Description

Looking for a quick and healthy, yet flavorful, meal in a bowl that is as comforting as a hug from Grandmaman? This Chicken, leek and potato soup is for you!

The aroma from the kitchen will call your family to the table. There is nothing more cozy on a cold day than this hearty soup.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tbsp of olive oil
1.2 lbs chopped boneless skinless chicken breast (or chicken thighs - it is your preference!)
1 shallot, chopped (a small white onion also works here)
3 cloves of garlic, chopped
4 stalks of celery, chopped
4 large carrots, chopped
2 leeks, chopped
1.5 pounds of potatoes (I used small russet potatoes however yukon gold potatoes work really well too)
4 cups of chicken broth
6 cups of water
1 star anise
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons of coarse French salt
Black pepper to taste
A few sprigs of fresh thyme, parsley or tarragon to garnish

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Instructions

In a dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat drizzle the olive oil
Place the chicken pieces in the pot and let sear until golden brown
After 3-4 minutes, stir with a rubber spatula and scrape up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan (this is where the flavor comes from!)
Add in the shallot and garlic and stir frequently, bringing the temperature down to medium heat.
Next add the chopped carrots, celery and leeks. Stir frequently until the leeks become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour in the chicken stock and the water.
Add in the chopped potatoes while the broth is still cool. Adding the potatoes while the broth is cool makes for a less starchy potato that holds up when cooking.
Toss in the full clove of star anise, the bay leaf and the salt and pepper.
Allow to simmer gently for 30 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf and the star anise clove.
Serve immediately topped with chopped fresh parsley, thyme sprigs or tarragon as is your preference. I recommend serving with Fresh baked baguette and some Camembert or Comté cheese.

Notes

Variations:

This soup is also delicious blended. Once fully cooked, blend until smooth with an immersion blender or in a food processor. Add in a cup of heavy cream or whole milk and blend again until you get the desired creamy texture. For a decadent spin you can top with bacon bits.

Leftover rotisserie chicken can be used instead of raw chicken. Simply brown the garlic and vegetables first, then add in the shredded chicken. A great way to use leftover chicken.

How to store Chicken, Leek & Potato Soup

Once the soup is cooled, it can be sealed in an airtight container and kept up to 4-5 days in the fridge.

I recommend immediately portioning off a couple small containers with individual portions and freezing them. I love having homemade soup in my freezer to reach for on a school night when I don't have time to cook or during a busy work from home day.