Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 3 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and chopped into uniform chunks
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
Liquids
- 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- Optional: 1/2 cup cream or milk for extra creaminess
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Variations
- Crushed red pepper or hot sauce for spice
- Kale, spinach, or Swiss chard for added greens
- Shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for topping
- Cauliflower florets as a low-carb potato substitute
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Peel and chop the potatoes into uniform chunks for even cooking. Finely chop onions, garlic, carrots, and celery so they blend well into the broth.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a bit of oil or butter over medium heat in a large pot. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma without burning.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pot. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until chicken starts to turn white and firms up, stirring occasionally to brown slightly for extra flavor.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Add chopped potatoes and pour in enough chicken broth to cover ingredients by about an inch. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer.
- Simmer Until Tender: Let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender and flavors meld. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Finish with Herbs and Cream: Stir in fresh thyme and parsley. For a creamier soup, add a splash of cream or milk and stir gently just before serving.
Notes
- Use homemade chicken broth for the richest flavor.
- Cut potatoes evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Do not overcook chicken to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Season gradually, adjusting salt and pepper in increments.
- Let the soup rest a few minutes after cooking to deepen flavors.
- To thicken soup, mash a few potatoes in the pot or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water) and cook until thickened.
- Leftover cooked chicken can be added towards the end of cooking to save time.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Skip cream or milk for a dairy-free option; use coconut milk if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Chicken Potato Soup, comfort food, hearty soup, creamy soup, easy soup recipe, cozy meal, gluten free soup