Quick Broccoli Chowder
A creamy, comforting broccoli chowder with a rich cheese sauce, perfect for warming up a family meal or quick lunch, featuring tender broccoli and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook broccoli according to package directions, just until thawed.
- Place cooked broccoli and cheese sauce in a blender and process until finely chopped.
- In a large pot, cook chopped onion in butter until tender.
- Stir in flour until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually add milk, cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Add salt, pepper, garlic salt, and chicken bouillon, then stir in the chopped broccoli mixture.
- Simmer until heated through, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or using half-and-half instead of milk. If you don't have garlic salt, you can substitute with minced garlic and regular salt. If you want a heartier dish, add diced potatoes or cooked chicken to the chowder. For an extra layer of flavor, try using vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the broccoli.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Consider serving alongside Crisp Barbecue Chicken for a delicious chicken-centric dinner or as part of a buffet featuring Chicken Casserole For Buffet.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chowder in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, but be sure to cover it loosely to allow steam to escape.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Broccoli Chowder contains roughly 22 calories, with 1g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% 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 fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh broccoli! Just chop it into small pieces and steam or blanch it until tender before blending. This will give your chowder a fresher flavor and a lovely color.
Is it possible to make this chowder dairy-free?
Definitely! To make a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free butter alternative and substitute regular milk with almond milk or coconut milk. You can also find dairy-free cheese sauces in stores that would work well in this recipe.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
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).