As the chilly winds whip around outside, I find solace in the soothing aroma of a pot bubbling away on the stove—Comforting Chicken Soup with Potatoes, a beloved recipe that never fails to warm the heart. In less than an hour, this one-pot meal comes together effortlessly, making it the perfect dish for busy days or cozy family nights alike. Packed with tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and vibrant vegetables, it’s not just a comfort food; it’s also a budget-friendly option that’s nutritious and filling. Each spoonful invites you to gather around the table and share laughter and stories, creating memories that linger long after the last drop is savored. Ready to discover how this delightful soup can brighten your day? Let’s dive in!
Why Is This Chicken Soup Special?
Comforting and Cozy: There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm bowl of chicken soup to chase the chill away.
One-Pot Wonder: This recipe simplifies your cooking routine, allowing you to create a delicious meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
Nutritious and Filling: Packed with lean protein, hearty potatoes, and fresh veggies, this soup keeps you satisfied while nourishing your body.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in under an hour, it’s an ideal solution for busy weeknights when time is of the essence yet good food is a must.
Versatile and Adaptable: Swap in turkey for a twist or add greens like spinach for an extra nutritional boost. Serve alongside crusty bread for a complete meal that’ll impress the whole family, just like our Chicken Tortilla Soup.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: With a blend of fresh herbs and creamy texture, this comforting chicken soup is bound to become a family favorite.
Chicken Soup with Potatoes Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- Chicken Breast – Provides lean protein; use boneless, skinless chicken for easy cooking and shredding.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes – Adds creaminess and holds their shape when cooked; consider red potatoes as an alternative for a similar texture.
- Onions, Carrots, Celery (Mirepoix) – Delivers foundational flavor; these vegetables should be sautéed until translucent.
- Olive Oil – Used for sautéing to prevent burning; offers a healthy fat option.
- Butter – Enhances richness and depth of flavor; combining with olive oil balances burn risk and taste.
For Flavor
- Garlic – Provides aromatic flavor to the soup; always use fresh or minced garlic for the best results.
- Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley) – Adds freshness and complexity to the soup; substitute dried herbs if fresh is unavailable.
- Chicken Stock – Serves as the base for the soup; use low-sodium for better control over the saltiness.
For Thickening and Creaminess
- Plain Flour – Helps thicken the soup; can be substituted with cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
- Low-Fat Cheddar Cheese – Mixes into the soup for creaminess; consider using a dairy-free alternative if lactose intolerant.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Soup with Potatoes
Step 1: Sauté the Fond
In a large pot, heat a mixture of 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 cup of diced onions, 1 cup of diced carrots, and 1 cup of diced celery. Sauté for 7-8 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for your comforting chicken soup with potatoes.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs
Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic, followed by 1 teaspoon each of fresh rosemary and thyme. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is aromatic and heated through. This step infuses the soup with delightful herbaceous notes that will enhance its overall flavor.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces to the pot, spreading them out for even cooking. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. This will ensure that your chicken soup with potatoes is rich in flavor and has tender, juicy chicken throughout.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour
Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of plain flour over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to create a light coating. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flour to cook slightly, which will help thicken the soup and give it a comforting, cohesive texture.
Step 5: Pour in Liquid
Gradually whisk in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken stock while ensuring there are no lumps from the flour. Once combined, add 2 cups of diced Yukon Gold potatoes into the soup. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
Step 6: Simmer For Tenderness
Allow the soup to simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. This step allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a hearty chicken soup with potatoes that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Season
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in 1 cup of shredded low-fat cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the soup. Remove the pot from the heat, and add a handful of chopped fresh parsley along with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 8: Serve Up Comfort
Ladle the comforting chicken soup with potatoes into warm bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of additional parsley if desired. This dish is best served hot alongside crusty bread or a light salad, perfect for cozy evenings filled with laughter and warmth.
Expert Tips for Chicken Soup with Potatoes
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Perfect Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cooking and shredding, ensuring your chicken soup with potatoes remains tender and flavorful.
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Consistent Cubes: Cut your Yukon Gold potatoes into uniform 1-inch pieces to promote even cooking and avoid any undercooked or mushy chunks in the soup.
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Thickening Technique: Sprinkle flour over the chicken and vegetables and allow it to cook slightly before adding liquid. This prevents clumping and creates a creamy texture.
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Cheese Caution: Add the low-fat cheddar cheese off the heat to avoid curdling, ensuring a smooth blend of flavors in your comforting chicken soup with potatoes.
