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With Salt and Wit

Laugh Often. Eat Well.

27 December 2, 2014 Chicken & Poultry

{One Pot} Lighter Creamy Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A Panera classic made over for a creamy yet lighter Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup! You won’t miss the heavy cream and butter in this delicious recipe! 

A Panera classic made over for a creamy yet lighter Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup! You won't miss the heavy cream and butter in this delicious recipe!

A Panera classic made over for a creamy yet lighter Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup! You won't miss the heavy cream and butter in this delicious recipe!

Is it obnoxiously cold where you are?

A Panera classic made over for a creamy yet lighter Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup! You won't miss the heavy cream and butter in this delicious recipe!

Because here in KC, it is COLDDDDD. I am currently sitting next to my fire, with my fuzzy socks, numerous blankets, a couple sweatshirts and possibly gloves…it might as well be a meat locker in our house!

Granted KC has seen colder days, much colder. But if it going to be this cold, I want snow dang it. Something about the watching the snowflakes fall makes me want all things hot cocoa and stick to your bones soup.  Topped with cheese for bonus points!

A Panera classic made over for a creamy yet lighter Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup! You won't miss the heavy cream and butter in this delicious recipe!

But let’s be real, what is soup without cheese? I know, right.

When Mr HIT and I were discussing which soup to warm us up, he started venturing down the lines of the irresistible, thick and creamy Broccoli Cheddar soup. Just like Panera’s.  But my chicken broccoli cheddar soup…

A Panera classic made over for a creamy yet lighter Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup! You won't miss the heavy cream and butter in this delicious recipe!

Upon, googling the soup, I quickly realized it is the least bit figure friendly. I mean heavy cream, flour, butter?  Naturally I went along my way but adding a healthier spin on it so you can have one more bowl or that extra piece of leftover Thanksgiving day dessert that we all know we want. I am not judging.

A Panera classic made over for a creamy yet lighter Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup! You won't miss the heavy cream and butter in this delicious recipe! Did I mention this soup only calls for one pot? No pre cooking the chicken or par boiling the broccoli! Throw everything into the pot and let simmer for a short time. At the end, you add in a mixture of cornstarch and water to thicken the soup and create that texture that we all love from Panera!  And yes I know Panera’s doesn’t call for chicken, but I just love adding a bit of protein to make a well rounded meal! If you prefer to forgo the chicken, simply leave out! Simple as that.

As I hope the snow starts falling soon, at least I will be able to ditch my gloves soon thanks to a warm soup!

A Panera classic made over for a creamy yet lighter Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup! You won't miss the heavy cream and butter in this delicious recipe!

{One Pot} Lighter Creamy Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A Panera classic made over for a creamy yet lighter Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup! You won't miss the heavy cream and butter in this delicious recipe!

10 minPrep Time

30 minCook Time

40 minTotal Time

Yields 6

Author:

Megan

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp butter, cubed
  • 1 white onion, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp gluten free flour
  • 3 cups unsweetened almond milk
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken stock
  • 4 cups fresh, chopped broccoli
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 pound raw, cubed chicken (I use Just Bare Chicken)
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 3 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
  • 4 tbsp cornstarch
  • 4 tbsp water
  • 1 cup plain, non fat greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. In a large sauce pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes to sweat the onion and until its translucent.
  2. Whisk in the flour until the onion is well coated.
  3. Add the milk, stock, broccoli, carrots, chicken, nutmeg, garlic, salt and pepper.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
  5. Add the cheddar and stir well.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Add to the soup and stir continually until it starts to thicken.
  7. Remove from the heat and add the greek yogurt.
  8. Serve immediately.
  9. Garnish with more cheddar if desired.
7.8.1.2
162
https://withsaltandwit.com/one-pot-lighter-creamy-chicken-broccoli-cheddar-soup/

Need some other soups to warm up with?

A quick and hearty sweet Italian sausage soup filled with veggies and kale! And no Italian meal is complete with garlic toast! A quick 4 ingredient, garlic toast is perfect to dip into your soup!

Sweet Italian Sausage Soup with Kale and Cheesy Parmesan Croutons

A creamy and rich tomato soup with kale and tortellini, made in only 15 minutes! Pure comfort food in no time! #tomatosoup #soup #tortellini #pasta

{15 minute} Kale and Tortellini Tomato Bisque

All the flavors of a juicy burger and loaded baked potato soup in one bite in this ultra creamy, delicious and lighter recipe! #potatosoup #soup #healthy #cheeseburger

Steakhouse Cheeseburger Loaded {Skinny} Baked Potato Soup

If you make this recipe, make sure to snap a photo and hashtag it #HOUSEWIFEINTRAININGFILES. I’d love to see what you are cooking up in your kitchen!

27

Categories: Chicken & Poultry Tags: broccoli, cheddar, chicken, gluten free, greek yogurt, healthy, one pot, quick, skinny, soup

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog says

    December 2, 2014 at 6:31 am

    LOVE that you made this soup healthier! I've been wanting to make cheddar broccoli soup for a while, just haven't wanted the extra guilt that came along with it!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      December 2, 2014 at 6:55 am

      Oh well thank you! And I am with you! I love that soup but not how unhealthy it is. Hope you enjoy this healthier spin ;)
      Reply
  2. kelley {mountain mama cooks} says

    December 2, 2014 at 7:56 am

    I'd love it if you'd send some of that cold weather our way! The soup looks perfect for a simple lunch snugged up by the fire!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      December 2, 2014 at 8:11 am

      I will gladly send some your way! Wayyy too cold for no snow falling!
      Reply
  3. DessertForTwo says

    December 2, 2014 at 8:20 am

    Yep, I want two bowls. Maybe 3!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      December 2, 2014 at 2:32 pm

