Chicken potato soup is a savory dish made with chicken, potatoes, and a variety of seasonings. The ingredients are cooked together in a creamy base, often with chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. The result is a warm, satisfying soup that’s both filling and flavorful. It’s a go-to recipe for those who enjoy a mix of comfort and nutrition in one bowl.
Cooking chicken potato soup takes about 40-50 minutes. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes preparing the ingredients and the rest of the time allowing the soup to simmer and develop rich flavors. It’s a quick, easy meal for any time of the week.
Making chicken potato soup has become a favorite in my kitchen. The creamy texture and tender chicken make every bite enjoyable, especially with the earthy flavor of the potatoes. It’s always a hit, whether I’m serving it for a weeknight dinner or as a cozy weekend treat. This recipe is simple and can be adjusted to suit your taste with different herbs or spices.
Why You’ll Love It Chicken Potato Soup
- Creamy and Comforting: Chicken potato soup is a warm, creamy dish that brings comfort in every bite. The combination of tender chicken and hearty potatoes creates a rich, satisfying texture that makes you feel right at home.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and quick, making it perfect for busy nights. With common ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a delicious, filling meal in no time.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, chicken potato soup offers a balanced meal. The ingredients work together to provide a healthy, hearty option for the whole family to enjoy.
Ingredient Notes for Chicken Potato Soup
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the soup base, helping to sauté the onion and garlic. It creates a creamy texture that balances the heartiness of the potatoes and chicken.
- Chicken Breast or Thighs: Chicken thighs offer more flavor and moisture compared to chicken breasts, but both work well in this soup. Skinless, boneless chicken pieces cook quickly and break down into tender chunks.
- Onion: A classic base for many soups, onions add a savory and aromatic depth. Sautéing the onion brings out its natural sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of the soup.
- Garlic: Adds a bold, fragrant taste that pairs perfectly with the chicken and potatoes. Fresh garlic infuses the soup with a savory kick, balancing the richness of the cream.
- Potatoes: The star ingredient for this soup, potatoes add heartiness and texture. Russet or Yukon gold potatoes are ideal as they break down nicely and thicken the soup.
- Chicken Broth: The foundation of the soup’s liquid, chicken broth provides a savory and meaty base. You can use homemade or store-bought broth, but opt for low-sodium to control the salt level.
- Milk: Adds creaminess without being too heavy. The milk helps to create a smooth and comforting texture while keeping the soup light.
- Heavy Cream: For extra richness and a velvety texture, heavy cream elevates the soup, making it thick and indulgent. It creates the creamy consistency that makes this soup so satisfying.
- Dried Thyme: A fragrant herb that complements the chicken and potatoes, dried thyme adds earthy, savory notes to the soup. It’s perfect for bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Garlic Powder: While fresh garlic is used in the base, garlic powder enhances the flavor with a more subtle, rounded garlic taste. It helps to deepen the overall savory profile of the soup.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together. Salt enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables, while pepper adds a mild heat that balances the richness.
Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch
When making chicken potato soup, always use fresh ingredients. Fresh potatoes and chicken make a big difference in taste. If you use canned items, the flavor might be less vibrant. Fresh ingredients help bring out the best flavors, making the soup more delicious and healthy.
For the best texture, cut the potatoes into small cubes. Smaller pieces cook faster and evenly. This ensures that the potatoes soften perfectly without turning to mush. A good texture will give your chicken potato soup a satisfying, hearty feel.
Seasoning is key when making chicken potato soup. Start with basic seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic. From there, add more flavor with herbs like thyme or rosemary. These herbs enhance the soup’s flavor without overwhelming it. Adjust to your taste for a unique dish.
Don’t forget to add vegetables. Carrots, onions, and celery make great additions to chicken potato soup. These vegetables provide extra nutrients and flavor, making the soup even heartier. They also balance out the richness of the chicken and potatoes, creating a well-rounded dish.
Chicken Potato Soup Variation
To make Chicken Potato Soup more exciting, try adding different vegetables such as carrots, celery, or corn. You can also switch up the seasonings by adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill. For a creamier version, stir in heavy cream or cheese toward the end of cooking. These small adjustments allow you to make the soup your own and cater to different tastes.
How to Serve Chicken Potato Soup
When serving Chicken Potato Soup, pair it with a warm slice of bread or a crunchy salad. The bread soaks up the rich broth, adding another layer of flavor. Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, chopped parsley, or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the taste and texture.
Another great way to serve this soup is with a side of crispy crackers or garlic toast. These options complement the creamy soup and add a bit of crunch. Whether you choose to enjoy it alone or with sides, this soup makes for a comforting, filling meal.
Storage Options
To store Chicken Potato Soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If you want to store it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
FAQs About Chicken Potato Soup
Can I make Chicken Potato Soup ahead of time?
Yes, Chicken Potato Soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It often tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Is Chicken Potato Soup healthy?
Chicken Potato Soup can be a healthy choice, especially when made with lean chicken and plenty of vegetables. It’s a good source of protein and fiber, but be mindful of the ingredients to keep it low in calories and fat.
Can I freeze Chicken Potato Soup?
Yes, Chicken Potato Soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container, and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
How do I make Chicken Potato Soup thicker?
To thicken Chicken Potato Soup, you can mash some of the potatoes in the soup or add a little cornstarch mixed with water. This helps give the soup a creamy, hearty texture without needing heavy cream.
Simple Chicken and Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Stir in the thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Thicken the Soup: In a small bowl, mix the flour with a bit of milk to create a smooth slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the soup, stirring constantly, to thicken the broth. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add Chicken and Cream: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the milk and heavy cream, allowing the soup to come to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, until the soup is creamy and heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with shredded cheddar cheese (if using), and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Notes
