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Chicken Cauliflower Cheddar Chowder

Creamy Chicken Cauliflower Cheddar Chowder Made Healthy

Enjoy a guilt-free indulgence with this Chicken Cauliflower Cheddar Chowder, packed with herbs and lean protein.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Chowder
  • 1 tsp Fresh Thyme Substitute with 1 tsp dried thyme if unavailable
  • 1 head Cauliflower Base ingredient providing creaminess without calories
  • 2 medium Yellow Potatoes Any waxy potato can be substituted
  • 2 medium Carrots Bell peppers can replace for similar sweetness
  • 2 stalks Celery Leeks can be used as a substitute
  • 4 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Omit if unavailable
  • 1 tsp Garlic Salt
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Use 1 clove garlic and ¼ onion for fresh flavor
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt Adjust based on broth salinity
  • 2 tbsp Butter Use olive oil for a dairy-free option
  • ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour Substitute with cornstarch for gluten-free
  • 2 cups Milk Use whole or 2% milk, or try almond milk for non-dairy
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Monterey Jack can be a substitute
  • 2 cups Leftover Rotisserie Chicken/Turkey Any cooked chicken or turkey can be used

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Immersion blender
  • Small Bowl
  • kitchen string

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare Thyme Bundle: Begin by gathering fresh thyme and tying the sprigs together with kitchen string, creating a neat bundle to add flavor later.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the chopped cauliflower, diced yellow potatoes, sliced carrots, diced celery, and low sodium chicken broth. Add the bay leaves, thyme bundle, garlic salt, onion powder, and kosher salt. Stir gently, then heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it comes to a rolling boil.
  3. Cook Vegetables: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let your chowder simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  4. Make Beurre Manie: While the vegetables are cooking, mix soft butter with all-purpose flour to create a smooth paste known as Beurre Manie.
  5. Blend & Return: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the bay leaves and thyme bundle from the pot. Using an immersion blender, blend about 3 cups of the soup until smooth, leaving some chunky pieces for texture.
  6. Add Milk & Protein: Stir in the milk and leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey into the blended soup. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a low simmer.
  7. Incorporate Beurre Manie: Gradually add the Beurre Manie mixture into the chowder while stirring continuously.
  8. Finish with Cheese: Finally, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a velvety finish to your chowder.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For optimal flavor and texture, use fresh ingredients and blend only part of the soup for added chunkiness.

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