Growing up, chicken soup in our house always came from a can. My mom would pour it into a pot, add some water, and call it dinner. Don’t get me wrong – I loved it! But the first time I tasted my mother-in-law’s homemade chicken soup with chunks of potato, I realized what I’d been missing all those years.
Now I make this soup at least twice a month, especially during cold season. It’s really not complicated – just chicken, vegetables, and potatoes simmering together in broth. My kids actually cheer when they smell it cooking, which makes all the chopping and stirring worth it.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Soup
Quick comfort food – Ready in less than an hour, this soup delivers all the comfort of a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
One-pot meal – Everything cooks in a single pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Budget-friendly ingredients – Made with basic pantry staples and common vegetables you probably already have, this soup won’t break the bank.
Filling and nutritious – Packed with lean protein from chicken, vegetables, and potatoes, this soup makes a complete meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.
Great for meal prep – This soup reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch the next day or for busy weeknight dinners.
What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?
For a hearty soup like this, you’ll want to use waxy potatoes that hold their shape when cooked in liquid.
Yukon Gold potatoes are my go-to choice since they have a buttery flavor and won’t turn to mush in your soup, but red potatoes are another great option.
If you’re using russet potatoes, be extra careful not to overcook them as they tend to break down more quickly.
When prepping your potatoes, try to cut them into evenly-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces) so they cook at the same rate and stay intact in your soup.
Options for Substitutions
This cozy soup recipe is pretty adaptable and here’s how you can switch things up:
Chicken breast: You can easily swap chicken breast with thighs – they actually add more flavor! Or use leftover rotisserie chicken, just add it towards the end since it’s already cooked.
Fresh herbs: No fresh rosemary or thyme? Use dried herbs instead – just use 1/2 teaspoon each since dried herbs are more concentrated. For parsley, you can skip it or use dried parsley if that’s what you have.
Milk: Feel free to use any milk you prefer – whole, 2%, or plant-based options like unsweetened almond or oat milk. Just note that lower-fat options might make the soup slightly less creamy.
Cheddar cheese: You can use regular cheddar, Colby, or Monterey Jack. If you’re avoiding dairy, there are dairy-free cheese options, though they might not melt as smoothly.
Potatoes: Any potato variety works here – russet, red, or Yukon gold. You could even try sweet potatoes for a different twist!
Chicken broth: Store-bought or homemade both work great. You can also use vegetable broth, just add a bit more seasoning since chicken broth typically has more flavor.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest challenge when making chicken soup is rushing the cooking process – letting your vegetables and aromatics cook slowly in the beginning creates a flavorful base that makes all the difference in your final soup.
Another common mistake is overcooking the chicken breast, which can become dry and stringy; instead, remove the chicken when it reaches 165°F and shred it before adding it back to the soup.
When it comes to the potatoes, cutting them into uneven sizes will result in some being overcooked while others remain firm – aim for uniform, bite-sized pieces about 1-inch cubed.
For the creamiest texture, make sure to gradually whisk in the flour and milk to prevent lumps from forming, and add the cheese at the very end, stirring until just melted to avoid a grainy texture.
What to Serve With Chicken Soup?
This hearty chicken soup is practically a meal on its own, but a few simple sides can make it even better!
A warm, crusty baguette or some homemade buttermilk biscuits are perfect for soaking up all that tasty broth.
If you want to add some greens to your meal, try a simple side salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
For something extra cozy, you can’t go wrong with a classic grilled cheese sandwich cut into strips for easy dunking – the melty cheese pairs so well with the creamy soup base.
Storage Instructions
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