Creamy Chicken Potato Soup for Cozy Dinners
🎉 Introduction
Warm up your evenings with this Creamy Chicken Potato Soup, a delightful blend of tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich and flavorful broth. This comforting soup is perfect for family dinners or as a cozy appetizer. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Ideal for those chilly nights when you crave something warm and satisfying!
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Serving bowls
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the diced potatoes, chicken breasts, chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
Serves 6. Prep time: 15 minutes, Cook time: 30 minutes, Total time: 45 minutes.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
🥄 Variations
- Add corn or peas for extra sweetness and texture.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing twist.
- Make it a loaded chicken potato soup by topping with shredded cheese and crispy chicken skin.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it cooks thoroughly and increases your simmering time slightly.
Q: Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, or spinach for added nutrition.
Q: What can I serve with this soup?
A: This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a fresh garden salad.
Q: How can I make this soup spicier?
A: You can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give it a spicy kick.
Q: Can this soup be frozen?
A: Yes, but it’s best to freeze it without the cream. Add the cream when reheating after thawing.
Q: How do I thicken the soup?
A: To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the potatoes in the pot or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Q: Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes, using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Add it in at the end to warm through.
Q: How long does it take for the potatoes to cook?
A: The potatoes usually take about 20 minutes to become tender when simmered in the broth.
Q: What’s the best way to chop vegetables for this soup?
A: Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.
🏁 Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Potato Soup is a surefire way to bring comfort and warmth to your dinner table. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Easy to make and delightful to eat, this soup is perfect for weeknights and gatherings alike. Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful dish!
Creamy Chicken Potato Soup for Cozy Dinners
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced potatoes, chicken breasts, chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Variations:
- Add corn or peas for extra sweetness and texture.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing twist.
- Make it a loaded chicken potato soup by topping with shredded cheese and crispy chicken skin.
