My Mother'S Cheezy Chicken Soup
A hearty, cheesy chicken soup with tender vegetables and rich flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners or chilly days. Creamy and satisfying, it appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chicken (whole or breasts), carrots, celery, and onion in a separate pan until tender.
- Melt butter or margarine in a large pot; stir in flour to make a roux.
- Gradually add broth to the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, until reaching desired thickness.
- Add Cheez Whiz to the broth and stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked vegetables and chicken into the broth mixture.
- Let the soup simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors.
- Season with salt to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of just broth when adding to the roux. If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute Cheez Whiz with a blend of shredded cheddar cheese and cream for a homemade cheese sauce. Feel free to add some herbs like thyme or parsley for additional flavor, or try incorporating some cooked vegetables from the Impossible Chicken Broccoli Pie for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy chicken soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside some crackers for added crunch, or with a side of the Creamy Tater Soup for a comforting duo. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for an attractive finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but add a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Mother'S Cheezy Chicken Soup contains roughly 833 calories, with 15g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (106% of the Daily Value), and potassium (71% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 626mg per serving (27% 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 use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds excellent flavor to the soup. Simply shred the chicken and add it in after the roux and broth have been prepared. This will cut down on cooking time and still yield a delicious result.
Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this soup gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Be sure to check that the Cheez Whiz is gluten-free, or use a gluten-free cheese alternative. The flavor will remain delicious while accommodating dietary needs.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat to your cheesy chicken soup, consider stirring in a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the roux. You can also add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce when mixing in the Cheez Whiz for an extra kick that complements the creamy base.
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).