This Savory Ground Chicken Soup combines tender ground chicken with earthy mushrooms, hearty baby potatoes, and fresh spinach in a creamy broth. The blend of spices adds depth, making each spoonful comforting and satisfying.
Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a nourishing meal, this soup is easy to prepare and full of flavor. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and delightful meal.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 medium onion, finely diced
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1 tablespoon minced garlic
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2 pounds ground chicken (about 900 g)
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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0.5 pounds mushrooms, quartered (250 g)
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1/2 teaspoon salt or adjust to taste
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1 cup diced celery
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5 cups baby potatoes, quartered
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6 cups chicken broth or stock
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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2 bay leaves
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1 cup cream
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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4 cups baby spinach
Directions:
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In a large casserole pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the ground chicken to the pot. Season with cumin, paprika, and onion powder. Cook over medium-high heat until the chicken is browned, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the quartered mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
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Add the diced celery, quartered baby potatoes, chicken broth, and bay leaves to the pot. Cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender, approximately 10-12 minutes.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pot and bring to a boil to thicken the broth.
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Add the baby spinach to the pot, cover, and reduce heat. Let the spinach wilt for a few minutes.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 2100-2300 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Wholesome Bowl of Comfort
The Savory Ground Chicken Soup is more than just a hearty, warm dish—it’s a nourishing bowl of goodness that brings together flavor, nutrition, and convenience. With tender ground chicken, baby potatoes, and fresh spinach nestled in a creamy, well-seasoned broth, it offers the kind of comfort food experience that leaves you feeling satisfied and energized. Ideal for busy weeknights, chilly weekends, or when you’re simply craving something rich but wholesome, this recipe checks all the boxes for a fulfilling home-cooked meal.
Why Ground Chicken?
Ground chicken is an underrated protein that delivers in both flavor and texture. It’s lighter than beef or pork, yet just as filling. When cooked properly, it absorbs spices beautifully and brings a mildly savory base that complements vegetables and creamy broths well. It’s also leaner and healthier than many other protein options, making it perfect for those looking to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing taste. In this soup, it provides heartiness and substance, making the meal feel more complete.
The Role of Vegetables and Herbs
This soup isn’t just about the protein. It’s packed with vegetables that bring in texture, color, and nutritional value. Baby potatoes add that satisfying bite and starchy depth, while mushrooms offer umami richness. The addition of fresh baby spinach near the end of cooking not only brightens up the soup with a burst of green but also loads it with iron, fiber, and antioxidants. Meanwhile, aromatics like onions, garlic, and celery form the foundation of flavor, elevating the entire dish into something complex yet approachable.
The Creamy Factor Without Overindulgence
Many creamy soups rely heavily on butter, cheese, or full-fat creams to achieve that rich texture, but this recipe takes a more balanced approach. A moderate amount of cream combined with cornstarch adds silkiness to the broth without making it overly heavy. This not only keeps the calorie count reasonable but also ensures that the vegetables and ground chicken remain the stars of the dish, rather than being overpowered by the creaminess.
Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is how well it suits meal prepping. The soup stores beautifully in the fridge for several days and reheats well without losing its texture or flavor. The potatoes hold up surprisingly well, and the flavors deepen after a day or two. If you’re someone who likes to cook once and eat multiple times, this dish will quickly become a staple in your weekly rotation. It also freezes well—just be sure to cool it completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers.
Great for Picky Eaters and Families
Feeding a family or dealing with picky eaters can often be challenging, especially when trying to serve something healthy. This soup hits the sweet spot between indulgent and nutritious. The creamy texture and comforting flavors appeal to kids, while the use of fresh vegetables and lean protein satisfy more health-conscious adults. The mild spices are flavorful without being too bold, making it a universally friendly dish that everyone can enjoy.
Ways to Customize
This soup is a fantastic base for customization. You can swap the baby potatoes for sweet potatoes or cauliflower if you’re going low-carb. Want a dairy-free version? Coconut cream or almond milk makes a great substitute. Prefer a spicy kick? A dash of chili flakes or smoked paprika can turn up the heat. For those who prefer different proteins, ground turkey or even plant-based meat alternatives can easily be used in place of ground chicken. Add a handful of cooked pasta or rice to make it even heartier if you wish.
Pairing Ideas
Savory Ground Chicken Soup pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. A crusty artisan bread or a warm garlic baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. If you’re keeping it gluten-free, a simple side salad dressed with olive oil and lemon provides a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich for a cozy, diner-style meal. For a beverage, a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a soothing herbal tea makes an ideal complement.
Nutritional Highlights
This soup strikes a great balance between macronutrients and flavor. Ground chicken is a rich source of protein without being overly fatty. Spinach delivers vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron and fiber. The baby potatoes provide necessary carbohydrates and keep you full longer, while the mushrooms offer B vitamins and antioxidants. The light use of cream adds a dose of fat for satisfaction without overloading the dish. It’s a feel-good meal that actually nourishes your body while satisfying your taste buds.
Cooking Tips for Best Results
To bring out the best in this recipe, there are a few cooking tips to keep in mind. First, sauté your onions until they are deeply translucent to build a strong flavor foundation. Don’t rush the browning of the ground chicken—this caramelization adds incredible depth. If you’re using baby spinach, add it last and only let it wilt slightly to retain its nutrients and color. When adding cream and cornstarch, be sure to whisk them together beforehand to avoid clumps and ensure a silky finish.
Cultural and Seasonal Appeal
While this soup isn’t tied to a specific cuisine, it draws inspiration from comforting European-style chicken stews and chowders. It fits beautifully into any fall or winter menu when people crave warmth and nourishment. That said, it can be enjoyed year-round by simply adjusting the ingredients slightly—swap heavy cream for lighter milk options in summer, or incorporate fresh seasonal vegetables to make it more vibrant in spring.
Eco-Friendly and Budget-Friendly
In today’s economic climate, making affordable yet nutritious meals is more important than ever. This soup makes use of simple, accessible ingredients that don’t break the bank. Ground chicken is often cheaper than cuts of poultry or beef, and the vegetables used—onions, celery, spinach, and potatoes—are staples in most households. It’s also a great way to use up odds and ends in your fridge, making it an eco-friendly option that reduces food waste.
Conclusion
The Savory Ground Chicken Soup is a celebration of wholesome, everyday ingredients transformed into something truly comforting. It’s proof that a dish doesn’t need to be complex or time-consuming to be delicious. With its creamy texture, balanced nutrition, and customizable elements, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to over and over again. Whether you’re serving it to your family, preparing meals in advance, or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this soup offers warmth, nourishment, and satisfaction in every spoonful.
If you’re looking for a dependable, comforting, and healthy meal that feels indulgent but is actually quite smart, this soup deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.