Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Soup (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil.
02 - 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast.
03 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper.
04 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.
05 - 6 cups chicken stock.
06 - 1 cup jasmine rice.
07 - 14-ounce bag broccoli florets, frozen.
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
09 - 2 tablespoons flour.
10 - 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese.

Instructions:

01 - Heat an 8-quart pot over medium-high heat. Dice chicken into bite-size pieces.
02 - Add olive oil and chicken to pot. Sprinkle pepper and paprika on chicken. Stir. Cook chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add chicken stock and cover. Bring to a boil.
03 - Add rice and broccoli. Replace cover. Cook until rice is almost tender (al dente), about 8-10 minutes.
04 - Meanwhile, combine butter and flour in a small bowl. Mash with a fork until completely combined. Add flour mixture to soup. Stir to combine. Add cheese. Stir and reduce to simmer. Let soup warm while you set the table, about 5 minutes. Soup will thicken while it sits.

Notes:

01 - Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional shredded cheese or fresh herbs if desired. This hearty soup is perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day.