Chicken Potato Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of chicken potato soup to soothe the soul and satisfy hunger. This creamy, hearty soup is a perfect blend of tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and savory seasonings. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or a satisfying meal any time of year, chicken potato soup is a versatile and beloved option.

What is Chicken Potato Soup?

Chicken potato soup is a creamy, flavorful dish made by simmering chicken and potatoes in a savory broth. The result is a rich, hearty soup that combines the tender texture of chicken with the comforting starchy goodness of potatoes. This dish is perfect for those cold days when you want something filling and nourishing.

Preparing the Chicken

For the best results, use cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken is a great option because it’s already flavorful and tender. Simply shred or dice the meat and add it to the soup. If you have leftover chicken from another meal, that works perfectly too. If you’re starting with raw chicken, cook it first by boiling or baking until fully cooked, then shred or chop.

Preparing the Potatoes

Choose starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for a creamy texture. Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. The potatoes will break down slightly as they cook, thickening the soup and adding a comforting, hearty texture.

Making the Soup Base

Start by heating olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. This creates a flavorful base for your soup.

Next, add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the potatoes are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

Combining Ingredients

Once the potatoes are tender, add the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the milk or heavy cream to add richness and creaminess to the soup. If you’re using frozen peas or corn, add them at this stage. Continue to simmer the soup for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Enhancing the Flavor

Season the soup with dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a dollop of sour cream. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of shredded cheese if desired. Accompany the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For added crunch, top the soup with crumbled bacon or toasted croutons.

Tips for a Perfect Chicken Potato Soup

1. Avoid Overcooking the Potatoes – Overcooked potatoes can turn mushy and affect the texture of the soup. Cook until tender but still holding their shape.
2. Adjust Consistency – If the soup is too thick, add more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
3. Season Well – Don’t skimp on seasoning. Taste the soup as it simmers and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Making It a Complete Meal

To make chicken potato soup even heartier, consider adding extra vegetables like carrots or celery. You can also stir in cooked pasta or rice for a more filling meal. Adding a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad will round out the meal nicely.

Freezing and Storing Leftovers

Chicken potato soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a bit more broth or milk if the soup has thickened.

Health Benefits of Chicken Potato Soup

Chicken potato soup offers a balanced combination of protein from the chicken and carbohydrates from the potatoes. The soup also provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice. The addition of vegetables boosts the fiber content, while the creamy base provides comfort without excessive calories.

Variations of the Recipe

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste. Try adding bacon for a smoky flavor, or swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes for a unique twist. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and replace the chicken with beans or tofu. Adjust the spices and seasonings to create your own signature version of this comforting soup.

Conclusion

Chicken potato soup is a versatile and comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. With its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twists, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of potatoes?
   Yes, you can use different types of potatoes, but starchy varieties like Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal for a creamy texture. Waxy potatoes like red potatoes will hold their shape better but may not create as creamy a soup.
2. How can I make this soup vegetarian?
   To make this soup vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the chicken. You can add beans, lentils, or tofu for protein and extra heartiness.
3. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use a slow cooker. Sauté the onions and garlic first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
4. What’s the best way to thicken the soup?
   To thicken the soup, you can blend a portion of it with an immersion blender or add a slurry of cornstarch and water. You can also use instant potato flakes to thicken the soup quickly.
5. How can I make this soup spicier?
   To add some heat, stir in a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also add a chopped jalapeño or some cayenne pepper to the soup base for extra spice.
   Yield: 6

   Chicken Potato Soup Recipe

   

   Print

   There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of chicken potato soup to soothe the soul and satisfy hunger. This creamy, hearty soup is a perfect blend of tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and savory seasonings. Whether you're looking for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or a satisfying meal any time of year, chicken potato soup is a versatile and beloved option.

   Prep Time 15 minutes

   Cook Time 30 minutes

   Ingredients

   • 2 tbsp olive oil
   • 1 medium onion, diced
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
   • 3 celery stalks, diced
   • 4 cups chicken broth
   • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
   • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
   • 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
   • 1 tsp dried thyme
   • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
   • 1/2 tsp paprika
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

   Instructions

   1. Sauté vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
   2. Add broth and potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
   3. Add chicken and seasonings: Stir in the cooked chicken, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
   4. Incorporate cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream or milk. Heat through, but do not let it boil.
   5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.

   Notes

   Texture: For a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks of potatoes and vegetables for texture.

   Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.

   Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over medium heat.