      I will gladly share ;)
      Reply
  4. Jennie @themessybakerblog says

    December 2, 2014 at 8:51 am

    This is one gorgeous pot of lightened-up soup. I live in Maryland, the state that's 70 degrees one day and 20 degrees the next. Today it's freezing, so pass the bowl :)
    Reply
    • Meg says

      December 2, 2014 at 2:31 pm

      Oh you so you have bipolar weather too?! Then soup it is to keep ya warm! Thanks Jennie!
      Reply
  5. Beth @ The First Year says

    December 2, 2014 at 8:54 am

    Meg, this is gorgeous, I love the pictures! And yay for gluten free flour, means we can eat it!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      December 2, 2014 at 2:31 pm

      Awe thanks Beth! And yes for gluten free sistas! ;)
      Reply
  6. heather @french press says

    December 2, 2014 at 10:34 am

    healthier means I can have more right? looks SO good!!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      December 2, 2014 at 2:31 pm

      I like the way you think, Heather!
      Reply
  7. Liz says

    December 2, 2014 at 11:20 am

    This is a soup my whole family would love...hearty enough for the hubby yet lightened up for me! Perfect on this nasty, cold day!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      December 2, 2014 at 2:30 pm

      And everyone is happy! Thanks Liz!!
      Reply
  8. Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says

    December 2, 2014 at 2:13 pm

    Really excited about this one! We can be warm and cozy without gaining 10 lbs from one bowl! Victory!! ;)
    Reply
    • Meg says

      December 2, 2014 at 2:30 pm

      I agree!! There are fires and blankets for that ;) Thanks Jennifer!
      Reply
  9. Jess says

    December 2, 2014 at 4:52 pm

    This looks perfect for a rainy day like today! Yum!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      December 2, 2014 at 4:58 pm

      I couldn't agree more!!
      Reply
  10. Katya @ Little Broken says

    December 2, 2014 at 6:38 pm

    Meg I love this lighter version with almond milk! Brilliant! I've been craving "cream of something" soup since Panera couple weeks ago and this looks fantastic but without the calories. My kinda soup in the midst of this holiday food coma :)
    Reply
    • Meg says

      December 3, 2014 at 5:55 am

      I am with ya there! With all this chilly weather, all I want is something stick to your bones! Thanks Katya!
      Reply
  11. Mom says

    December 3, 2014 at 7:35 am

    I'm fixing this soup for Dad and I! Sounds yummy and easy. Perfect!!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      December 3, 2014 at 8:18 am

      Oh ya?! Why don't you bring some to your sick daughter?! Thanks Mom :)
      Reply
  12. Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says

    December 3, 2014 at 4:37 pm

    I feel the same way. If it is going to be cold there must be snow with it! Luckily we are having mild temps this week but that doesn't stop me from wanting this soup!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      December 3, 2014 at 5:49 pm

      Glad I am not the only one! Thanks Nancy!
      Reply
  13. Jenn @ Deliciously Sprinkled says

    December 3, 2014 at 9:03 pm

    YUM!! I would love this chicken broccoli cheddar soup right now, it's so cold here! I can't wait to try your recipe soon, looks delicious! :)
    Reply
    • Meg says

      December 4, 2014 at 9:05 am

      Ugh isn't this cold weather awful?! I hope you love it! Thanks Jenn!
      Reply
  14. Jaren (Diary of a Recipe Collector) says

    December 3, 2014 at 9:33 pm

    I was just telling my husband the other day that I wanted to make Broccoli and Cheese Soup after sampling his at a deli. This one is calling my name!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      December 4, 2014 at 9:05 am

      Well perfect timing then! Hope you enjoy ;)
      Reply
  15. Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen says

    December 3, 2014 at 11:41 pm

    One pot and lightened up? Yes please! This soup looks delicious!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      December 4, 2014 at 9:03 am

      I know right?! Thanks Kristine!
      Reply
  16. Ginny McMeans says

    December 4, 2014 at 12:51 am

    I love one pot meals and that you have lightened up Paneras broccoli cheddar soup. Keep warm!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      December 4, 2014 at 9:03 am

      I am right there with ya! Thanks Ginny!
      Reply
  17. Andi @ The Weary Chef says

    December 4, 2014 at 10:31 pm

    This looks delicious, Meg, and I love lightened up recipes! I just wish my husband would eat broccoli!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      December 5, 2014 at 6:14 am

      OH bummer! Looks like more for you :)
      Reply
  18. Thalia @ butter and brioche says

    December 7, 2014 at 3:46 am

    Love one-pot wonder recipes! Definitely a delicious (and super creamy) soup that I need to test out in my kitchen.. pinned!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      December 7, 2014 at 6:27 am

      One pot dishes save my life! I hope you love it! Thanks pretty lady!
      Reply
  19. Sara says

    January 17, 2015 at 7:11 am

    Am I missing something? I cannot find the amount of cheddar to use in the recipe. Can you help? I can't wait to make this
    Reply
    • Meg says

      January 18, 2015 at 9:16 am

      Hi Sara, It is the 4th ingredient from the bottom and you add it in step 5. Hope you enjoy!
      Reply
  20. Heather says

    March 29, 2018 at 9:50 am

    We have an almond and dairy allergy over here. Will soymilk work, or you think it will change the flavor?
    Reply
    • Meg says

      April 2, 2018 at 3:08 pm

      I think if you use an unflavored soy milk, it will work perfect!
      Reply

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Hi There!

I'm Megan! A wife, mama and have a serious love of nutritious, time-saving meals with a knack for meal prep hacks. I crave simple, wholesome and balanced meals with a bit of humor on the side! Welcome to my kitchen. Read More…

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