Chicken Divan Soup
Creamy chicken and broccoli soup infused with garlic, Parmesan, and herbs, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the roasted garlic butter and oil in a soup pot.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until the chicken changes color; it is not necessary to brown the chicken.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Add onions and mushrooms to the pot and sauté until tender.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and mushroom mixture and stir well.
- Add the cooked chicken, chicken broth, broccoli, and half and half to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low.
- Cook for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook until the soup begins to thicken.
- Add white pepper, thyme, and salt to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. You can substitute fresh mushrooms with canned ones if necessary, and add a splash of cream for extra creaminess. If you need a gluten-free option, replace the flour with cornstarch. Fresh thyme can be swapped for dried thyme; just use a smaller amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Divan Soup with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Traditional Corn Bread Dressing for a comforting dinner. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley for added flavor. This soup also works well as a starter for a larger gathering of family and friends.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it becomes too thick. Avoid boiling to maintain the creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Divan Soup contains roughly 42 calories, with 1g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 521mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the taste.
Is it possible to freeze Chicken Divan Soup?
While you can freeze the soup, it's best to leave out the cream or half-and-half until you reheat it. Freeze in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and adding the cream.
Can I use other vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color. Just be sure to adjust cooking times to ensure all vegetables are tender before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).