Easy and Comforting chicken ham and Potato Soup

This Easy and Comforting chicken ham and Potato Soup is a delightful dish that embodies warmth and satisfaction in each spoonful. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this soup is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor. With tender potatoes, hearty chicken, and creamy goodness, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for hectic evenings.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of chicken and potatoes creates a rich and soothing flavor profile that warms the heart.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or spices for a unique twist every time.
• Healthy Option: Low in calories yet filling, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies hunger without weighing you down.
• Feeding a Crowd: This recipe serves five people, making it perfect for family meals or gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools can make cooking this soup a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A spacious pot allows all ingredients to cook evenly without overcrowding.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, reducing prep time significantly.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious soup, gather the following ingredients:

For the Soup Base

• 3 1/2 cups (about 2 large) russet potatoes, peeled and diced medium
• 1 1/2 cups (9oz) cooked honey chicken ham, diced medium
• 1/2 cup celery, diced small
• 1/2 cup onion, diced small
• 4 cups (2 15oz cans) chicken broth

For the Creamy Mixture

• 5 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup and 1 tablespoon (44g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk, (any percentage)

Seasonings

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt

How to Make Easy and Comforting chicken ham and Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into medium-sized pieces. Chop the celery and onion into small dice. This preparation helps ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced celery and onion. Sauté until they are translucent, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth

Stir in the diced potatoes followed by the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10–12 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together flour with milk until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the pot while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

Step 5: Incorporate Chicken Ham

Add the diced chicken ham to the pot along with black pepper and salt to taste. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm! It pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How to Serve Easy and Comforting chicken ham and Potato Soup

Serving this easy and comforting chicken ham and potato soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to make your meal even better.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Parsley or Chives: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor to the soup.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Baguette or Sourdough: Serve the soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping. It complements the creamy texture perfectly.

Include a Side Salad

• Mixed Greens: A light mixed greens salad with vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.

Top with Cheese

• Shredded Cheddar or Parmesan: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor that melts beautifully into the warm soup.

Serve in Bread Bowls

• Edible Bowls: For a fun twist, serve your soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an edible serving dish that’s perfect for guests.

How to Perfect Easy and Comforting chicken ham and Potato Soup

To make your easy and comforting chicken ham and potato soup even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables give your soup vibrant flavors and nutrients. Always choose firm potatoes and crisp celery.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preferences for optimal flavor balance.

• Simmer Slowly: Allowing the soup to simmer gently helps meld the flavors together beautifully, creating a rich taste.

• Blend for Creaminess: If you prefer a smoother texture, blend part of the soup before serving. This will create a creamy consistency without using too much cream.

• Garnish Creatively: Use toppings like crispy shallots or avocado slices for added texture and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Easy and Comforting chicken ham and Potato Soup

Complement your easy and comforting chicken ham and potato soup with these delicious side dishes. They add variety to your meal while keeping it simple.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth of the soup.

2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings crunch and tanginess that contrasts nicely with the creamy soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables add both color and nutrition. Simply toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.

4. Stuffed Peppers: Savory stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa can be a hearty side that pairs well with the soup.

5. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful sweetness that complements savory dishes like this soup.

6. Potato Wedges: Baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs offer an extra potato fix while being crispy on the outside.

7. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing offers healthful grains that balance out the richness of the soup.

8. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a touch of elegance along with vibrant color to your meal presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• A common mistake is skipping the prep work. Make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready before you start cooking to ensure a smooth process.
• Another error is not measuring ingredients accurately. Use measuring cups and spoons to get the right amounts, which helps achieve the best flavor and texture.
• Overcooking the potatoes can lead to mushy soup. Cook just until they are tender but still hold their shape for a better consistency.
• Don’t forget about seasoning your soup properly. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the dish.
• A frequent oversight is neglecting to stir frequently while cooking. Stirring helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking throughout.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in the container.

Freezing Easy and Comforting chicken ham and Potato Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Easy and Comforting chicken ham and Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between intervals.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until thoroughly heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Easy and Comforting chicken ham and Potato Soup healthy?
This soup is packed with nutritious ingredients like potatoes, celery, and chicken broth, making it a low-calorie meal option that is both hearty and satisfying.

Can I customize Easy and Comforting chicken ham and Potato Soup?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots or peas, or even swap out chicken for turkey for a different flavor profile.

How long does Easy and Comforting chicken ham and Potato Soup last in the fridge?
The soup will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I use other types of meat in this soup?
Yes! Feel free to substitute chicken with beef or lamb if you’d prefer a different taste.

Is this Easy and Comforting chicken ham and Potato Soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This soup stores well, making it perfect for meal prepping ahead of time.

Final Thoughts

This Easy and Comforting chicken ham and Potato Soup is not just a quick meal; it’s also versatile enough for any occasion. With options to customize it according to your preferences, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Try it today!