That day has finally arrived!
A couple years ago, our son had to have his tonsils and adenoids removed and tubes put in his ears, all at once. It was during his kindergarten year before we started home schooling during his first grade year last year, and he was out of school for a week.
He did great and that surgery to have his tonsils removed has proven to be the right choice for him. I know there are lots of people who say to avoid having the tonsils out if at all possible. But his were so large, the doctor said it wouldn’t surprise him if he was having trouble breathing at night at times while sleeping. He had struggled with eating some, and I now believe those tonsils were a part of that problem for him.
I used to look forward to the day when he had the typical appetite of a healthy, growing boy. We have officially reached that day!! He is literally like a bottomless pit some days at supper time, with me struggling to figure out what else to feed him.
This post is brought to you by Daiya. Coupons and a prize pack for our readers were provided in exchange for the post, however, all opinions expressed are 100% ours! Full disclosure policy here.
Diet is a 4-letter word in our house but not for that reason
The biggest challenge with his diet is his food sensitivities. He has several and because of his eczema, we have to closely monitor his diet and other things. There are times when we have to really restrict him from having certain foods, and it can be hard for him to deal with at times.
So when we find a recipe he loves, we try to make it pretty often. This recipe we are sharing today is one of those favorites of his. And it actually was one that Chef John made for him when he had his tonsillectomy. It was an instant hit and he requests it regularly.
Chef John created this recipe in an effort to streamline the process of making a cream of broccoli soup he’d made while in culinary school, to make it quicker and easier to make. He decided to add in some canned chicken and cooked rice to give it more substance and extra protein.
Daiya saves the day!
One reason our son loves it so much is its cheesy flavor. Cheese is one of the foods that gives him a huge fit, but thanks to Daiya’s dairy free, gluten free, and soy free cheeses, we now have options he can have that he enjoys.
I contacted Daiya recently to ask if we could freeze their sliced cheese since we could not use an entire pack before it would go bad. What I discovered was much more than just an answered question: Not only does this company provide an excellent food product, they have amazing customer service. I was so impressed with the response I got when I called to ask a simple question.
I had to leave a message but got a prompt return call and had a friendly, very helpful conversation. And the answer to my question was … yes, the sliced cheese can be frozen. It may become a little brittle from the freezing but it will still melt great. This was perfect since we use it often for grilled cheese sandwiches.
And thanks to Daiya, one of our readers will win a prize pack with a T-shirt, freezer bag and coupons! So check out the Cream of Broccoli Chowder recipe and then enter for a chance to win this awesome prize pack!
Easy Cream of Broccoli Chowder Recipe
- 1 head of broccoli, steamed and minced
- 2 12-ounce containers of Cream of Chicken Soup
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 stick of butter
- 2 cups of cooked white rice
- 1 cup Daiya (R) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can 10-ounce white chunk chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Preheat large pot over medium heat.
- Add oil and shredded chicken. Warm thoroughly.
- Add Cream of Chicken and milk. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Add broccoli, rice and butter. Stir until butter is dissolved.
- Add cheese and stir until melted.
- Serve immediately.
Daiya Prize Pack Giveaway
This giveaway has been submitted for a Giveaway Promote feature.
About the Author
Adopted at age 2, grew up in the Charlotte, NC area. Obtained Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Appalachian State University. Loves being a Mom of two and taste-testing Chef John's culinary creations and sharing them with readers.
Tasty!!! I know what you mean about these kids being bottomless pits! My daughter is the same way every day after school! I’ve not ever tried Daiya cheese, but I think my husband would probably be a fan!
Ashley Gill recently posted…Keeping my Lips Moisturized! — Carmex Review
I would never have thought to use broccoli in chowder. Thank you for this delicious recipe.
Melissa Vera recently posted…Tweezers Have Many Uses
This is such a perfect soup for Fall. I have everything I need to make it except for the broccoli. I’m putting that on my list.
Liz Mays recently posted…6 Ways to Save on Beef and Other Facts To Help You #KnowYourBeef
We will have to check this out. That looks like a yummy recipe!
TripleZmom recently posted…What’s Your Parenting Mantra?
I’ve never heard of Daiya because we don’t have any food sensitivities in our house, but I would love to give it a try just because it’s cheese! & that recipe…totally making it asap!
Sounds so delicious. I actually have yet to make cream of broccoli chowder soup! Weird too because I love making different soups. Going to have to try this recipe soon!
Marielle Altenor recently posted…Apple Picking With The Family
This sounds yummy and heavy for a nice winter evening! i haven’t tried that cheese yet, but will keep it in mind!
Danielle recently posted…Protecting My Family With SABRE + Giveaway
My daughter loves broccoli soup. She would love this
Any company that helps people eat cheese is A-OK in my book! Sounds like your little man is quite the trooper!
Megan @ C’mon Get Crafty recently posted…Movie Monday: The TV Edition – Who’s Voice is That??
I have never had a cream of broccoli chowder. I do think I’d love it though!
Rosey recently posted…$150 BuyDig.com Gift Card Giveaway!
I wish I could get my hubs to eat cooked broccoli. I find all of these great recipes but I know he wont eat them and I dont want to make them just for myself.
Chrystal @ YUM eating recently posted…The Perfect Green Bean
I’d be happy to give this one a try. Anything with broccoli is good ith me!
Krystal’s Kitsch recently posted…Glow in the Dark Halloween Treat Bags With #TulipGlow
Looks like a nice dish! I love broccoli and want to try this too.
That broccoli chowder looks delicious. Perfect for these chilly evenings.
Best of luck to everyone entering the giveaway! x
Viccy H recently posted…Primula Kids Blogger Challenge!
