I love cooking almost as much as I love eating. But the mountain of dirty pots, pans, and utensils afterward? That’s my culinary kryptonite. If you’ve ever stared down a sink full of dishes after a lovely meal, you and I are kindred spirits.
That’s why I’m utterly devoted to one-pot wonders. And this recipe for Creamy Chicken Potato Soup – One-Pot Cozy Meal is my absolute favorite. It delivers maximum comfort with a minimum of cleanup, making it a weeknight hero. If you’re looking for another comforting breakfast option, you should try our decadent Coconut Crunch Macaroon French Toast.
Imagine a rich, creamy broth, tender chunks of potato, and perfectly cooked chicken. Now imagine enjoying it knowing you only have one pot to wash. It’s the feeling of a home-cooked meal without the dreaded aftermath.
Recipe Overview
Here’s a quick snapshot of what we’re making today. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
The Magic of a One-Pot (or One-Pan) Meal
I remember the first time I made a true one-pot meal; it felt like I had discovered a secret cheat code for life. The flavors all build and meld together in one vessel, creating an incredible depth you just can’t get from a disjointed cooking process.
But the real magic happens after you’ve eaten your fill. Instead of an intimidating tower of cookware, you’re left with a single, easy-to-clean pot. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights and lazy Sundays alike.
All You Need (One Pot & These Ingredients)
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to soup success. I love how the humble potato transforms into something so luxurious and satisfying.
Creamy Chicken Potato Soup – One-Pot Cozy Meal Recipe
The Full Ingredient List
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Creamy Chicken Potato Soup – One-Pot Cozy Meal Recipe!
Nutrition Information
You’ll need one large soup pot or Dutch oven. That’s it! We’re going to sauté, simmer, and create creaminess all in that one trusty pot. The ingredients are simple, wholesome, and likely already in your kitchen.
The Full Ingredient List
Here is everything you’ll need to make this cozy classic. I promise, it’s a straightforward list.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
PREPARATION
Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy soup and a remarkably clean kitchen. I’ve included my little tricks to keep splatter and mess to an absolute minimum. For another hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners, don’t miss our savory Italian Porcini Pot Roast.
- Heat the olive oil in your large pot over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot. Cook until it’s golden brown on all sides. This first step builds a flavor foundation right in the pot.
- Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. You’re already building layers of flavor without pulling out another pan.
- Now, add the cubed potatoes, chicken broth, and dried thyme. Give everything a good stir, making sure to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Those bits are pure flavor gold!
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. The lid keeps everything contained and cooking evenly.
- Once the potatoes are soft, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, just until the spinach has wilted and the soup is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Pro-Tips for Perfect One-Pot Cooking
Over the years, I’ve learned a few secrets that make one-pot cooking even more successful. These small adjustments make a huge difference in the final dish.
First, use the right size pot. A pot that’s too small will lead to messy boil-overs. A pot that’s too large can cause liquids to evaporate too quickly. A 5-6 quart Dutch oven is the perfect vessel for this recipe.
Resist the urge to stir constantly! Let the ingredients cook and develop a fond (those browned bits) on the bottom of the pot. You’ll deglaze it with the broth later, which is where the magic happens. Trust the process.
Storing & Reheating (Easy!)
This soup is fantastic for meal prep. I often make a double batch to ensure I have cozy lunches for the week.
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and become even more delicious!
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge, you can add a splash of broth or cream to thin it to your desired consistency. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Notes
This soup is not only comforting but also packs a nutritious punch. It’s a balanced meal all on its own.
- High in Protein: Thanks to the lean chicken breast.
- Rich in Vitamins: Potatoes and spinach provide essential nutrients.
- Comforting Carbs: Potatoes offer energy and make the soup filling.
- Customizable: You can use half-and-half for a lighter version.
If you enjoy this comforting soup, you’ll love exploring other global flavors like our aromatic Slow Cooker Chicken Pho Vietnamese Soup Bowl for another delicious one-pot meal experience.
Your One-Pot Questions, Answered
I get a lot of questions about this recipe. Here are answers to the most common ones to ensure your soup is a triumph.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! Yukon Golds are my favorite for their buttery texture, but russet potatoes will also work well. Just note that russets can break down a bit more, creating a thicker, starchier soup.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
You can easily make a dairy-free version. Simply substitute the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk. It adds a lovely creaminess and a very subtle, sweet flavor that works beautifully with the chicken and potatoes.
My soup is too thin. How can I thicken it?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you have a couple of easy fixes. You can mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot with a fork. Alternatively, create a quick slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the simmering soup.
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. It’s proof that you don’t need a pile of dishes to create a meal that feels like a warm hug.
So go ahead, whip up a batch, and reclaim your evening. Enjoy all that flavor (and your clean kitchen!). Let me know how it went by leaving a comment and rating below!
