Heartwarming Chicken Potato Soup

$Cooking a great chicken soup with potatoes starts with fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 medium potatoes, diced - 3 carrots, sliced - 2 celery stalks, chopped - 6 cups chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh kale, chopped - Fresh parsley for garnish These ingredients make a rich and hearty soup. The chicken thighs add tenderness, while potatoes give it a satisfying bite. Fresh herbs bring out the flavors, and the kale adds a nice touch of color and nutrition. Use good-quality chicken broth for a deeper taste. Each item plays a role in creating that warm, comforting bowl of soup. {{ingredient_image_1}} Browning the chicken Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken thighs. Cook until they turn brown, which will take about 5 to 7 minutes. This step adds great flavor. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside. Sautéing onion and garlic In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onion is soft and clear, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds a nice base for your soup. Adding vegetables and broth Next, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the pot. Stir well to mix everything together. Then, pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. This will help the flavors combine. Simmering and seasoning After boiling, return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat to let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. This allows the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld. Final touches with kale After simmering, add the chopped kale to the soup. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the kale wilts. This adds color and nutrients to your soup. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Don't forget to remove the bay leaf before serving. - Choosing the right chicken Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They cook well and stay juicy. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs add great flavor. - Fresh vs. dried herbs Fresh herbs give a bright taste. If you use dried herbs, use less, as they are stronger. For this soup, thyme and rosemary work well either way. - Adjusting texture and flavor Want a thicker soup? Mash some potatoes in the pot. If you like it thinner, add more broth. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. - Common mistakes to avoid Don’t rush the browning of the chicken. This step adds depth. Also, avoid overcooking the vegetables; they should be soft but still hold shape. Lastly, season gradually. You can always add more salt and pepper! Pro Tips Choose the Right Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs adds flavor and keeps the meat tender. You can also use chicken breasts for a leaner option. Enhance the Flavor: Sautéing the onions and garlic in the pot before adding the other ingredients builds a flavorful base for your soup. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like peas or corn for added texture and nutrition. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Storage Tips: This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers for up to 3 months. {{image_2}} You can make your chicken soup unique with some fun changes. Here are some ideas: - Different herbs and spices: Try adding fresh basil or dill. These herbs add a nice twist to the flavor. You can also use smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. - Alternative vegetables: Swap out potatoes for sweet potatoes or butternut squash. You can add green beans or peas for extra color and crunch. Each choice brings its own taste. - Adding grains or pasta: For a heartier soup, mix in some cooked rice, quinoa, or small pasta like orzo. These grains make the soup more filling. Just be sure to adjust the broth as needed. - Making it creamy: If you love creamy soup, stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk at the end. This gives a rich texture and makes every bite feel special. Feel free to explore these variations. They let you create a soup that fits your taste perfectly. Enjoy your cooking adventure! Refrigerating leftovers After enjoying your chicken soup, cool it down first. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Freezing tips If you want to save some soup for later, freezing is a great choice. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. The soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheating instructions When you're ready to enjoy the soup again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Heat it on the stove over low heat. Stir often to ensure even warming. You can also use a microwave. Just heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Shelf life considerations If stored properly, the soup can last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. In the freezer, it stays good for about 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or changes in color. Can I use breast instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breast. It will be leaner, but may dry out faster. Thighs add more flavor and stay juicy. If you prefer breast, cook it just until done. How can I make it gluten-free? To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free chicken broth. Check labels on all ingredients. Fresh vegetables are naturally gluten-free, so you’re safe with those. What is the nutritional value? This soup is packed with nutrients. Each serving provides protein from chicken, fiber from veggies, and vitamins from kale. It is low in calories and high in flavor, making it a healthy choice. Can I add beans or lentils? Absolutely! Adding beans or lentils will boost protein and fiber. Canned beans can go in during the last 10 minutes. If using lentils, add them early to cook through. In this blog post, we explored how to make a hearty chicken soup. You learned about key ingredients like chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and herbs. We reviewed step-by-step cooking instructions, shared helpful tips, and discussed variations to spice up your soup. Finally, we covered the best storage practices to keep it fresh. A warm bowl of chicken soup brings comfort and joy. Now, you can confidently create your own delicious version. Enjoy every sip!$

Heartwarming Chicken Potato Soup

A comforting and hearty soup made with chicken, potatoes, and vegetables.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium potatoes, diced
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
6 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 leaf bay leaf
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup fresh kale, chopped
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken thighs and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, around 3-4 minutes.
Add the diced potatoes, carrots, and celery to the pot, stirring well to combine.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Return the browned chicken to the pot and add the thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Add the chopped kale to the soup and cook for an additional 5 minutes until wilted.
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, removing the bay leaf before serving.

Notes

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Keyword chicken, comfort food, potato, soup