Name: Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 270 min
Total time: 270 min
Ingredients: 6 cups bite-size broccoli florets; 1.5 cups frozen chopped yellow onion; 2 medium stalks celery, finely chopped; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup evaporated milk; 0.5 cup reduced-fat sour cream; 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided; 1 (8-ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese, cubed and softened; 0.25 cup water; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 0.75 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon ground pepper; 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided; 2 cups frozen brown rice; 0.5 cup thinly sliced scallion tops, dark green parts only; 3 tablespoons crumbled cooked bacon; 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Introduction to Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup

Homemade soup can truly be a game-changer for young professionals craving wholesome meals amid their busy schedules. If you’re juggling a hectic work life while trying to eat healthily, preparing a Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup offers an effortless solution. Simply throw the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning and return home to the delightful aroma of a hearty meal waiting for you!

Imagine coming back after a long day to not just a bowl of soup but a comforting bowl loaded with nutritious broccoli, tender chicken, and a creamy, cheesy base. This soup not only nourishes your body but warms your soul, showing how simple it can be to eat well.

In fact, research shows that eating homemade meals can lead to better nutrition and lower calorie intake compared to fast food. For those strapped for time, a slow cooker is your best friend. You can explore more about the benefits of homemade meals in this EatingWell guide.

So why not take a little time to prepare this delicious soup? You deserve it!

Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup

Fresh and Frozen Ingredients You'll Need

To whip up this mouthwatering Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup, you'll want a blend of fresh and frozen ingredients for that perfect balance of flavor and convenience:

Fresh Ingredients:
6 cups bite-size broccoli florets
2 medium stalks of celery, finely chopped
Frozen Ingredients:
1½ cups of frozen chopped yellow onion
2 cups of frozen brown rice

These frozen elements help maintain their texture and make meal prep a breeze!

The Importance of Choosing Quality Chicken and Cheese

When it comes to crafting your soup, don’t skimp on quality! Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean protein content and tender flavor. Similarly, opt for good-quality shredded Cheddar cheese—it melts beautifully and enhances the creaminess of your soup.

For some additional tips on selecting fresh produce, check out this guide from EatingWell. Investing in high-quality ingredients ensures your Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup is not just good, but truly unforgettable!

Preparing Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup

Cooking can often feel like a chore when the week gets hectic, but this Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup is the perfect antidote! With its creamy base, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli, this recipe will not only warm you up on chilly days but also make meal prep a breeze. Let’s dive into the easy steps to prepare this comforting dish!

Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

Before we start, it’s essential to gather everything you’ll need for this recipe. Here’s a handy checklist:

Ingredients:
6 cups bite-size broccoli florets
1½ cups frozen chopped yellow onion
2 medium stalks celery, finely chopped
1 cup evaporated milk
½ cup reduced-fat sour cream
¼ cup water
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground pepper
4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 (8-ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese, cubed
2 cups frozen brown rice
½ cup thinly sliced scallion tops
3 tablespoons crumbled cooked turkey bacon
Tools:
6-quart slow cooker
Cutting board
Large spoon for mixing

Got everything? Let’s get cooking!

Combine the Base Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Start by adding all the base ingredients to your slow cooker. This includes the broccoli, frozen onions, chopped celery, evaporated milk, sour cream, water, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, chicken broth, and one cup of shredded cheese. Stir everything together so that the flavors meld beautifully.

Nestle in the Chicken and Let It Cook

Next, it’s time to add the star of the show: the chicken! Nestle the chicken breasts right into the mixture, submerging them completely. Now, set your slow cooker to cook on high for about four hours or low for seven hours. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F — but you can do other things while it cooks!

Shred the Chicken and Add the Finishing Touches

Once the cooking time is up, carefully transfer the chicken to a cutting board and shred it using two forks. Now, whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with the remaining chicken broth until smooth and stir it back into the soup along with the cream cheese and frozen brown rice. Allow this to cook on high for another 10 to 15 minutes until the rice is tender and everything is deliciously thick.

Serve Up a Bowl of Comforting Soup

It’s finally time to enjoy your masterpiece! Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with the remaining shredded cheddar, scallions, and that crispy turkey bacon for an extra crunch.

Now, take a moment to inhale that comforting aroma. Isn’t it satisfying to know you’ve prepared a Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup that will warm hearts and attract compliments at the dinner table? Feel free to tweak the toppings to your liking, and enjoy!

For additional variations and tips, check out EatingWell or Bon Appétit. Happy cooking!

