If you are searching for a cozy, hearty dish to warm your soul on any day, this Chicken Potato Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and fresh herbs, this soup combines simple ingredients to create a comforting bowl of pure deliciousness. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want something satisfying that tastes like a warm kitchen hug. Plus, it’s approachable for cooks of all levels, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the charming flavors of this classic dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chicken Potato Soup Recipe plays a crucial role, from building layers of flavor to adding texture and color. These straightforward components come together with ease, proving that sometimes the simplest ingredients make the most memorable meals.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and serves as the perfect base for sautéing vegetables.
- Butter: Brings a creamy depth and helps to soften the onions, carrots, and celery.
- Medium onion, diced: Offers a sweet and savory foundation that brightens the soup’s profile.
- Medium carrots, diced: Contribute vibrant color and a gentle natural sweetness.
- Celery stalks, diced: Add a refreshing crunch and subtle earthiness.
- Garlic cloves, finely chopped: Deliver a fragrant punch that enhances every savory bite.
- Fresh rosemary, chopped: Introduces woody, aromatic notes to complement the chicken.
- Fresh thyme, chopped: Lends a delicate herbal nuance for complexity.
- Chicken breast: The protein star, tender and flavorful when cooked just right.
- Plain flour: Acts as a natural thickener, giving the soup a luscious texture.
- Milk: Softens the soup and adds milky creaminess without heaviness.
- Potatoes, peeled and cubed: Provide body and earthy comfort in every spoonful.
- Chicken stock: The savory liquid base that ties all the ingredients together.
- Low-fat cheddar cheese: Melts into a velvety finish, adding mild tang and richness.
- Fresh parsley, roughly chopped: Sprinkles a fresh, herbaceous brightness at the end.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Chicken Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by melting butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This duo creates a fragrant and flavorful foundation. Add your diced onions, carrots, and celery, then gently sauté for 7 to 8 minutes. This softens the vegetables while coaxing out their natural sweetness, setting the stage for a delicious soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs
Next, toss in the finely chopped garlic along with fresh rosemary and thyme. Cook for another minute or two, allowing these herbs to release their fragrant oils. This step lifts the soup’s aroma, creating a warm, inviting scent that fills your kitchen.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken Breast
Add the chicken breast pieces directly to the pot, browning them on all sides. This caramelization technique locks in flavor and adds subtle depth to the broth. Don’t rush this process; take your time for nicely browned, juicy chicken.
Step 4: Thicken with Flour
Sprinkle plain flour evenly over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well so every bit is coated. This helps build a smooth, comforting body for your soup once liquid is added. The flour is the silent hero that prevents a watery consistency.
Step 5: Incorporate the Milk
Pour milk slowly into the pot in small amounts, stirring constantly to keep the mixture smooth and lump-free. The milk softens the base and creates a creamy texture without making it too heavy or rich.
Step 6: Add Potatoes and Chicken Stock
Now add the cubed potatoes, the heart of this recipe, bringing hearty creaminess and substance. Pour in the chicken stock and give everything a good stir, scraping any tasty bits that may be stuck on the bottom of the pan. This ensures every flavor is incorporated.
Step 7: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the soup to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat and let it gently simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. During this time, the potatoes cook through and soften, making every spoonful satisfyingly tender and flavorful.
Step 8: Melt in the Cheese
Stir in the low-fat cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt seamlessly into the hot soup. This addition adds a velvety touch of richness with a gentle tang that enhances the overall flavor profile without overwhelming it.
Step 9: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Seasoning
Finally, mix in freshly chopped parsley and season the soup to your taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This last step adds a vibrant freshness and balances the comforting richness, bringing the entire dish together perfectly.
How to Serve Chicken Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, sprinkle extra fresh parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and fresh herbal flavor. A light dusting of paprika or a small drizzle of cream can also add an elegant touch without overpowering the wholesome taste.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or warm dinner rolls, perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup and adds balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Chicken Potato Soup Recipe in rustic bread bowls for a charming, edible container experience. Alternatively, ladle it into individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar and a sprig of fresh thyme for a cozy, restaurant-style presentation that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. Its flavors meld even more after resting, making leftovers taste just as delightful as freshly made.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for longer storage, ideally before adding the cheese and parsley. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to re-melt the cheese and blend all ingredients harmoniously. Avoid boiling to keep the cheese from separating and the potatoes from becoming mushy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and a slightly richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is it okay to use frozen vegetables in this soup?
Yes, frozen vegetables can work in a pinch, but fresh produce will always give you the best texture and flavor for this Chicken Potato Soup Recipe.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Definitely. Substitute the milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan cheese to keep it just as creamy and comforting.
What’s the best potato for this soup?
Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal because they break down slightly to create a thicker soup while still holding some shape for texture.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Feel free to toss in your favorites like peas, corn, or green beans. Just add them in during the last 10 minutes of simmering to keep them vibrant and tender.
Final Thoughts
There is something magical about the simple ingredients coming together in this Chicken Potato Soup Recipe that makes it feel like home in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a batch for cozy solo nights, this soup never disappoints. I encourage you to try it soon and enjoy the delicious comfort it brings—one spoonful at a time.
PrintChicken Potato Soup Recipe
This hearty Chicken Potato Soup is a comforting blend of tender chicken breast, diced potatoes, and fresh vegetables simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth. Enriched with fresh herbs and low-fat cheddar cheese, this soup makes a perfect warming meal for any day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (20 g) butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2–3 celery stalks, diced
- 2–3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 2 cups (475 ml) milk
- 1 1/2 lb (650 g) potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken stock
- 1 cup (120 g) low-fat cheddar cheese
- A handful of fresh parsley, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery, then sauté for 7-8 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the finely chopped garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to release their aromas.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breast pieces to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides, ensuring a nice sear and flavor development.
- Incorporate the Flour: Sprinkle the plain flour over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly. This will help thicken the soup.
- Add Milk Gradually: Slowly pour in the milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly to avoid lumps and create a smooth base.
- Add Potatoes and Stock: Add the diced potatoes to the pot, then pour in the chicken stock. Stir thoroughly to loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot, enhancing the soup’s flavor.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir in the low-fat cheddar cheese until it melts completely, adding a creamy richness to the soup.
- Finish with Parsley and Seasoning: Stir in the fresh parsley, then season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Serve hot for the best flavor and comfort.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, you can use a bit more flour or reduce the amount of milk slightly.
- Feel free to substitute chicken breast with thighs for juicier meat.
- You can make this soup creamier by using full-fat milk or adding a splash of cream.
- To save time, use pre-cut vegetables or frozen mixed vegetables.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 1 month.