Comforting Chicken Soup with Potatoes

When I think back to my childhood, chicken soup always had a place at our dinner table. However, in our house, it usually came straight from a can. My mom would pour it into a pot, add water, and heat it up for a quick meal. It was warm and simple, but it never quite captured the richness or comfort that homemade soup brings. As I grew older and started cooking for myself, I realized how much more depth and flavor I could achieve by making chicken soup from scratch. That discovery changed the way I look at this classic dish.

This comforting chicken soup with potatoes is everything I used to wish for in a bowl of soup. It’s hearty, creamy, and full of wholesome ingredients that come together to create a meal that feels both nourishing and satisfying. Unlike the canned version, this recipe delivers layers of flavor with fresh herbs, tender chicken, and soft potatoes that melt in your mouth. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to slow down, savor every spoonful, and maybe even go back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons this chicken soup will win a spot in your regular meal rotation:

Versatile – This recipe adapts beautifully to what you have on hand. You can switch up the vegetables or adjust the seasonings depending on your taste. The base remains creamy and comforting, so it always works.

Budget-Friendly – Using everyday ingredients like potatoes, carrots, onions, and chicken, this soup offers a filling and hearty meal without straining your budget. It’s an affordable way to feed a family while still enjoying homemade comfort food.

Wholesome Comfort – Beyond the flavor, this soup feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that warms you on a cold day, soothes when you need comfort, and fuels you with nutritious ingredients.

Ingredients for Comforting Chicken Soup with Potatoes

To prepare this recipe, you will need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter (20 g)

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 medium carrots, chopped

• 2 to 3 celery sticks, chopped

• 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

• 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

• 1 pound chicken breast (450 g)

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk (475 ml)

• 1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed (650 g)

• 4 cups chicken broth (1 liter)

• 1 cup low-fat cheddar cheese (120 g)

• A handful of roughly chopped fresh parsley

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

This list might look simple, but when combined, these ingredients create a deeply flavorful soup that tastes homemade and comforting.

How to Make This Recipe

Making comforting chicken soup with potatoes at home is easier than you might think. Each step builds layers of flavor, transforming basic ingredients into a rich, creamy, and hearty dish. By following this process, you’ll end up with a meal that feels like it took hours, even though it comes together in less than an hour.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables
Start by washing, peeling, and chopping your vegetables. Dice the onion, slice the carrots, and chop the celery sticks into even pieces so they cook uniformly. Mince the garlic cloves finely to release their aroma. Peel and cube the potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Having everything ready before you start cooking makes the process smooth.

Step 2: Sauté for flavor
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Stir them gently and allow them to cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This step develops the base flavor of the soup.

Step 3: Add herbs and chicken
Stir in the chopped rosemary and thyme. Their aroma will instantly lift the flavors of the soup. Add the chicken breast to the pot, nestling it among the vegetables. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Browning helps the chicken develop more depth of flavor before simmering.

Step 4: Thicken with flour
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well so the flour coats everything evenly. This flour will later thicken the soup, giving it a creamy texture. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 5: Add liquid and potatoes
Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the chicken broth next and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once the liquid starts to simmer, add the cubed potatoes. Stir to combine all ingredients. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.

Step 6: Shred the chicken
Carefully remove the chicken breast from the pot and place it on a plate. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot and stir it into the soup. This ensures every spoonful has some tender chicken.

Step 7: Add cheese and finish
Stir in the cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the soup. The cheese gives the soup a creamy, velvety texture. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Finally, add the freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

At this point, your chicken soup with potatoes is ready to serve. The broth is thickened slightly by the flour and cheese, while the potatoes add heartiness. The herbs and vegetables infuse the soup with warm, savory flavors.

Quick and Easy

Despite the impressive flavors, this soup is surprisingly quick to prepare. With just 10 minutes of prep time and about 35 minutes of cooking, you can have a comforting dinner on the table in under an hour. The steps are straightforward, and most of the cooking time involves simmering, which gives you a chance to prepare bread, a salad, or simply relax.

Customizable

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can swap vegetables depending on what you have. Add peas or corn for extra sweetness, or spinach and kale for a boost of greens. If you prefer a different cheese, try mozzarella or a mild gouda. You can also replace chicken breast with chicken thighs for more richness. For a lighter version, reduce the cheese or leave it out entirely.

Crowd-Pleasing

This chicken soup with potatoes is the type of meal that everyone enjoys. Kids love the creamy broth and tender potatoes, while adults appreciate the comforting flavors and balanced nutrition. It works as a main dish with bread or rolls on the side, but it can also be served as a starter for a larger meal. Because it reheats well, it’s perfect for meal prep and leftovers.

Every spoonful offers comfort, warmth, and nourishment. Whether you make it for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or simply to enjoy a quiet evening at home, this soup always brings smiles to the table.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be prepared in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much.

Can I freeze this chicken soup with potatoes?
Absolutely. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Keep in mind that potatoes may become softer after freezing, but the flavor remains delicious.

What can I use instead of chicken breast?
You can substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor. If you prefer a lighter soup, use leftover cooked chicken or even shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry. This will still thicken the soup while keeping it suitable for those avoiding gluten.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives. The texture will still be creamy, and the soup will remain just as comforting.

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