Campbell Broccoli Cheese Soup Chicken And Rice Recipe

Let’s talk comfort food. There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup when you need to take the edge off a chilly evening or treat yourself to something satisfying. One of the standout classics is Campbell Broccoli Cheese Soup with Chicken and Rice. It’s a crowd-pleaser, combining rich flavors from creamy cheese, savory chicken, and wholesome broccoli, all wrapped up in a smooth, satisfying base. Plus, the addition of rice turns it into a one-pot meal that’s filling and delicious.

This dish is perfect when you’re craving something that feels indulgent, but also nourishing. It’s simple, familiar, and offers that perfect blend of gooey cheese, tender chicken, and the comforting crunch of broccoli. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or as part of a meal prep routine, it’s a recipe that always hits the spot.

Ready to dive into the details? Let’s explore how you can make this Campbell-inspired broccoli cheese soup, complete with chicken and rice, right in your own kitchen.

Campbell Broccoli Cheese Soup Chicken And Rice Recipe

Now, let’s get down to business with the recipe. This one’s super straightforward but yields a rich and creamy result. It’s perfect for feeding a family, and I’m pretty sure your taste buds will thank you for it. Here’s the basic recipe.

Ingredients Needed

Before we start, make sure you have everything you need on hand. Here’s a list of all the ingredients that will create that rich, comforting bowl of broccoli cheese soup with chicken and rice:

• Broccoli florets – Fresh is always best for texture, but frozen will do in a pinch.
• Chicken breast – Skinless and boneless, cubed or shredded. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Campbell’s Condensed Broccoli Cheese Soup – This is the star of the show, giving you that signature creamy base.
• Chicken broth – Adds depth and savory richness to the soup.
• Cooked rice – White rice works best, but brown rice can be used if you prefer a heartier option.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – You want a good sharp cheddar here. This will melt beautifully into the soup, giving it that extra cheesy goodness.
• Heavy cream – This makes the soup extra creamy and indulgent.
• Onion – Adds flavor and a bit of sweetness to balance the richness.
• Garlic – Because, let’s face it, garlic is the best way to amp up the flavor of any dish.
• Olive oil – Used to sauté the onions and garlic for a savory base.
• Salt and pepper – For seasoning, of course!

Cooking Instructions

Now let’s get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to turning those ingredients into a hearty, mouthwatering bowl of soup:

1. Cook The Chicken

   Start by cooking your chicken. You can either sauté the cubed chicken in a skillet with a little bit of oil until golden and cooked through or shred rotisserie chicken for a shortcut. Once it’s ready, set it aside.

2. Sauté Onion And Garlic

   In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Then, throw in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.

3. Add The Broccoli And Chicken Broth

   Next, add your broccoli florets to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.

4. Stir In The Soup And Cream

   Once the broccoli is cooked through, add the can of Campbell’s Condensed Broccoli Cheese Soup and the heavy cream. Stir well to combine. You want that cheese base to melt perfectly into the broth and cream.

5. Add Rice And Chicken

   Now, throw in your cooked rice and chicken. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Finish With Cheese

   Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy and luscious. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.

7. Serve And Enjoy

   Once everything is perfectly blended, serve the soup in bowls and enjoy! It pairs beautifully with some crusty bread for dipping if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down a few key ingredients and why they’re so important to this recipe:

• Campbell’s Condensed Broccoli Cheese Soup: This is the shortcut that makes this recipe easy without sacrificing flavor. It’s rich, creamy, and gives the soup that signature broccoli cheese taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own homemade broccoli cheese soup base, but Campbell’s provides that perfect, nostalgic flavor.
• Chicken: Chicken adds protein and a savory element to balance out the richness of the cheese. It’s versatile, easy to cook, and brings a great texture to the soup.
• Rice: This is the backbone of the dish. Not only does it make the soup more filling, but the rice soaks up all the flavors, making each spoonful hearty and satisfying.
• Cheddar Cheese: The sharpness of cheddar is key here. It has the perfect tang to cut through the creamy base and adds that irresistibly cheesy flavor. Don’t skimp on this!
• Heavy Cream: This is the ingredient that ensures your soup has that rich, luxurious texture. It turns the base into something velvety smooth and decadent.

Expert Tips

A few expert tips to elevate your soup game:

• For Creamier Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree some of the broccoli and chicken mixture for a smoother, creamier texture. It gives the soup a bit more body while keeping some nice texture from the chunks of broccoli.
• Boost the Flavor: For extra depth, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients will add complexity without overpowering the dish.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce when you stir in the cream.
• Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli holds up better during cooking, maintaining its vibrant green color and texture, while frozen broccoli can sometimes get mushy.
• Customize the Rice: If you’re using brown rice, remember it’ll take longer to cook, so you might need to adjust your simmering time or cook the rice separately and add it later.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is a classic, you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Vegan Version: Swap the chicken for plant-based chicken or tofu. Use a dairy-free cheese and coconut milk or almond milk to replace the heavy cream.
• Add More Veggies: Want to pack in more veggies? Add some carrots, celery, or even cauliflower. They’ll blend right into the soup, adding texture and nutrients.
• Different Cheeses: While sharp cheddar is the go-to here, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. A bit of Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even Parmesan could add interesting twists.
• Low-Carb Version: If you’re cutting down on carbs, skip the rice and opt for cauliflower rice instead. It’ll still give you that hearty base but with fewer carbs.

Final Words

There’s something about a simple, flavorful bowl of soup that just feels like home. This Campbell Broccoli Cheese Soup with Chicken and Rice hits all the right notes-rich, creamy, comforting, and easy to make. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself after a long day.