Weight Watchers Creamy Chicken Broccoli Soup is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy base, all while being mindful of calorie intake. This soup is perfect for those seeking a comforting meal that aligns with their health goals.
Ingredients:
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 pounds fresh broccoli, stems and florets chopped
4 cups fat-free chicken broth
1 cup fat-free evaporated milk
2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Sauté Aromatics:
In a large saucepan, combine the chopped onion and minced garlic with 1/4 cup of water. Simmer over medium heat until the onion is soft, approximately 10 minutes.
Cook Broccoli:
Add the chopped broccoli and chicken broth to the saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green, about 8 minutes. Avoid covering the pot during this step to maintain the broccoli’s color.
Blend Soup:
Remove the saucepan from heat. Using an immersion blender, puree the mixture until smooth. If using a traditional blender, blend in batches, ensuring not to overfill to prevent splattering of hot liquid.
Add Creaminess:
Return the pureed soup to the saucepan. Stir in the fat-free evaporated milk, cooked chicken, hot pepper sauce, salt, and black pepper. Heat the soup over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy.
Servings:
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, with each serving being about 1 3/4 cups.
Notes and Tips:
Broccoli Color: To maintain the bright green color of the broccoli, avoid covering the pot while it’s cooking.
Blending Safety: When blending hot liquids, ensure not to overfill the blender and secure the lid tightly to prevent splatters.
Variations: For added richness, consider stirring in 1/2 cup of shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese during step 4.
Benefits:
This soup is a wholesome choice, offering a good balance of protein from the chicken and fiber from the broccoli. It’s a comforting meal that aligns with Weight Watchers’ guidelines, making it suitable for those aiming to manage their weight without compromising on flavor.
Q&A:
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Ensure it’s properly thawed and drained before adding to the soup to maintain the desired consistency.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?
To make the soup dairy-free, substitute the evaporated milk with unsweetened almond milk or another plant-based milk. Note that this may slightly alter the soup’s creaminess and flavor.
How can I store leftovers?
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 19.5mg
Sodium: 796.5mg
Total Carbohydrates: 14g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 6.5g
Protein: 10.5g
Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Enjoy this delightful and health-conscious Creamy Chicken Broccoli Soup as a satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and flavorful.