Nothing says comfort like a warm, hearty bowl of Chicken Potato Soup. This creamy, savory soup is packed with tender chicken, perfectly cooked potatoes, and a rich broth, making it an ideal meal for a cozy evening at home. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, this soup offers a delicious and satisfying option. Plus, it’s easy to make and customizable to suit different dietary needs or ingredient preferences. Let’s dive into how you can make this simple yet scrumptious Chicken Potato Soup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, you can whip this up even on busy days.
- Comfort food at its best: The rich, creamy base paired with soft chunks of potato and tender chicken is the ultimate comfort food.
- Versatile: You can modify the recipe by adding more vegetables or using leftover rotisserie chicken to cut down cooking time even more.
- Budget-friendly: Made with pantry staples and inexpensive ingredients like potatoes and chicken, this recipe is perfect for families.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Serves: 6
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed, from breasts or thighs)
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional, for topping)
- Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables
Begin by prepping your veggies. Peel and cube the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Dice the carrots and celery into small, uniform pieces. Chop the onion finely, and mince the garlic cloves. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and fast.
Step 2: Cook the Base
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion turns translucent and soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in the sliced carrots and celery, and cook for another 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
Step 3: Make a Roux
To thicken the soup, you’ll create a roux by adding 2 tablespoons of flour to the pot with the vegetables. Stir well, allowing the flour to cook off for about 2 minutes. This will help thicken the soup as it simmers and ensure the soup has a creamy consistency without being overly heavy.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Potatoes
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once the broth is simmering, add the cubed potatoes. Cover the pot with a lid, lower the heat, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 5: Add the Chicken and Cream
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the cooked chicken. If you’re using pre-cooked chicken (like leftovers or rotisserie chicken), this is a great way to repurpose it. Add the heavy cream (or half-and-half) for a rich, creamy texture. Allow the soup to simmer on low for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Finally, season the soup with dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Ladle the Chicken Potato Soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon (if using) and a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Potato Soup is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside it:
- Garlic bread or homemade dinner rolls: Perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
- Mixed green salad: A light and fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creaminess of the soup.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: For an extra dose of comfort, pair this hearty soup with a gooey, grilled cheese sandwich.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg (Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- Use leftover chicken: Rotisserie chicken or any leftover roasted chicken works wonders in this recipe. Just shred and add it in step 5.
- Make it dairy-free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or an unsweetened dairy-free creamer to keep the soup rich and creamy without using dairy.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and substitute with cannellini beans or chickpeas for a protein-packed vegetarian version. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add extra veggies like corn, peas, or spinach for added texture and nutrients.
- Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Storage & Reheating Tips:
- Fridge: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- Freezer: You can also freeze Chicken Potato Soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave out the cream before freezing, as dairy tends to separate when frozen. Add the cream after reheating for the best texture.
- Reheat: To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat until heated through. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Leftover Ideas:
Transform leftovers into a brand-new dish! Here are some creative ideas:
- Chicken Potato Casserole: Pour leftover soup into a baking dish, top with shredded cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake until golden for a comforting casserole.
- Chicken Potato Pot Pie: Use leftover soup as a filling for a quick and easy pot pie. Top with puff pastry or pie crust and bake until golden brown.
- Creamy Pasta Sauce: Thin out leftover soup with some extra broth or milk, then toss it with your favorite pasta for a delicious and easy sauce.
Flavor Profile:
This Chicken Potato Soup is a rich blend of creamy, savory, and slightly herbal flavors. The hearty chicken and potatoes offer substance, while the broth and cream give it a velvety smoothness. Hints of garlic and thyme add a warming note, making every spoonful comforting and flavorful.
Wine & Beverage Pairings:
To complement the creamy richness of this soup, try pairing it with:
- Chardonnay: A buttery, oaky Chardonnay enhances the creaminess of the soup without overwhelming it.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Its crisp and slightly citrusy profile contrasts nicely with the richness of the dish.
- Sparkling water with lemon: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
