There’s nothing quite like the smell of a simmering pot of chicken potato soup on a chilly day. It takes me back to my childhood, when my grandma would stand over the stove, stirring the aromatic broth and adding just the right seasonings. The rich, creamy texture and the tender chunks of chicken and potato were always so satisfying, warming me from the inside out. Even as an adult, that nostalgic feeling comes rushing back every time I make a batch of this classic comfort food.
Why This Chicken Potato Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect chicken potato soup
What sets this chicken potato soup recipe apart is the attention to detail in each step. By simmering the chicken in the broth, you extract maximum flavor, and the slow cooking process ensures the meat stays juicy and tender. The addition of diced potatoes and a creamy, velvety base takes this soup to the next level, creating a meal that’s both nourishing and indulgent. Once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for cozy, satisfying chicken potato soup.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken: The foundation of this soup, you’ll want to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the most flavorful and juicy results.
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best, as they’ll break down slightly and thicken the broth.
Onion: Diced onion adds depth and sweetness to the soup.
Celery: Crisp celery stalks contribute a lovely crunch and earthy flavor.
Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the overall aroma and taste.
Chicken broth: Use a high-quality, low-sodium broth to allow the other flavors to shine.
Heavy cream: This gives the soup its signature velvety texture.
Seasonings: A blend of dried thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper tie all the flavors together.
Step-by-Step chicken potato soup Instructions
Preparing Your chicken potato soup
This chicken potato soup is a straightforward recipe that comes together easily. With just about an hour of total cooking time, you’ll have a comforting, homemade meal ready to enjoy. All you’ll need is a large pot or Dutch oven and a few simple kitchen tools.
1- Begin by sautéing the onion, celery, and garlic in a bit of olive oil until softened and fragrant.
2- Add the chicken thighs to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
3- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the pot.
4- Add the diced potatoes and continue simmering for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
5- Stir in the heavy cream and season with thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
6- Ladle the delicious chicken potato soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
For the best texture, be sure not to overcook the potatoes – you want them to be tender but still hold their shape. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetable additions, like carrots or corn, to make this recipe your own.
Serving and Storing Your chicken potato soup
Perfect Pairings for chicken potato soup
This chicken potato soup is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. A fresh green salad or some crusty bread are classic accompaniments that help soak up every last drop of that delicious broth. For a heartier meal, serve the soup alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a batch of homemade biscuits.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover chicken potato soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. The soup may thicken up a bit after freezing, but you can thin it out with a splash of broth or cream.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for chicken potato soup
Creative chicken potato soup Variations
While this classic chicken potato soup is hard to beat, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes. For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also experiment with different herbs, like rosemary or oregano, or switch up the protein by using shredded turkey or diced ham instead of chicken.
Making chicken potato soup Diet-Friendly
To make this chicken potato soup more diet-friendly, you can substitute low-fat or non-dairy milk for the heavy cream. For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the broth. And for a lower-carb option, swap the potatoes for diced cauliflower or zucchini.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: While chicken breasts will work, I highly recommend using chicken thighs for the most flavorful and tender chicken in your soup. Thighs have more fat and connective tissue, which helps them stay juicy and moist during the long simmering process.
Q: How can I make the soup thicker?
A: If you’d like a thicker consistency, you can make a simple roux by melting a bit of butter in a separate pan, then whisking in an equal amount of all-purpose flour. Stir this mixture into the soup and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
Q: Can I freeze leftover chicken potato soup?
A: Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or resealable bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This chicken potato soup recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings, depending on portion size. It’s a hearty, filling soup, so a bowl or two is usually enough to satisfy.
Q: What can I do if the potatoes are undercooked?
A: If the potatoes aren’t quite tender after the recommended simmering time, simply let the soup continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the potatoes reach your desired texture.
Chicken Potato Soup
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6
Description
Indulge in the comforting and delicious flavors of this homemade Chicken Potato Soup. Made with tender chunks of chicken, soft potatoes, and a rich, creamy broth, this soup is the perfect meal for a chilly day.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
– 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 3 celery stalks, sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. 2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. 3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. 4. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 2 minutes.
5. 5. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. 6. Add the cubed chicken, potatoes, thyme, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
7. 7. Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
8. 8. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of homemade chicken potato soup, and this recipe delivers on all fronts. With its perfectly cooked chicken, tender potatoes, and velvety broth, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. So grab your Dutch oven and get ready to savor the aroma of this classic comfort food. I can’t wait to hear how you and your loved ones enjoy this delicious chicken potato soup!