If you are craving a soul-warming meal that feels like a big hug in a bowl, this Hearty Chicken and Potato Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a fragrant broth, this soup brings together comfort and flavor in the best possible way. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or whenever you want a simple yet nourishing dish that satisfies everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen pantry or fridge. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of hearty textures and savory flavors that make this soup so memorable.
- Whole chicken (3-4 lbs), cut into pieces: The star protein that becomes tender and infuses the soup with rich flavor.
- Potatoes, peeled and diced: These add creaminess and body, making every spoonful satisfying.
- Carrots, sliced: Offer a gentle sweetness and bright color that makes the soup inviting.
- Onion, chopped: Builds the flavorful base with its natural sweetness when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds aromatic depth that awakens your senses.
- Celery stalks, chopped: Provides a subtle crunch and freshness to balance the richness.
- Chicken broth (8 cups): The liquid heart of the soup, carrying all the flavors beautifully.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used to sauté the aromatics for a silky and fragrant base.
- Bay leaf (1): Adds a delicate herbal nuance that rounds out the soup.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Infuses the broth with earthy warmth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright garnish that adds freshness before serving.
How to Make Hearty Chicken and Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. This step builds the flavor foundation for the soup and awakens the senses with a beautiful aroma.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces into the pot and season with salt and pepper. Brown them lightly on all sides, which locks in juices and adds a lovely depth of flavor to the broth. This quick sear also creates appetizing color on the meat.
Step 3: Add Carrots and Celery
Next, toss in the sliced carrots and chopped celery. Stir everything together so the vegetables mingle with the chicken and soften slightly. These veggies lend sweetness and texture that complement the potatoes and chicken beautifully.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Season
Now it’s time for the chicken broth, bay leaf, and dried thyme to join the party. Pour in the broth and add herbs to your pot. Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil; this step releases all those wonderful herbal notes and prepares the soup for gentle simmering.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Let the soup cook for about 30 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and the chicken to become tender. This slow cooking develops richness and depth without much fuss.
Step 6: Add Potatoes and Continue Cooking
Stir in the diced potatoes and keep simmering for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. The potatoes will soften and integrate into the soup, soaking up the broth’s savory goodness and making the soup wonderfully creamy in texture.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and add extra salt and pepper if desired. This final seasoning step ensures the flavors are perfectly balanced and lively.
Step 8: Final Touches and Serve
Finally, remove the bay leaf before ladling the soup into bowls. Top each serving with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and a fresh, herby brightness that elevates every spoonful.
How to Serve Hearty Chicken and Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that adds a lovely pop of green and a mild herbal taste. You can also try a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a few croutons for some crunch to complement the silky broth.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs brilliantly with crusty artisan bread, buttery garlic rolls, or even a simple crisp salad. The bread is perfect for dipping, making the meal feel complete and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls or even in hollowed-out bread bowls to impress guests or make a casual meal feel extra special. For a touch of elegance, drizzle a spoonful of extra virgin olive oil or swirl in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover soup into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, retaining its wonderful flavor and texture, making it an easy and comforting meal for later in the week.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully, just be sure to cool it completely before sealing it in freezer-safe containers or bags. It should be used within 2 to 3 months for best quality—perfect for those busy days when you need a quick, hearty meal without any extra effort.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. If the broth has thickened too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up. This soup tastes just as delicious the next day!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Absolutely! Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts will speed up the cooking time, but the broth might be slightly less rich. To enhance flavor, consider adding chicken bones or a bouillon cube.
What type of potatoes work best for this soup?
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well and have a creamy texture, making them ideal for the Hearty Chicken and Potato Soup Recipe. Avoid starchy potatoes that might break down too much.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Sauté the aromatics and brown the chicken first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6 hours or high for 3 hours, adding the potatoes halfway through to prevent overcooking.
Is this soup gluten-free?
It is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check that no added ingredients contain gluten. It’s a great hearty option for those avoiding gluten.
How can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like peas, corn, green beans, or spinach during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. They add vibrant color and extra nutrients without overpowering the comforting flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Chicken and Potato Soup Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that brings warmth to your heart and comfort to your soul. It’s straightforward to make, full of nutritious ingredients, and always a crowd-pleaser. Don’t hesitate to make a big pot and savor it over a few days—the flavors only get better. Go ahead, cozy up with a bowl, and enjoy every spoonful of this timeless comfort food!
Print
Hearty Chicken and Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 1h 20m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting chicken soup featuring tender chicken pieces, diced potatoes, and fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful chicken broth, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 whole chicken (approximately 3–4 lbs), cut into pieces
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
Broth and Seasoning
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes, releasing aromatic flavors.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken lightly on all sides, which helps seal in juices and build depth of flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots and chopped celery, combining them well with the chicken. Cook for a few more minutes to begin softening the vegetables.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat to start the cooking process.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for about 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
- Add Potatoes and Continue Simmering: Incorporate the diced potatoes, stirring well. Continue to simmer the soup for another 20-30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the soup is flavorful.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add color and freshness.
Notes
- You can use bone-in or boneless chicken pieces depending on preference, but bone-in adds extra richness.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes slightly before serving.
- Leftover soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans for added variety.
- Adjust herbs and spices to your taste, such as adding rosemary or a pinch of paprika for extra flavor.
