A Cozy Bowl of Comfort
Whenever the air turns crisp and I crave something soothing, I turn to my chicken and potato soup. It’s a cozy bowl that reminds me of simple Sunday dinners when the kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of simmering broth and herbs. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and a velvety base that’s both rich and light. It’s the kind of soup that hugs you from the inside out.
I’ve tried many creamy chicken soup recipes over the years, but this one always wins for its smooth texture and homestyle warmth. It’s made with everyday ingredients and comes together easily ideal for those evenings when all you want is something hearty and comforting without too much fuss.
Creamy Chicken and Potato Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich and comforting creamy chicken and potato soup made with tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and a velvety broth. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
2 tbsp butter
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: corn, peas, bacon, cheese, parsley
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook briefly. Sprinkle in flour and stir to coat vegetables.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth. Add potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Add shredded chicken and reduce heat. Stir in heavy cream and season to taste.
- Remove bay leaf, garnish with herbs, and serve warm.
Notes
For extra richness, add shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
Store leftovers up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 880
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 90
What Makes This Soup So Special
There’s something magical about the balance of creaminess and heartiness in this soup. You’ll love how the potatoes naturally thicken the broth, creating a creamy consistency without the need for heavy thickeners. The chicken stays juicy and tender, and every spoonful carries the perfect blend of garlic, thyme, and butter.
It’s hearty like hamburger potato soup, but lighter and silkier. And if you love the creamy comfort of a creamy potato soup recipe but crave a little more substance, this one will hit the spot every time.
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What You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly. Thighs give a richer flavor.
- Potatoes – Russets for a smooth texture or Yukon Golds for creamy bites that hold their shape.
- Onion, Celery, and Carrots – The trio that brings sweetness and depth.
- Garlic – A few cloves for warmth and aroma.
- Chicken Broth – Homemade or store-bought, low-sodium preferred.
- Heavy Cream – The key to that luscious, silky finish.
- Butter and Flour – Form the roux that thickens the soup.
- Seasonings – Thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper for balance.
Optional Add-ins
- Corn or Peas – For a pop of color and sweetness.
- Bacon Crumbles – A smoky contrast that pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
- Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the soup for extra richness.
- Fresh Parsley or Chives – To brighten the final dish.
Step-by-Step to Creamy Perfection
Sauté the Vegetables
I start by melting the butter in my favorite heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once it sizzles, I add onion, carrots, and celery. The smell is instantly cozy like the beginning of something delicious. I cook them for about 5 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant.
Add Garlic and Make a Roux
I stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until it releases its aroma. Then I sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to coat the vegetables. This creates a light roux that gives the soup its gentle thickness.
Pour in the Broth and Simmer
Slowly, I pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. I scrape the bottom of the pot to release all those flavorful bits. Next, I add the diced potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. I bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and beginning to break apart.
Cook and Shred the Chicken
While the soup base simmers, I cook the chicken separately either seared in a pan for extra flavor or poached directly in the broth for convenience. Once cooked, I shred it and stir it back in. The chicken and potatoes together make the broth creamy and filling.
Finish with Cream
When the potatoes are soft and the flavors melded, I lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. The transformation is immediate the soup turns from golden to a soft ivory, thick and velvety. I season with salt and pepper to taste.
Taste, Adjust, and Serve
I remove the bay leaf, taste once more, and adjust if needed. Then I ladle it into bowls, top with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread. The first spoonful always tastes like home.
Ways to Make It Your Own
This soup is endlessly versatile, and I love switching things up depending on my mood.
- Chicken and Rice Soup – Replace the potatoes with cooked rice for a lighter texture. Stir it in just before serving.
- Chicken and Wild Rice Soup – Add cooked wild rice for a nutty, hearty variation that feels rustic and satisfying.
- Creamy Potato Soup – Leave out the chicken and double the potatoes for a simple vegetarian comfort bowl.
- Cream of Potato Soup – Blend half the soup for a silky finish while keeping some chunks for texture.
- Hamburger Potato Soup – Swap chicken for ground beef for a rich, savory twist.
- Add Some Heat – Stir in crushed red pepper or a pinch of cayenne for a cozy kick.
If you love creamy soups as much as I do, you might enjoy exploring a few of my other favorites. My tomato basil soup with grilled cheese croutons is the perfect mix of classic and playful. When I’m in the mood for something bold, I reach for my spicy ramen noodle soup for a quick flavor boost. For a veggie-packed meal, my hearty vegetable minestrone soup is always a hit, and when I’m craving something naturally sweet and creamy, butternut squash soup never fails to impress.
Bringing It All Together
Every spoonful of this chicken and potato soup feels like a moment of calm in the middle of a busy day. It’s warm, comforting, and made with love the kind of meal that brings everyone back to the table. I hope it becomes one of your go-to recipes whenever you need a simple, cozy dinner.
If you try it, let me know how it turns out or share your favorite twist. My kitchen is always open for new ideas and comforting inspiration.
