There’s something about a bowl of creamy garlic chicken and potato soup that wraps you in warmth from the inside out. Rich and velvety without being heavy, this soul-satisfying recipe blends tender chicken thighs, hearty vegetables, and a creamy, garlicky broth into a nourishing meal that tastes like home. Whether you’re curled up on a chilly evening or feeding a hungry crowd, this soup delivers the kind of comfort that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
Unlike most creamy soups that rely on loads of cream or flour, this one uses blended potatoes and Greek yogurt for a texture that’s luxuriously smooth, yet surprisingly light. One spoonful and you’ll understand why this dish is destined to be on repeat.
Print
Creamy Garlic Chicken and Potato Soup That’s Pure Comfort in a Bowl
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This creamy garlic chicken and potato soup is a nourishing, cozy meal that combines tender chicken thighs, golden potatoes, and fresh vegetables in a velvety yogurt-based broth. Comforting and rich without being heavy, it’s a perfect one-pot dinner option for any night of the week.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter or additional olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1½ teaspoons salt, divided
½ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon dried oregano
2 large carrots, peeled and diced into ½-inch pieces
1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch pieces
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
½ cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1½ cups frozen peas
1 cup frozen riced cauliflower
Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, ½ teaspoon of the salt, and ¼ teaspoon of the black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring often, until the onion begins to soften.
2. Add the rosemary, oregano, carrots, potatoes, and chicken broth to the pot. Gently place the chicken thighs into the liquid, making sure they are fully submerged.
3. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Once cool enough to handle, cut it into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
5. Continue simmering the soup for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender.
6. Carefully scoop about 2½ cups of the soup—mostly potatoes with some broth—into a blender or large measuring cup. Add the yogurt and Worcestershire sauce, then blend until completely smooth.
7. Stir the blended mixture back into the pot to create a creamy base. Add the chopped chicken, frozen peas, frozen riced cauliflower, remaining salt, and remaining black pepper. Stir well and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until everything is heated through.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, use olive oil in place of butter and substitute with unsweetened plant-based yogurt.
To make it gluten-free, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free certified.
Blending the soup before adding peas and cauliflower helps keep the color vibrant and the texture smooth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soups & Stews
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Why This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Potato Soup Stands Out
Rich, hearty flavors without heavy cream
Many creamy soups rely on dairy-heavy ingredients to achieve that thick, luscious texture, but this creamy garlic chicken and potato soup takes a smarter approach. Instead of cream, it uses a clever blend of Yukon gold potatoes and tangy Greek yogurt to create a rich consistency without the extra fat. You still get the velvety mouthfeel of a traditional cream soup, but with more balance—and fewer regrets.
Wholesome ingredients that nourish and satisfy
Every spoonful is packed with good-for-you ingredients like carrots, peas, cauliflower, and protein-rich chicken thighs. It’s a meal in itself—no sides necessary. These simple additions elevate the soup from a basic bowl to a nutrient-dense dish that will leave you feeling full and satisfied, not sluggish.
A balanced bowl: protein, fiber, and comfort in every bite
This recipe doesn’t just aim for comfort—it hits a nutritional sweet spot too. With 24 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and just 262 calories per serving, it’s a great option for anyone looking to eat healthfully without sacrificing flavor. The peas and cauliflower add fiber and vitamins, while the yogurt brings probiotics to the table.
Building Flavor From the Base Up
The power of garlic and aromatics
At the heart of this soup is a base of sautéed onions and garlic cooked gently in a combination of olive oil and butter. These aromatic ingredients lay the groundwork for the entire dish, creating a savory, fragrant foundation that makes the soup feel slow-simmered even though it comes together in under an hour.
Chicken thighs: juicy, tender, and perfect for soup
Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures juicy, flavorful bites in every spoonful. Thighs are less prone to drying out during simmering, which makes them ideal for soups. They absorb the broth’s flavor beautifully and become ultra-tender after just a short cook time.
How herbs and seasoning bring depth to each spoonful
A medley of dried rosemary and oregano, combined with well-timed layers of salt and pepper, adds a rustic, earthy flavor to the broth. These herbs do more than just season—they infuse every vegetable and bite of chicken with cozy, familiar warmth. It’s the kind of subtle flavor that builds as the soup simmers, rewarding every extra minute on the stove.
