Cozy Hearty Chicken & Potato Chowder Recipe for Comfort

A warm bowl of Hearty Chicken & Potato Chowder can instantly wrap you in a cozy blanket of flavors. Imagine the rich aroma wafting through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table, eager for a taste of comfort. The creamy goodness, punctuated by tender chicken and hearty potatoes, is like a hug in soup form.

This chowder isn’t just about filling your belly; it’s about creating memories. Picture this: rain tapping against the window, laughter echoing in the room as family and friends relish every spoonful. Perfect for chilly evenings or casual get-togethers, this dish promises to make any gathering feel special.

I remember the first time I made this chowder; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it. Their delighted expressions said it all!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
• Potatoes: Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for creaminess and richness.
• Onion: A medium yellow onion adds sweetness and depth to the chowder.
• Carrots: Fresh carrots lend a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
• Celery: Diced celery contributes crunch and a fresh flavor balance.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness better.
• Cream or Milk: Heavy cream gives a luxurious texture; milk is lighter but still delicious.
• Thyme and Bay Leaves: Fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all other flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Hearty Chicken & Potato Chowder

Start by prepping your ingredients: Dice the onions, chop the carrots and celery, and cube those glorious potatoes. Having everything ready makes cooking smoother.

Sautéing Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and toss in your diced onion. Sauté until they turn translucent and release their sweet aroma. Next, add garlic—nothing beats that garlicky goodness.

Add Vegetables: Stir in chopped celery and carrots; let them cook until softened slightly. This step builds a flavorful base that will enhance your chowder’s depth.

Cook Chicken: Add cubed chicken breasts to the pot; season with salt and pepper. Cook until they are no longer pink on the outside; this usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Add Potatoes and Broth: Toss in cubed potatoes along with chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil; then reduce heat so it simmers gently—about 20 minutes should do it!

Create Creaminess: Once your potatoes are fork-tender, stir in cream or milk gradually. Keep stirring until everything is combined beautifully—this is where magic happens!

Add Seasoning: Finally, throw in thyme and bay leaves. Allow it all to simmer together for an additional 5-10 minutes before tasting—adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Now you have yourself an irresistible Hearty Chicken & Potato Chowder! Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for dipping—trust me; it elevates this experience from great to unforgettable! Enjoy every creamy spoonful!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then sauté onions and garlic for flavor before adding potatoes and broth. Cook until tender for the best texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in sweet potatoes for a twist or add corn for sweetness. Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can elevate the flavors beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Sharing a pot of this chowder with friends after a chilly day was pure joy; their smiles as they slurped it down were priceless!

FAQ

Can I make Hearty Chicken & Potato Chowder in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare this chowder ahead of time, allowing the flavors to deepen overnight in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving, adding extra broth if necessary.

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs adds richness and tenderness compared to breasts. They hold up well during cooking and enhance overall flavor in your chowder.

Can I freeze Hearty Chicken & Potato Chowder?

Yes! Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers and store them for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove.

How can I make this chowder vegetarian-friendly?

Swap out chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth while keeping all other ingredients as is.

Conclusion for Hearty Chicken & Potato Chowder

In summary, this Hearty Chicken & Potato Chowder is a comforting dish that’s simple yet impressive. By following key cooking techniques, personalizing it with your favorite ingredients, and mastering storage methods, you’ll create a meal that’s sure to warm hearts and bellies alike. Enjoy making it as much as you’ll enjoy devouring every spoonful!

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Hearty Chicken & Potato Chowder

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Hearty Chicken & Potato Chowder is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chicken and creamy potatoes in a rich, savory broth. This cozy dish warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings. Bursting with flavor and easy to prepare, it transforms everyday ingredients into a memorable meal that everyone will love. Serve this chowder with crusty bread or crackers for an unforgettable dining experience.

• Author: Cathy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prep all ingredients: dice onions, chop carrots and celery, and cube potatoes.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté diced onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in chopped celery and carrots; cook until slightly softened.
4. Add cubed chicken breasts; season with salt and pepper. Cook until no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Add cubed potatoes and chicken broth; bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 20 minutes.
6. Once potatoes are fork-tender, stir in heavy cream gradually until combined.
7. Add thyme and bay leaves; allow to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: For added sweetness, consider incorporating corn or sweet potatoes. If desired, substitute chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.