Seems like a great recipe. Lucky for me that everyone in my home loves broccoli!
This cheese is new to me, I really must try it. I love cheese so much, I must have been a mouse in a former life!
Nikki recently posted…Get the Airbrushed Look at Home with Dinair!
I haven’t heard of Daiya cheese before, but I love that their customer service is so wonderful. I have a friend who has a child with peanut allergies. She’s always making phone calls about food products and restaurants. It’s a tough job, made even tougher if the food company isn’t terribly responsive.
Barb @ A Life in Balance recently posted…Simple Dinners: 12 Tasty Crockpot Recipes
I’ve never tried this. It looks great!
This not only sounds but looks delicious. We love broccoli but have never done a chowder with it. I’ll have to give your recipe a try one day.
Amanda Love recently posted…Joovy Toy Car Seat - It’s the Real Deal
Customer service is so important and it is so great that this company was so helpful. I would have never thought to freeze cheese but I guess if you are using it in recipes and melting it, it wouldn’t make that much difference. Great recipe too. Will have to give it a try.
I love cream of broccoli! I love that this recipe makes it easy!
Annie recently posted…Hawaiian Royalty, North Shore & Byodo-In Temple
That sounds so delicious. Great giveaway I’d like to win!~
Amber NElson recently posted…MEAN GIRLS: Is Your Daughter The Leader Of The Pack?
I’ve been addicted to broccoli since I was pregnant with my oldest. I would love to try this recipe.
Tough Cookie Mommy recently posted…What Is Your Ideal On-The-Go Snack? #GetGoing @Jif #MC #Sponsored
It sounds like your sin had a tough time when he was younger. I am glad he is okay now. It is crazy how much the diet can cause eczema issues. I am glad you found something he loves and that it is even healthy. I will have to make this, my youngest and I love broccoli so I am sure we would love this.
Yes, he sure did, Jennifer! It makes us so happy to find something he really loves this much. Hope you all enjoy it too!!
That looks yummy! I might have to try it…I’ve never made any kind of chowder before!
Kristen from The Road to Domestication recently posted…Five for Fall…PLUS Fall Home Tour!
never tried it!
Never tried this cheese but being a cheese lover I am totally in. this chowder looks so warm and yummy.
becca recently posted…Monday Music Moves Me 10-20-14 #music
This looks delicious. Perfect in time for winter. Chowder soups are my favorite thing to make when it starts to get chilly outside.
Lesley A Stevens recently posted…Minecraft Combat Handbook & Minecraft Construction Handbook
My husband is a soup fanatic, and I’m sure he would love this one. Will definitely have to try it.
Lois Alter Mark recently posted…freewaters: shoes that look good, feel good and do good
So yummy! We have really been into soups lately this looks great!
Oh this sounds delicious - these is something comforting about such food. x
Sarah Bailey recently posted…New Balance 574: Review
I’ve tried the Daiya cheddar cheese and I have to say I was sadly disappointed. My son’s dairy allergy is recent and he LOVES cheese. Now he won’t eat it at all because it doesn’t even taste close to the same.
Nicole recently posted…Pumpkin Spice Granola recipe
Huh … well everyone is different for sure Nicole. Maybe try it again after some time has passed? I know for us … we have many different food sensitivities and for example, like with carob versus chocolate, if I eat carob not long after having chocolate I can tell more of a difference than if more time has passed since having eaten chocolate. Chef John actually prefers the Daiya over other brands because he thinks other brands are more overpowering in dishes. Have you tried it in things or just kind of like a topping? That can make a difference too and also possibly not using as much as the recipe calls for so more of a hint of cheese flavor instead of lots of it? Just some suggestions and something may work or nothing …. truly we are all very different in what we like or can “tolerate” when we have to make major changes!
Sounds like a great product for people with food sensibilities. It is hard to find things for everyone in the family. This looks really good.
Rena McDaniel recently posted…WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S IN GREENVILLE, SC
I’ve never heard of this brand Daiya and I just searched it and yeah…. they are sold near me!
aimee fauci recently posted…Money Saving Apps and Websites
That sounds really good. I have never had anything like this before, but I LOVE broccoli, so I need to add this to my list of recipes to try!
That is so funny, Robin, because often with recipes like this one I think this is so basic everyone probably already has a recipe for it!! I hope your family enjoy it as much as we do!! Broccoli is a favorite here and another funny thing is Chef John didn’t care for it at all when we first got married but we found out that it was the way it had been served to him.
I HAVE NOT TRIED DAIYA CHEESES BEFORE BUT I WOULD LOVE TO!
I haven’t tried Daiya cheeses yet but would love to!
I have tried Daiya cheeses before. My favorite is the mozzarella.
Never have tried but love cheese so would love to try this
I have never tried Daiya cheeses before but i like to try the Daiya cheedar cheese wedge.
This is my first time hearing of it! I love cheese!
I’ve never tried Daiya cheeses before but I’d love to. I love all varieties of cheese!
My favorite would be the mozzarella.
I have tried Daiya shreds and have had the cream cheese in lasagna. I love the mozzarella shreds on pizza/pasta! I would like to try the flavored cream cheeses and cheese slices.
I’ve had Daiya cheese once (not sure which kind) and it was incredibly delicious! I’d love to try other kinds.
Have never tried them would love to they look wonderful…
I have tried it before, but can’t remember which one I got. I love their products.
love their mozzarella shreds, it melts so well!
It would be amazing to try Daiya’s dairy free, gluten free, and soy free cheeses!
Would like to see this recipe veganized! Thanks.
I have tried Daiya cheeses before. My favorite is the cheddar - second would be the mozzarella. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
Erin