packed with flavor and nutrients. Just peel away any tough outer skin and dice them finely.
If you need more guidance on prepping veggies efficiently, check out my Homemade Cabbage Soup Recipe where I share some of my favorite time-saving chopping tips.
Pro tip: Having all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking makes the process smoother (and less stressful). This simple step is the secret behind every “effortless” home-cooked meal.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a splash of olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat.
Add the onion, celery, carrots, and chopped broccoli stalks. Stir occasionally for about 8–10 minutes until everything softens and starts turning golden at the edges.
This step builds the base flavor for your soup—think of it as the foundation of your flavor house. The browning creates a slight sweetness that balances beautifully with the broccoli and chicken later on.
If you’ve tried my Golden Chicken Lentil Soup, you’ll recognize this same technique—it’s what makes every spoonful rich and satisfying.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Once your veggies are fragrant and tender, stir in the garlic, bay leaf, dried mixed herbs, and chili flakes (if you like a little kick). Cook for just one minute until the garlic smells toasty and delicious.
Don’t rush this step—it’s quick but crucial. Garlic burns easily, so keep the heat moderate. When your kitchen starts smelling incredible, you’ll know it’s time to move on.
Want to know which herbs complement chicken soups best? Visit my Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup for some herb-pairing inspiration.
Step 4: Pour in the Liquids
Now, it’s time to bring everything together.
Pour in chicken stock, milk, and the cornstarch slurry (that’s the mix of cornstarch and water). Stir gently to combine.
The cornstarch will help thicken the soup slightly, giving it a smooth, creamy texture without needing heavy cream.
If you prefer a completely dairy-free version, swap the milk for unsweetened oat milk or almond milk—it keeps your soup creamy while staying light. You can read more about easy ingredient swaps in my Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup post.
Step 5: Add Broccoli and Chicken
Once your pot is simmering, add the broccoli florets and shredded chicken.
I usually use rotisserie chicken because it adds deep roasted flavor (and saves me from cooking chicken separately). Stir well so everything is evenly distributed.
Let the soup simmer gently for about 15 minutes. The broccoli should be tender but still vibrant green. You’ll see the soup start to thicken slightly as it cooks.
For extra richness, try stirring in a small spoonful of Greek yogurt just before serving. It gives the same creamy mouthfeel as heavy cream, with a healthy twist.
Step 6: Season and Brighten
Now, give your soup a taste. Add salt and pepper to your liking.
Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor—it makes the broth come alive.
If your soup tastes a little flat, it probably just needs that hit of acid. Lemon transforms the whole bowl from “good” to “can I have seconds?”
A dash of Parmesan also pairs beautifully here, much like I do in my Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole. It adds a savory depth without making the dish heavy.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into warm bowls and serve it alongside some crusty bread, garlic toast, or even a simple green salad.
For a fancier touch, top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or fresh parsley.
This healthy chicken broccoli soup step by step recipe is proof that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s just about layering flavors with care, using fresh ingredients, and letting a little time on the stove work its magic.
If you loved this soup, you’ll probably enjoy my Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup next—it’s just as cozy but with a fun Tex-Mex twist.
Final Thoughts
Making healthy chicken broccoli soup step by step isn’t just about following directions—it’s about creating a comforting experience in your kitchen. Each stage builds flavor and texture, turning simple ingredients into something special.
By the time you sit down with your bowl, you’ll taste the care you put into every stir, every chop, and every simmer.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Healthy Chicken Broccoli Soup
- Use rotisserie chicken: It saves time and adds incredible flavor.
- Don’t skip the lemon: That little squeeze at the end makes the soup taste brighter and fresher.
- Want it thicker? Blend a cup of the soup, then stir it back in.
- Make it dairy-free: Swap milk for unsweetened almond or oat milk.
- Extra veggies? Cauliflower, spinach, or kale make great additions.
And here’s a personal tip from my own kitchen: when my kids were younger, I’d puree half the soup so they’d “forget” it had broccoli. Worked like a charm every time.
Storage
This soup stores beautifully:
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to bring it back to its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Add everything except the milk, cornstarch, and lemon. Cook on low for 5–6 hours, then stir in the milk and thickener during the last 30 minutes.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just add it straight in—no need to thaw.
How do I make it extra creamy?
Stir in a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a splash of half-and-half before serving.
Conclusion
There’s something so comforting about sitting down to a bowl of healthy chicken broccoli soup on a chilly evening. It’s nourishing, simple, and tastes like home. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment or tag me on social media—I always enjoy seeing your creations!
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meals.
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Healthy Chicken Broccoli Soup – A Cozy, Easy Dinner You’ll Crave All Winter
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This easy healthy chicken broccoli soup is cozy, comforting, and packed with wholesome ingredients. A simple dinner perfect for chilly nights, especially when served with crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp dried mixed herbs
- 1 tsp chili flakes/red pepper flakes (optional)
- 5 cups broccoli, stems removed and finely chopped
- 6 cups chicken stock/broth (homemade or good quality store-bought)
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp cornflour/cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon juice to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté the onion, celery, carrot, and broccoli stalks in a splash of oil over medium heat until soft and just beginning to brown, about 10 minutes.
2. Add the garlic, bay leaf, mixed herbs, and chili flakes (if using). Cook for another minute.
3. Pour in the chicken stock, milk, and cornflour mixture. Stir to combine.
4. Bring to a simmer, then add the broccoli florets and shredded chicken.
5. Simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
7. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for ease.
Add extra milk or stock if the soup becomes too thick during reheating.
Blending part of the soup can create a creamier texture if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 197
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 174mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 31mg
Keywords: broccoli soup, chicken broccoli soup, chicken soup
