Almost Too-Easy Potato-Chicken-Cheese Soup

🥔🍗🧀🍲

The “Almost Too-Easy Potato-Chicken-Cheese Soup” is a hearty and delicious comfort food dish that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day. This soup is known for its creamy texture, rich flavors, and the combination of potatoes, chicken, and cheese. While there isn’t a specific historical origin attributed to this particular recipe, it is part of the broader tradition of potato-based soups that have been enjoyed in various forms for centuries.

Components:

1. Potatoes: The star ingredient, providing a hearty and starchy base to the soup.
2. Chicken: Adds protein and a savory flavor. You can use cooked and shredded chicken breasts or thighs.
3. Cheese: Typically, cheddar cheese is used for its sharp and creamy taste, but you can experiment with other cheese varieties for a unique twist.
4. Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth forms the liquid base of the soup, enhancing the flavor.
5. Vegetables: Onions, garlic, and sometimes carrots or celery are used for added depth and flavor.
6. Seasonings: Common seasonings include salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves.
7. Cream: For extra creaminess, you can add heavy cream or half-and-half.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prep the Ingredients: Peel and dice the potatoes, chop the onions, mince the garlic, and shred the cheese. If you’re using raw chicken, cook it separately (boil, bake, or grill) and then shred it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat some butter or oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.

3. Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in enough chicken or vegetable broth to cover them. Add your seasonings, such as salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender (usually around 15-20 minutes).

4. Blend or Mash: Depending on your preference, you can leave the soup chunky or use an immersion blender to partially or completely puree it. This step contributes to the creamy texture.

5. Add Chicken and Cheese: Once the potatoes are cooked, add the shredded chicken and cheese to the pot. Stir until the cheese is melted, and the chicken is heated through.

6. Creamy Finish: For an extra creamy touch, add heavy cream or half-and-half to the soup. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

7. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with more shredded cheese, chopped fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of paprika.

Time Needed:
The preparation time for this soup can vary depending on your cooking skills and the specific method you use, but it typically takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour from start to finish.

Enjoy your Almost Too-Easy Potato-Chicken-Cheese Soup! 🥣🧀🍗🥔🍲

Here are the approximate nutrition facts for a serving of the “Almost Too-Easy Potato-Chicken-Cheese Soup”:

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4-6g
  • Sugars: 3-5g
• Fat: 15-20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8-10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 70-90mg
• Sodium: 800-1000mg
• Vitamin A: 20-25% DV
• Vitamin C: 30-35% DV
• Calcium: 20-25% DV
• Iron: 10-15% DV

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. The soup is a source of protein, fiber, and various essential nutrients. However, it is relatively high in sodium and saturated fat, so it’s advisable to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions, it’s recommended to consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized advice.