Are you craving a warm, hearty, and delicious meal that's also surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this creamy chicken potato soup! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a healthy and satisfying dinner option without sacrificing flavor. It's a classic comfort food elevated with simple techniques, making it one of the best recipes for homemade cooking. This easy recipe is also great for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish throughout the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a delicious base for your soup.
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Add the broth and potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the cubed potatoes, thyme, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Incorporate the chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
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Blend (optional): For a creamier soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer portions of the soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth before returning it to the pot. Remember to vent the blender lid to prevent pressure buildup.
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Stir in the cream (optional): If using, stir in the heavy cream or milk and heat through gently. Do not boil.
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Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Chicken Potato Soup:
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Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary will significantly enhance the flavor of your soup. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of dried herbs instead of 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
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Don't overcook the potatoes: Overcooked potatoes can become mushy. Aim for tender but not falling-apart potatoes.
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Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and herbs to your liking.
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Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, green beans, or corn for extra nutrients and flavor.
Variations:
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Spicy Chicken Potato Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
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Chicken and Wild Rice Soup: Add 1 cup of cooked wild rice for a heartier soup.
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Creamy Vegan Chicken Potato Soup: Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and the heavy cream with coconut cream for a delicious vegan version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-350 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- Protein: Around 20-25g
- Fat: Around 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-35g
This simple yet flavorful chicken potato soup is a perfect example of a quick dinner idea and a healthy meal that's both satisfying and easy to make. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of delicious dishes and will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy!