This Hearty Chicken and Potato Comfort Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tender chicken, fluffy potatoes, and colorful veggies, it’s perfect for chilly days.
I love how this soup warms me up after a long day. Plus, it’s so easy to make! Just throw everything in one pot, let it simmer, and enjoy a cozy meal. Who needs takeout? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive oil: A great base for this soup, olive oil offers healthy fats and flavor. If you’re out of olive oil, you can use vegetable oil or melted butter. Both will work well, but butter adds a nice richness!
Onion, carrots, and celery: These three veggies create the classic “mirepoix” that builds flavor. If you don’t have all three, feel free to use just onion and carrots, or add in some bell peppers for extra sweetness.
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean quality. If you’re looking for something different, chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience—just add it later in the cooking process!
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russets work great here for their creamy texture. If you need lower carbs, substitute with cauliflower florets. They cook quickly and give a similar comforting vibe without the heaviness.
Heavy cream: This adds a silky texture. For a lighter version, try half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option; just be mindful of the flavor it brings.
How Do I Properly Sauté Vegetables to Build Flavor?
Sautéing vegetables is essential for making your soup flavorful. This stage helps to release the vegetables’ natural sugars and enhance their taste. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Start with a hot pot. Heat your olive oil until it shimmers.
- Add onions first, letting them cook until they’re translucent (about 2-3 minutes).
- Next, add carrots and celery, and continue sautéing until everything softens (5-7 minutes total).
- Don’t forget the garlic! Add it last and cook for just 1-2 minutes to avoid burning.
This method creates a wonderful foundation for your soup!
How to Make Hearty Chicken and Potato Comfort Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional, for garnish)
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes to have this delicious soup ready to enjoy with family or friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and the onion becomes translucent. This will start to create a beautiful aroma in your kitchen!
2. Add Garlic:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. You’ll want to watch it closely, as garlic can burn quickly. This step will really enhance the flavor of your soup!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until it gets a lovely browned color, about 5 minutes. You want the chicken to be partially cooked before adding the other ingredients.
4. Add Potatoes and Broth:
Next, toss in the cubed potatoes, chicken broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
5. Final Touch with Cream:
Once everything is tender, stir in the heavy cream for that rich, creamy texture. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to warm it through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—maybe a touch more salt or pepper!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Now that your soup is ready, serve it hot! Garnish each bowl with crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and fresh parsley for that extra burst of flavor. Enjoy every warming spoonful, preferably with some crusty bread on the side for dipping.
This soup is a hug in a bowl—perfect for cozy nights!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add vegetables based on your preference. Chopped green beans, peas, or corn would work great. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for softer vegetables accordingly, adding them in during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. For a dairy-free alternative, unsweetened coconut milk or a plant-based cream can also work, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly. Just add them in the same step as heavy cream!
How Should I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out, as it can thicken when chilled.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove, adding a little extra liquid if necessary to reach your desired consistency.
