FIRST STEP: SAUTÉ THE VEGETABLES

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by chopping the onion, garlic, carrots, and broccoli into small, even pieces. This will help the vegetables cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the soup.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and aromatic.
3. Add the Carrots: Next, add the chopped carrots to the pot and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly. The carrots add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors in the soup.

SECOND STEP: COOK THE BROCCOLI

1. Add the Broccoli: Add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot with the onions, garlic, and carrots. Sauté the vegetables for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps bring out the flavors and starts softening the broccoli.
2. Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the vegetables are covered. If needed, add a little more broth or water. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and easy to break apart with a spoon.

THIRD STEP: ADD PROTEIN AND CREAMINESS

1. Shred the Chicken: While the vegetables are cooking, shred the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. You can use leftover chicken or cook it fresh, whichever works best for you.
2. Add the Chicken: Once the broccoli has softened, stir in the shredded chicken. This will add a hearty, protein-rich element to the soup.
3. Incorporate the Dairy: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the milk (or almond milk if you’re keeping it dairy-free). Add the Greek yogurt to the mixture, stirring until it’s well combined and smooth. The yogurt adds a tangy, creamy texture to the soup.

FOURTH STEP: ADD THE CHEESE AND SEASON

1. Add the Cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the soup. The cheese will give the soup its signature creamy and cheesy flavor.
2. Season the Soup: Season the soup with ground mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. The mustard enhances the overall flavor and adds a subtle depth. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
3. Simmer the Soup: Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to ensure the cheese doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

FINAL STEP: BLEND FOR CREAMINESS (OPTIONAL)

1. Blend the Soup (Optional): If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot, or transfer about half of the soup into a regular blender and purée it. If you want to keep some texture, blend only half the soup and leave some of the broccoli and carrots in larger pieces.
2. Serve: Once the soup has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or chives, and add extra shredded cheddar cheese if desired.