Name: My Grandma's Secret Chicken Potato Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1.5 pounds chicken thighs or breasts; 6 cups chicken broth; 4 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk

There’s something comforting about a pot of homemade chicken potato soup simmering away on the stove, especially when it’s passed down through generations. My grandma’s version was never written down, just whispered across the kitchen while she stirred with love and memory. It’s hearty, thick with chunks of potato and tender chicken, and touched with the simplest herbs that somehow bring the deepest flavors to life.

This isn’t your ordinary soup. It’s a bowlful of warmth on a cold evening, a way to feed a crowd with humble ingredients, and a dish that smells like home. Whether you serve it with crusty bread or just enjoy it solo, every spoonful of this creamy chicken potato soup is a trip back to simpler times.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Potato Soup

It’s rich without being heavy, filling without being too rich, and surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need fancy ingredients to pull off something that tastes like it took hours to prepare. It’s also incredibly forgiving—swap in extra veggies, make it creamier, or leave it broth-based. Either way, it delivers comfort in every bite.

Plus, it’s a budget-friendly meal that’s great for leftovers and even better the next day. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or planning ahead for the week, this soup covers all the bases.

What Kind of Chicken Works Best for This Soup?

While rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken can be a great shortcut, I find the flavor gets richer when you start with raw chicken. Skinless chicken thighs bring more flavor and tenderness, while chicken breasts keep it lean. For an extra level of flavor, browning the chicken first before adding it to the soup base gives you delicious golden bits that deepen the broth’s taste.

Ingredients for the Chicken Potato Soup

The beauty of this soup is how it transforms a handful of everyday ingredients into something heartwarming and soul-satisfying. Each ingredient plays its part in building the body, depth, and creaminess of this nostalgic bowl.

Chicken thighs or breasts
Yukon gold potatoes
Carrots
Celery
Yellow onion
Garlic
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or whole milk
Butter
Salt and black pepper
Fresh thyme or dried thyme
Bay leaf

My Grandma's Secret Chicken Potato Soup (1)

How To Make the Chicken Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots and cook until softened, about 6–8 minutes. Add the garlic and stir for another minute.

Step 2: Add the Chicken and Broth

Place your raw chicken into the pot, nestling it into the sautéed veggies. Pour in the chicken broth until everything is just covered. Toss in your thyme and bay leaf, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Simmer and Shred

Simmer the soup for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.

Step 4: Add the Potatoes

Add diced potatoes to the soup and continue simmering until they’re fork-tender, about 15 minutes. If needed, add more broth to maintain the desired consistency.

Step 5: Cream It Up

Stir in the cream or milk and adjust seasoning. Let the soup simmer another 5 minutes to bring all the flavors together.

How to Store and Serve Chicken Potato Soup

This recipe serves 6 to 8 hungry folks and is excellent for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stove or in the microwave. You can also freeze it, though if you’re using cream, the texture might change a bit once thawed—still tasty, just slightly less smooth.

Serve it piping hot with fresh herbs on top, a drizzle of olive oil, or even some shredded cheddar if you’re feeling indulgent.

What to Serve With Chicken Potato Soup?

Crusty Bread

A warm slice of sourdough or French baguette is the perfect dipper for this creamy soup.

Garden Salad

Add a refreshing crunch and a light contrast with a crisp salad dressed in vinaigrette.

Cheesy Garlic Biscuits

Warm, cheesy, and full of garlicky flavor—these are always a crowd-pleaser next to soup.

Roasted Veggies

Oven-roasted green beans or asparagus add color and texture to your meal.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Go classic with a grilled cheese sandwich on the side for the ultimate cozy combo.

Cornbread

Slightly sweet and crumbly, cornbread is another Southern-style pairing that works beautifully here.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If this cozy bowl hit the spot, check out these hearty and flavorful soups next:

• Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup for when you’re craving something rich and indulgent.
• Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup if you’re in the mood for Italian flair.
• Chicken Pot Pie Soup for that nostalgic comfort-in-a-bowl feel.
• Creamy Beef and Shells for a beefy switch-up with the same comfort.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for another creamy, filling dinner winner.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it whenever the craving hits.

And let me know in the comments—did you go for thighs or breast? Did you add anything extra like corn or peas? I love hearing how each kitchen puts its own spin on grandma’s classic.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food classics and wholesome soup ideas on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next bowl of warmth.