This Comforting Chicken Soup with Potatoes is the ultimate homemade comfort food, packed with tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for cold days, sick days, or whenever you need a cozy bowl of warmth, this soup is easy to make in one pot and great for meal prep. With simple ingredients and a satisfying, creamy texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter (20g)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- ½ tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 lb chicken breast (450g)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (475ml)
- 1½ lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed (650g)
- 4 cups chicken broth (1 liter)
- 1 cup low-fat cheddar cheese (120g)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 7-8 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add Herbs and Chicken: Stir in garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Add chicken breast and cook until browned on all sides.
- Thicken the Base: Sprinkle flour over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Add cubed potatoes and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Melt the Cheese and Season: Stir in cheddar cheese until fully melted. Add fresh parsley and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Comforting Chicken Soup with Potatoes is more than just a soup—it’s a bowl of pure comfort. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Rich and Creamy Texture – Unlike traditional chicken soup, this version has a creamy base that makes it extra satisfying and indulgent.
- Hearty & Filling – The potatoes, carrots, and celery provide the perfect balance of hearty vegetables, making it a complete meal in a bowl.
- Packed with Protein – Made with lean chicken breast, this soup is high in protein and helps keep you full longer.
- Easy One-Pot Meal – Minimal dishes, simple ingredients, and quick preparation make this soup an effortless meal for busy days.
- Great for Meal Prep – This soup stores well and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or freezing for later.
- Comfort Food for Every Occasion – Whether you’re sick, cold, or just in need of a cozy meal, this soup is the ultimate comfort dish.
The Secret to a Perfect Creamy Chicken Soup
Making the best creamy chicken soup is all about layering flavors and textures. Here are a few key techniques to make your soup extra delicious:
- Sauté the Vegetables First – Cooking the onions, carrots, and celery in butter and olive oil softens them and releases their natural sweetness, adding depth to the soup’s base.
- Use Fresh Herbs for Maximum Flavor – Rosemary and thyme bring a warm, aromatic touch that enhances the richness of the broth.
- Thicken the Soup Properly – Sprinkling flour over the vegetables before adding liquid creates a light roux, which helps the soup develop its creamy consistency without needing heavy cream.
- Simmer the Potatoes Until Tender – Letting the potatoes absorb the broth ensures they are soft and flavorful while also naturally thickening the soup.
- Melt the Cheese Slowly – Stirring in the cheddar cheese at the end of cooking prevents it from clumping and ensures a smooth, velvety texture.
Choosing the Best Ingredients
The beauty of this soup is in its simple, wholesome ingredients, each playing a role in creating a rich and balanced dish:
- Chicken Breast – Lean and packed with protein, chicken breast makes this soup hearty and satisfying. You can also use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Potatoes – Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best as they become tender and creamy when simmered.
- Carrots & Celery – These classic soup veggies add a subtle sweetness and crunch, complementing the creamy texture.
- Garlic, Rosemary & Thyme – This trio of aromatics gives the soup a cozy, home-cooked flavor.
- Chicken Broth – The base of the soup, providing richness and depth. Using homemade broth or low-sodium store-bought broth ensures you can control the seasoning.
- Milk & Cheddar Cheese – These ingredients add creaminess and a touch of tangy richness, making the soup extra comforting.
How to Customize This Recipe
One of the best things about this soup is its versatility. You can easily customize it based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand:
- Make It Dairy-Free – Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk, and skip the cheddar or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Add More Vegetables – Toss in peas, corn, bell peppers, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Use Leftover or Rotisserie Chicken – If you have pre-cooked chicken, simply shred it and stir it in towards the end of cooking.
- Make It Spicier – Add a dash of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika for extra warmth and heat.
- Thicken the Soup More – For a thicker consistency, blend half of the soup with an immersion blender or mash some of the potatoes before serving.
- Make It Low-Carb – Swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets to reduce the carb content while maintaining a creamy texture.
What to Serve with This Chicken Soup
This hearty and comforting soup pairs well with a variety of delicious sides to make it a complete meal:
- Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls – Perfect for soaking up every last bit of the creamy broth.
- Side Salad – A light mixed greens or Caesar salad balances out the richness of the soup.
- Garlic Bread – A classic side that adds a crunchy, buttery contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables – Try roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or zucchini for a healthy side.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – The ultimate pairing for any creamy, comforting soup.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
This soup is perfect for meal prep because it stores and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze – This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheat on the Stovetop – Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency.
- Microwave Option – Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to prevent overheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?
Yes! If you prefer a richer, creamier texture, substitute heavy cream or half-and-half for the milk.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for soup?
Use two forks to shred freshly cooked chicken, or place it in a stand mixer on low speed to shred it quickly.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook all ingredients (except milk, cheese, and flour) on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the milk and cheese at the end.
Is this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
Conclusion
This Comforting Chicken Soup with Potatoes is the ultimate cozy meal, packed with rich flavors, tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and a creamy broth. Whether you’re warming up on a cold evening, fighting off a cold, or just craving a bowl of homemade comfort, this soup is guaranteed to hit the spot.