Chicken Potato Soup is a creamy, hearty, and comforting dish that combines tender chunks of chicken, creamy potatoes, and savory seasonings in a rich broth. This soul-warming soup is perfect for cozy nights and is sure to become a family favorite. The soft, creamy texture of the potatoes pairs wonderfully with the protein-packed chicken, creating a well-balanced meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting and Hearty

Chicken Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and flavorful seasonings. It’s perfect for chilly nights and satisfying enough to serve as a full meal.

2. Quick and Easy

This soup is simple to make, using everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. It’s a great recipe for busy weeknights when you need something filling and comforting.

3. Rich and Creamy

The combination of potatoes and cream makes this soup irresistibly creamy. The creamy broth pairs beautifully with the tender chunks of chicken and vegetables.

4. Customizable

You can easily adjust this soup to suit your tastes by adding extra vegetables, changing up the herbs, or using different types of potatoes. It’s a versatile dish that can be made to suit various preferences.

5. Kid-Friendly

The mild flavors and creamy texture of this soup make it perfect for kids. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies while still keeping the dish delicious and appealing.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup carrots, peeled and diced
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
1 1/2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth and a mix of your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or green beans for a hearty vegetarian version.
Add More Veggies: You can add corn, peas, or celery to make the soup even more flavorful and nutritious.
Low-Carb Version: For a lower-carb option, replace potatoes with cauliflower for a similar texture without the carbs.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Potatoes and Carrots

Add the diced potatoes and carrots to the pot, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Chicken Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth, then add the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

Add the cooked, shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the chicken through.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

In a separate small bowl, whisk the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and flour together until smooth (if using flour to thicken). Slowly pour the cream mixture into the soup while stirring. Let it simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken and become creamy.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Make it thicker: If you prefer a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup (especially the potatoes) for a creamy, smooth texture. You can also add extra flour or cornstarch to the soup to thicken it further.
Use leftover chicken: This is a great recipe for using leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand, making the soup come together quickly.
Add more veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like corn, green beans, or peas for extra color and flavor.
Use Yukon Gold potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes give the soup a creamy texture, but you can also use russet potatoes if you prefer.
Adjust the cream: For a lighter version, you can use milk instead of heavy cream, though it may not be as creamy.

How to Serve

Chicken Potato Soup is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with:

Crusty bread: A slice of toasted bread or a warm baguette is perfect for dipping in the creamy soup.
Biscuits: Serve with homemade or store-bought biscuits for a classic comfort food combo.
Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a light and fresh contrast to the creamy soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth or cream to thin the soup if needed.

Freezing

This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stove, adding extra broth or cream as needed to adjust the consistency.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, you can replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor and added nutrition.

2. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use milk for a lighter version, though the soup will not be as creamy as when made with heavy cream.

3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients except the cream and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

4. How can I make this soup spicier?

You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give it some heat.

5. Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can use turkey or ham as a substitute for chicken if desired.

6. Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, simply omit the flour or use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup.

7. Can I add cheese to this soup?

Yes! Adding a handful of shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan can give the soup extra richness and flavor.

8. Can I use frozen potatoes for this soup?

It’s best to use fresh potatoes as frozen ones may become mushy when cooked in the soup.

9. How do I thicken the soup?

To thicken the soup, you can use a slurry of flour and water or cornstarch and water, or blend part of the soup for a smoother texture.

10. Can I freeze Chicken Potato Soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. Reheat on the stove when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Chicken Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich, creamy broth filled with tender chicken and hearty potatoes. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner and can easily be customized to fit your tastes. Whether you’re serving it with crusty bread or biscuits, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy this creamy, heartwarming soup on any occasion, and feel free to make it ahead for busy nights!