Variations on Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup

Substitute Ingredients for Dietary Preferences

Feel free to customize your Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup to fit your dietary needs! For a vegetarian option, swap out the chicken for chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. If you're looking to reduce fat, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a low-fat yogurt.

Add a Spicy Twist with Different Seasonings

Want to kick things up a notch? Incorporate spices like cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give your soup that extra heat. A dash of smoked paprika can also add depth. You might even consider topping your soup with some sliced jalapeños for a fresh burst of flavor.

Cooking is about creativity, so don’t hesitate to experiment! What variations are you excited to try?

Cooking Tips and Notes for Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup

Tips for Ensuring Perfect Texture and Flavor

To achieve the best flavor in your Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup, don't rush the cooking process. Allow the chicken to really soak in the broth for ultimate tenderness. When adding the cornstarch, make sure to whisk it with a bit of broth first to prevent clumps. If you want a creamier soup, blend part of the broth with the broccoli before mixing it back in.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

Your leftovers can be a real lifesaver! Store any extra soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain its texture, you might want to leave out the Turkey Bacon until just before serving. If you’ve made a larger batch, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe bags for up to three months. Just label them with the date! For more convenient meals, reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth to rejuvenate the soup’s creaminess.

For more culinary insights, check out EatingWell's cooking tips or explore how to store soups properly.

Serving suggestions for Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup

Pairing ideas to complete the meal

To elevate your Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup, consider serving it with a side of crusty whole-grain bread or garlic breadsticks. A light side salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup. If you're feeling adventurous, pair it with a fruit salad for a sweet touch!

Garnishing for that extra flair

Garnishing can take your soup from good to extraordinary. Sprinkle extra shredded Cheddar cheese on top right before serving for that ooey-gooey goodness. Add a drizzle of olive oil or a few dashes of hot sauce for a flavor kick. Don't forget about the crunch—use crispy turkey bacon bits and fresh, vibrant scallions for a delightful finish. Looking for a finishing touch? Some croutons or pumpkin seeds can add a tasty crunch!

Time breakdown for Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup

Preparation time

You’ll need about 20 minutes to gather your ingredients and prep everything for your slow cooker. This includes chopping vegetables, measuring out broth, and getting your chicken ready.

Cooking time

Once your prep is done, let the slow cooker work its magic for 4 hours on high or 7 hours on low. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously creamy soup full of flavor!

Total time

In total, you’re looking at 4 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead! Can’t wait to dig into your Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup? It's going to be a hit!

Want to dive into more easy recipes? Check out EatingWell for more inspiration on delicious, health-conscious meals.

Nutritional Facts for Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup contains approximately 446 calories, making it a hearty meal option that won't weigh you down.

Key nutrients and benefits

This soup is not just delicious; it’s a nutrient powerhouse! Here are some key nutrients:

Protein: Each bowl offers 32g of protein, thanks to the chicken and cheese, supporting muscle health.
Vitamin C: With 64mg of vitamin C per serving, it boosts your immune system while keeping your skin radiant.
Calcium: Enjoy 410mg of calcium to help strengthen your bones and teeth.
Fiber: The 4g of dietary fiber aids in digestion, keeping you full longer.

Packed with broccoli and chicken, this soup is perfect for a cozy night in or as a meal prep staple for busy workweeks. For more insights on nutrition, you can check out resources from Nutrition.org or Harvard Health.

FAQs about Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup

How can I make this soup healthier?

Transforming your Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup into a healthier option is easier than you think! Here are some tips:

Lower the fat: Replace reduced-fat sour cream with Greek yogurt for a protein boost without sacrificing creaminess.
Increase the veggies: Toss in more broccoli or add other vegetables like carrots or spinach to up the nutrients.
Go whole-grain: Use brown rice or quinoa instead of regular rice for added fiber and protein.

What can I substitute for the cream cheese?

If you're looking to swap out cream cheese, consider these options:

Greek yogurt: A great creamy alternative that adds protein and tang.
Silken tofu: Blend it until smooth for a dairy-free version that maintains creaminess.
Cottage cheese: For a lower-calorie, high-protein substitute, blended cottage cheese works wonderfully.

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh broccoli can make your Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup taste even better. Just chop it into bite-sized florets and add it to the slow cooker. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as fresh broccoli cooks faster than frozen. Enjoy the fresh flavor!

Conclusion on Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup

In summary, this Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup is a delightful blend of comfort and flavor that’s easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, its creamy, cheesy texture makes each bowl unforgettable. Enjoy this heartwarming dish, and don't hesitate to share it with your loved ones and friends!