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Reheating Right: Gently reheat leftovers over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or milk to maintain the soup’s creamy consistency and prevent thickening.
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Herb Flexibility: Fresh herbs are ideal, but if unavailable, use dried herbs in smaller amounts, as their flavors are more concentrated for your soup.
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Soup with Potatoes
Fridge: Store your chicken soup with potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s cooled before sealing to retain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat. If it thickens too much, add a splash of chicken stock or milk for a creamy texture.
Portioning: Consider freezing individual servings for quick meals. This way, you’ll always have a cozy bowl of comforting chicken soup with potatoes ready to thaw and enjoy!
What to Serve with Comforting Chicken Soup with Potatoes
Nothing completes a warming bowl of soup like delightful pairings that elevate your meal experience.
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Crusty Bread: Freshly baked bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth, soaking up every delicious drop.
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Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds freshness and a crunch that balances the soup’s richness.
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Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, warm breadsticks infused with garlic butter pair beautifully, making each bite more tempting.
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Roasted Vegetables: Sweet and savory roasted carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers provide color and nutrients, enhancing the meal.
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Cheesy Biscuits: Flaky, cheesy biscuits work deliciously alongside the soup, complementing its warmth while adding a satisfying texture.
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Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp brings a touch of sweetness that harmonizes with the comforting flavors of the soup.
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Hot Tea or Lemonade: A steaming cup of herbal tea or refreshing lemonade offers the perfect drink to round out your cozy evening.
Let these pairings create a heartwarming experience, inviting laughter and stories around your table.
Chicken Soup with Potatoes Variations
Feel free to make this comforting chicken soup uniquely yours and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!
- Turkey Twist: Swap chicken for turkey for a festive touch, perfect for leftover holiday dinners.
- Green Goodness: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale just before serving for a nutritious pop of color and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper to infuse some warmth and excitement into the soup.
- Creamy Delight: Use coconut milk instead of chicken stock for a rich, creamy base with a hint of sweetness.
- Cheesy Alternative: Replace low-fat cheddar with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat in every bowl.
- Hearty Grains: Toss in a cup of cooked quinoa or barley for added texture and substance that your family will love.
- Flavor Booster: Enhance the broth with a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for a savory depth of flavor.
- Balanced Meal: Serve with a crispy side salad or some crusty bread to complement the warming soup, echoing the heartiness found in Chicken Mushroom Soup.
Make Ahead Options
These comforting chicken soup with potatoes is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the vegetables (onions, carrots, and celery) and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days ahead of time, ensuring they stay fresh and ready for cooking. Additionally, you can dice the Yukon gold potatoes and place them in a bowl of water to prevent browning. When ready to serve, simply sauté the prepped vegetables, add the chicken and flour, and follow the remaining steps to finish the soup, resulting in a delicious meal with minimal effort on busy nights. Enjoy restaurant-quality comfort with a fraction of the time spent!
Chicken Soup with Potatoes Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for the soup?
Absolutely! I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. They cook quickly and can easily be shredded into tender chunks, creating a comforting and creamy chicken soup with potatoes.
How should I store leftovers of the chicken soup?
Store your chicken soup with potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s cooled before sealing, which helps retain its freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop.
Can I freeze my chicken soup with potatoes?
Very much! You can freeze your chicken soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. I suggest leaving a bit of space at the top of the container because the soup will expand as it freezes.
What if my soup is too thick after reheating?
If your chicken soup thickens too much when reheated, simply add a splash of chicken stock or milk while gently stirring it over low heat. This will restore its creamy texture and make it just as delightful as when it was first made.
Are there any dietary considerations I should note?
Absolutely! If you’re lactose intolerant, you can substitute the low-fat cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative. Additionally, if you’re cooking for pets, be cautious. Ingredients like onions and garlic can be harmful to dogs, so it’s best to keep these out of their diet.
How can I tell if the potatoes are cooked thoroughly in the soup?
The potatoes should be tender yet intact after simmering for 20-25 minutes. You can check by piercing them with a fork; it should glide through easily without any resistance. This ensures you’ll have perfectly cooked potatoes in your comforting chicken soup with potatoes.
Comforting Chicken Soup with Potatoes for Cozy Evenings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, heat a mixture of olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 7-8 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add chicken breast pieces to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Sprinkle flour over the chicken and vegetables, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in chicken stock and add diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, remove from heat, and add chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
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