Creamy Chicken Potato Soup

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There’s just something magical about a warm bowl of Creamy Chicken Potato Soup, isn’t there? I can still remember the first time my grandmother made it for me on a chilly autumn evening. The kitchen smelled incredible, and as I took my first spoonful, I felt wrapped in a cozy blanket of comfort. This soup is like a hug in a bowl, perfect for those days when you need a little extra warmth and love. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone together, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

This Creamy Chicken Potato Soup is not just a meal; it’s a memory-maker. Whether you’re snuggled up on the couch, enjoying a rainy day, or hosting a get-together, this hearty soup is bound to bring smiles around the table. So grab your apron, and let’s make something delicious together!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Potato Soup

Oh my goodness, where do I start? First off, this Creamy Chicken Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying on a chilly evening. You can’t help but feel a wave of warmth wash over you with every spoonful. It’s like a big hug from the inside!

What I love most is how easily it comes together. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a hearty meal that the whole family will adore. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you just want to indulge in something cozy and delicious. And leftover soup? It just gets better with time! You can stash it in the fridge or freezer and have a quick meal ready in no time.

Plus, it’s versatile! You can customize it with your favorite veggies or add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for that extra pop of flavor. Trust me, this soup is sure to become a staple in your home, making it a go-to recipe you’ll want to share with everyone!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 medium stalks celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (both work wonderfully!)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided (one for the chicken, one for seasoning later)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin is my favorite for the flavor)
• 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if you have it on hand—so fragrant!)
• 1 bay leaf (don’t forget to take it out later!)
• 1 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, diced (they add such a creamy texture)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (this helps thicken the soup beautifully)
• 1 (32-ounce) box low-sodium chicken broth (I always go for low-sodium to control the salt)
• 2 cups whole or 2% milk (for that creamy finish—yum!)

These ingredients come together to create a rich and hearty soup that’s sure to warm your heart and fill your belly. You can easily customize some of them based on what you have in your pantry or your taste preferences. Just remember, fresh ingredients make all the difference!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Let’s kick things off by prepping our ingredients! Start by chopping the onion, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces. I like to aim for a nice dice so they cook evenly. Next, mince those garlic cloves—this is where the magic begins! Now, grab your chicken (breasts or thighs, your choice!) and cut it into chunks. This makes it easier to cook through and shred later. Don’t forget to measure out your potatoes—I usually peel them first for a smoother texture, then dice them up as well. Trust me, getting all this done ahead of time makes everything flow so much smoother!

Cook the Vegetables

Now that we have everything prepped, let’s get cooking! In a large pot, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering (you’ll see it!), toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook these beauties for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and fragrant. Oh, the smell will make you so happy! Now, add the minced garlic and cook it for just another minute—be careful not to let it burn, or it’ll turn bitter!

Combine Ingredients

Time to bring it all together! Add the chunks of chicken to the pot, along with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 3/4 teaspoon of dried thyme, and the bay leaf. Give everything a good stir to combine. Next, fold in the diced potatoes and sprinkle the flour over the top. This step is super important for thickening the soup, so mix it all together until the flour is well incorporated. You want to coat the chicken and vegetables, giving everything a chance to meld together beautifully!

Simmer and Shred

Now, it’s time for the magic to happen! Pour in the 32-ounce box of low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This gives the chicken time to cook through and those flavors to come together. After that, carefully remove the bay leaf. Now, using two forks, shred the chicken right in the pot. It should fall apart easily—just like that!

Finish with Creaminess

We’re almost there! Now, pour in the 2 cups of milk and stir everything together until it becomes creamy and luscious. This is my favorite part! If the soup seems a little too thick for your liking, feel free to add a splash more milk or chicken broth until you reach that perfect consistency. Finally, taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. You want it to be just right! And there you have it—your Creamy Chicken Potato Soup is ready to be devoured!

Variations

The beauty of Creamy Chicken Potato Soup is how adaptable it is! You can easily switch things up based on what you have in your fridge or your taste preferences. For starters, if you want to add a little more nutrition, throw in some leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll wilt down beautifully and add a pop of color!

If you’re looking to change the protein, feel free to use shredded rotisserie chicken for a super quick version, or even some turkey if you’re feeling adventurous. For a vegetarian twist, you could swap the chicken for chickpeas or white beans, and use vegetable broth instead. How about adding some corn for sweetness or peas for a nice crunch? You can also experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano—they’ll infuse the soup with a whole new flavor profile!

These simple variations make this soup not only versatile but also a fun dish to get creative with. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Serving and Storage Tips

When it comes to serving your Creamy Chicken Potato Soup, there are so many delightful ways to enjoy it! I love to ladle it into big, warm bowls and top it off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for that finishing touch. It’s also fantastic served with crusty bread or buttery crackers on the side for dipping. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese can take it to the next level!

As for storage, this soup is great for meal prep! You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just remember, the soup might thicken as it sits, so you can add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to get that creamy consistency back. Speaking of reheating, I recommend warming it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to cover it to avoid splatters and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between.

If you want to save some for later, this soup freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above. Trust me, you’ll love having this comforting soup ready to go whenever you need a little warmth in your life!

Helpful Notes

Here are a few helpful notes to keep in mind while making your Creamy Chicken Potato Soup! First, if you’re looking to lighten it up a bit, you can easily use low-fat milk or even almond milk for a dairy-free option. Just remember that the flavor and creaminess might change a little, but it’ll still be delicious!

If you want to make this soup even heartier, consider adding some beans or lentils for an extra boost of protein and fiber. They’ll make it even more filling and nutritious!

Now, let’s talk about freezing! This soup freezes wonderfully, but be sure to cool it completely before pouring it into freezer-safe containers. It’s best to leave a little space at the top since it will expand as it freezes. You can keep it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently on the stove.

Lastly, don’t be shy about enhancing the flavor! Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can elevate the taste to a whole new level. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick if you’re feeling adventurous. Enjoy experimenting!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely! Creamy Chicken Potato Soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

2. What if I don’t have Yukon Gold potatoes?

No worries at all! You can use any kind of potatoes you have on hand, like Russet or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that different varieties may alter the texture slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can! Simply substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative, such as almond milk or coconut milk. Just remember, this might change the flavor a bit, but it will still be creamy and tasty!

4. Is there a way to make this soup lower in sodium?

Definitely! Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the added salt. You can always taste and adjust the seasoning at the end to fit your preference.

5. How can I make this soup spicy?

If you’re a fan of heat, try adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes during the cooking process. You can always adjust to your spice level for that perfect kick!

Final Thoughts

There you have it—your very own bowl of Creamy Chicken Potato Soup! I can’t stress enough how comforting this dish is, especially on those chilly evenings when you just want to wrap yourself in something warm and cozy. It’s not just a soup; it’s a delightful experience that comes with memories and stories to share around the dinner table.

So, I encourage you to give this recipe a whirl! Whether it’s for a family gathering or a quiet night in, this soup is bound to become a beloved favorite. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts! Now, grab your ingredients and let the cooking magic begin!

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