If you are craving something cozy, comforting, and absolutely delicious, this Warming Chicken Potato Soup Recipe is the answer. Combining tender chunks of chicken with creamy potatoes, fragrant herbs, and a luscious broth, this soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the perfect dish for chilly evenings or anytime you want to treat yourself to homemade goodness that’s simple to make yet deeply satisfying. Trust me, once you try this, it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Warming Chicken Potato Soup Recipe relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together harmoniously. Each one adds its own magic—richness, aroma, or texture—to create a soup that’s both comforting and full of character.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a fruity, smooth base for sautéing vegetables without overpowering flavors.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds a velvety richness and depth to the soup’s flavor profile.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Offers a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall savoriness.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a punch of aromatic glow that infuses the broth with warmth.
- 3 large carrots, sliced: Add a natural sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
- 4 cups diced Yukon Gold or red potatoes: Create creamy texture and heartiness, the soul of this soup.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Acts as the flavorful liquid base, tying everything together.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: The main protein component, tender and perfect for warming every bite.
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half: Smoothly enriches the soup, making it luscious and comforting.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers gentle herbal notes that balance the richness beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Enhances all the flavors so your soup sings.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick with a hint of warmth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (optional for garnish): Provides a fresh, bright contrast, perfect for finishing touches.
How to Make Warming Chicken Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sliced carrots, cooking them gently for about 5 to 6 minutes. This softens the veggies, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a flavorful foundation for your soup. You’ll notice the onions turn translucent and the aroma beginning to build—that’s your cue that we’re off to a great start.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Now stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Garlic can burn quickly, so keep it moving in the pot until you catch that wonderful fragrant scent filling your kitchen. This step is crucial because it layers a savory depth that lifts the entire soup.
Step 3: Bring in the Potatoes and Broth
Next, toss in the diced Yukon Gold or red potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil, then immediately turn down the heat to a simmer. Leave the pot uncovered and let everything cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when poked with a fork. The broth will start to thicken slightly as the potatoes soften, which makes the soup wonderfully hearty.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
Once the potatoes are fork-tender, add the shredded cooked chicken to the pot. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is also the perfect time to stir in optional ingredients like corn or celery for extra texture and sweetness. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes so the chicken warms through and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream
Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and continue to simmer the soup for another 5 minutes. This step enriches the broth, making it silky smooth and indulgently creamy without masking the fresh flavors of the veggies and chicken. Your kitchen will smell like pure comfort by now.
Step 6: Season to Perfection
Sprinkle in dried thyme, salt, and ground black pepper. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. This is the moment where you tune the flavors to your liking, creating that rustic balance of savory, creamy, and just a hint of herbal zest.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Turn off the heat and let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving—the flavors will deepen even more during this rest. Just before ladling it into bowls, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness that brightens every spoonful.
How to Serve Warming Chicken Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic and adds just the right amount of color contrast and mild herbaceous brightness. For an extra touch, you could add a little grated Parmesan, crispy bacon bits, or a swirl of sour cream for richer indulgence. These simple garnishes can take your soup from cozy to comforting with ease.
Side Dishes
This soup is so filling on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or a fresh green salad makes it a complete meal. The bread helps scoop up every last bit of that luscious broth, while a crisp salad balances the creaminess with fresh crunch. Pick whatever feels right for your appetite and occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls for that cozy, homemade vibe. For a special touch, hollow out a small round bread loaf and ladle the soup inside, creating an edible bowl that’s both impressive and utterly comforting. Garnish with microgreens or a drizzle of chili oil for a modern flair that’s sure to delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This Warming Chicken Potato Soup Recipe keeps its flavor and texture well, making for an easy next-day meal or lunch option that tastes just as cozy.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Keep in mind that the cream might slightly separate upon thawing, but a good stir during reheating will bring it back to creamy perfection.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the soup thickened while stored, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works too but stirring halfway through helps ensure even heat distribution.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect because it’s already cooked and seasoned, which adds extra flavor and convenience to this Warming Chicken Potato Soup Recipe.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap the heavy cream or half-and-half for coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative to keep it creamy without dairy.
What type of potatoes work best in this recipe?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal since they hold their shape well and become tender without breaking down into mush, giving the soup a lovely texture.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add celery, corn, peas, or even spinach. Just add them during the simmering steps to ensure they cook just right.
How spicy is this soup? Can I add heat?
This soup is mild and comforting by default, but you can easily add heat with cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Warming Chicken Potato Soup Recipe checks all the boxes for comfort food that feels homemade and nourishing. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any day you want a little extra warmth in your bowl. I encourage you to try it out soon—it’s one of those recipes that feels like it was made just for cozy moments shared with people you love.
Print
Warming Chicken Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Warming Chicken Potato Soup is a comforting, creamy bowl of goodness featuring tender shredded chicken, hearty potatoes, and fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth enriched with cream. Perfect for chilly days, this easy-to-make soup combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 4 cups diced Yukon Gold or red potatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
Main Protein
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
Dairy & Seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and sliced carrots. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until onions are translucent, which helps to release their natural sweetness and build the soup’s flavor base.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it to maintain a fresh, aromatic taste.
- Cook potatoes: Add diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender, which thickens the soup and softens the vegetables.
- Add chicken: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken. If you like, add optional ingredients such as corn or celery at this point for extra texture and flavor. Simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Incorporate cream: Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and simmer for another 5 minutes. This enriches the soup with a smooth, creamy texture and rounds out the flavors.
- Season: Add dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Taste your soup and adjust seasonings as necessary to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Rest and garnish: Turn off the heat and let the soup sit for a few minutes to develop its taste further. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture or red potatoes for a firmer bite.
- Leftover cooked chicken works well in this recipe; rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use low-fat milk.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preference and dietary needs.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad.
- Allowing the soup to rest before serving helps flavors to deepen.