The Secret to a Perfectly Creamy Texture Without Cream
Blending potatoes and yogurt for silky richness
One of the cleverest tricks in this creamy garlic chicken and potato soup is blending a portion of the potatoes with Greek yogurt and some broth. This not only thickens the soup naturally but also gives it a smooth, luxurious body without any dairy-heavy base. The result is a creamy texture that coats your spoon without weighing you down.
Why Greek yogurt beats heavy cream for healthy comfort
Swapping heavy cream for Greek yogurt cuts back on saturated fat while adding a subtle tang that keeps the soup from tasting flat. It also contributes protein and probiotics, making the meal even more nourishing. The creamy consistency still shines, but it’s lighter and more modern—ideal for those who want comfort food with a health-conscious twist.
The role of Worcestershire sauce in adding umami
A dash of Worcestershire sauce might seem like a small thing, but it’s a game-changer. This pantry staple adds just the right amount of umami and complexity, enhancing the savoriness of the broth without overpowering the other ingredients. It’s that hidden layer of depth that keeps people guessing why your homemade soup tastes so much better than store-bought versions.
Boosting Nutrition With Smart Add-ins
Frozen peas and their sweet, vibrant finish
Peas might be small, but their impact is big. Added near the end of cooking, they maintain a tender snap and subtle sweetness that brightens the entire bowl. Their vibrant green color also makes the soup look as fresh as it tastes, proving that frozen veggies deserve a permanent spot in your kitchen.
Riced cauliflower for body and hidden veggies
Cauliflower rice blends seamlessly into the soup, boosting both texture and nutrition without changing the flavor. It thickens the broth slightly and adds a gentle bite that mimics small grains—perfect for making the soup heartier without added carbs. And because it’s riced, it practically disappears into the base, ideal for picky eaters.
Parsley and toppings that brighten the bowl
A final sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley isn’t just garnish—it adds a clean, herbal finish that lifts the whole dish. It balances the creaminess with a hint of freshness and gives the presentation a pop of color that makes your bowl feel restaurant-worthy.
How to Store and Reheat Creamy Garlic Chicken and Potato Soup
Fridge storage tips to keep flavors fresh
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. In the fridge, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Since it’s made without heavy cream, it holds up well and doesn’t separate the way traditional cream soups sometimes do.
The best way to reheat without curdling
When reheating, use low to medium heat and stir frequently to maintain that creamy consistency. Avoid boiling, which can cause the yogurt to split. A splash of broth or water can help loosen the texture if it thickens too much after sitting in the fridge.
Freezer-friendly? Here’s what you need to know
This soup can be frozen, but for best results, freeze it before adding the yogurt. Just skip the blending step, cool, and store in freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw, reheat gently, then stir in the yogurt and blend for that final creamy finish.
Common Chicken Soup Questions, Answered
What are common mistakes when making chicken soup?
One of the biggest mistakes is overcooking the chicken, which can leave it dry and stringy. Using chicken thighs helps avoid this, but timing still matters. Another mistake is under-seasoning—remember to layer your salt and spices early and taste often as you go. Finally, skipping aromatics like garlic and onion leads to a flat, bland broth.
How long can you keep cream of chicken soup in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, this soup can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat gently and always check for changes in smell or texture before serving. The yogurt-based creaminess holds up much better than traditional dairy-based versions.
Can you make this soup dairy-free or gluten-free?
Yes, easily. To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with more olive oil and use a plant-based yogurt alternative like unsweetened coconut yogurt. Since the soup is naturally gluten-free, no other changes are needed—just be sure your Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free.
Conclusion: A Comfort Food Classic Reimagined
This creamy garlic chicken and potato soup is everything you want in a comfort meal—warm, hearty, flavorful—but with a modern, health-forward twist. By using smart swaps like Greek yogurt and blended vegetables, you get all the creaminess without the weight, making this soup a feel-good favorite for any night of the week.
Whether you’re warming up after a long day or feeding a table full of hungry mouths, this recipe delivers big on comfort without cutting corners on nutrition. And once you’re hooked, there’s a whole world of nourishing soups waiting for you. Try the creamy chicken zoodle soup for a low-carb variation, or cozy up with a bowl of tomato basil gnocchi soup for a tangy, satisfying change.
One taste of this soup and you’ll understand—comfort food doesn’t have to come at a cost.
For more successful recipes, you can visit our Pinterest account