Savory Ground Chicken Soup How to Master Flavor in 6 Steps

This Savory Ground Chicken Soup transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into extraordinary comfort food experiences. Picture this: it’s a chilly Tuesday evening, and you’re standing in your kitchen wondering how to create something both nourishing and satisfying from simple ingredients.
This hearty soup delivers exactly that – a bowl brimming with tender ground chicken, creamy broth, and vibrant vegetables that will have your family asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Last winter, I found myself craving something more substantial than traditional chicken noodle soup but didn’t want the hassle of dealing with whole chicken pieces. That’s when this ground chicken soup recipe was born in my kitchen. The beauty lies in its simplicity – ground chicken cooks faster than chunks or whole pieces, making this perfect for busy weeknights when time is precious.
What truly sets this soup apart is the creamy, well-seasoned broth that coats every spoonful. The combination of earthy mushrooms, tender baby potatoes, and fresh spinach creates layers of flavor and texture that satisfy both kids and adults. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash – always a win in my book! Explore more quick & easy recipes here for additional weeknight inspiration.
Ingredients List
This comforting soup comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious meal:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Medium onion, finely diced | 1 |
| Minced garlic | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground chicken | 2 pounds (about 900 g) |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Mushrooms, quartered | 0.5 pounds (250 g) |
| Salt (or adjust to taste) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Diced celery | 1 cup |
| Baby potatoes, quartered | 5 cups |
| Chicken broth or stock | 6 cups |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Cream | 1 cup |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons |
| Baby spinach | 4 cups |
The magic happens when these simple ingredients come together in one pot. The ground chicken provides lean protein while the baby potatoes add heartiness, and the fresh spinach brings a pop of color and nutrients to every bowl. Find more healthy recipe ideas here to expand your dinner rotation with nutritious, family-friendly options.
Step-by-Step Directions
Creating this Savory Ground Chicken Soup is surprisingly straightforward, requiring just one pot and about 45 minutes from start to finish. Follow these detailed steps to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the ground chicken to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season with cumin, paprika, onion powder, and salt. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink.

Step 3: Add the quartered mushrooms and diced celery to the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and the celery begins to soften.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and add the quartered baby potatoes, black pepper, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the soup to create a creamy, thickened broth. Simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Step 6: Remove the bay leaves and stir in the fresh baby spinach. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Exact Timing to make Savory Ground Chicken Soup
This efficient recipe timeline ensures your soup is ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners:
- Prep time: 15 minutes (chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients)
- Cooking onion and garlic: 4 minutes
- Browning ground chicken: 8 minutes
- Sautéing mushrooms and celery: 5 minutes
- Simmering with potatoes: 20 minutes
- Adding cream and final touches: 5 minutes
- Total time: 42 minutes
Nutritional Information
This Savory Ground Chicken Soup provides excellent nutritional value, offering a well-balanced combination of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential vitamins. Each serving delivers substantial nutrition while remaining relatively moderate in calories.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1.5 cups) | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 385 | 19% |
| Total Fat | 18g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 95mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 720mg | 31% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 24g | 9% |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g | 14% |
| Total Sugars | 6g | – |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Vitamin A | 2,890 IU | 58% |
| Vitamin C | 28mg | 31% |
| Iron | 4.2mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 1,145mg | 24% |
The high protein content makes this soup particularly satisfying, while the baby spinach contributes significant amounts of vitamin A, iron, and folate. The baby potatoes provide sustained energy through complex carbohydrates, and the mushrooms add valuable B vitamins and selenium.
Healthier Alternatives
Transform your Savory Ground Chicken Soup into an even more nutritious meal with these smart ingredient swaps and modifications that maintain the delicious flavor while boosting health benefits.
| Original Ingredient | Healthier Alternative | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy cream (1 cup) | Coconut milk or Greek yogurt (3/4 cup) | Reduces saturated fat, adds probiotics |
| Baby potatoes (5 cups) | Cauliflower florets (3 cups) + sweet potatoes (2 cups) | Lowers carbs, increases fiber and beta-carotene |
| Regular ground chicken | Lean ground chicken breast (93/7) | Reduces fat content by 30% |
| Vegetable oil (2 tbsp) | Olive oil or avocado oil (1 tbsp) | Provides healthy monounsaturated fats |
| Regular chicken broth | Low-sodium organic bone broth | Reduces sodium, adds collagen and minerals |
| Cornstarch (2 tbsp) | Arrowroot powder (1.5 tbsp) | Easier to digest, paleo-friendly |
| Baby spinach only | Spinach + kale + Swiss chard mix | Increases vitamin K, antioxidants |
For those following specific dietary plans, consider these adaptations: use zucchini noodles instead of potatoes for keto dieters, substitute coconut cream for dairy-free needs, or add white beans for extra fiber and plant-based protein. Explore more quick & easy recipes here for additional healthy meal inspiration that the whole family will love.
Serving Suggestions
Bread Pairings: Serve your Savory Ground Chicken Soup alongside crusty sourdough bread, warm dinner rolls, or homemade cornbread for the ultimate comfort food experience. The bread helps soak up the creamy broth and makes the meal even more satisfying. For a healthier option, try whole grain crackers or toasted multigrain bread.
Fresh Garnishes: Elevate each bowl with thoughtful toppings that add both flavor and visual appeal. Consider fresh chopped parsley, a dollop of sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, or a sprinkle of paprika. Fresh herbs like thyme or chives also complement the earthy flavors beautifully.
Side Salad Combinations: Balance the richness of the soup with a light, crisp salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette. This combination creates a well-rounded meal that satisfies without feeling too heavy, making it perfect for year-round enjoyment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Ground Chicken: The most frequent error when making Savory Ground Chicken Soup is cooking the ground chicken too long, which results in dry, tough pieces. Cook the chicken just until it’s no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently to break it into uniform pieces. The chicken will continue cooking in the simmering broth.
Adding Dairy Too Quickly: Rushing the cream addition can cause the soup to curdle and separate. Always mix the cornstarch with cream thoroughly before adding, and stir it into the soup slowly while the heat is on medium-low. This gradual incorporation ensures a smooth, creamy texture throughout.
Underseasoning the Base: Many home cooks forget to season each layer of the soup as they build it. Season the chicken while browning, taste the broth before adding cream, and always do a final seasoning check before serving. Remember that potatoes absorb a lot of salt, so you’ll likely need more seasoning than you initially think.
Storing Tips
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Savory Ground Chicken Soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after the first day as the ingredients meld together. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened too much during storage.
Freezing Guidelines: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months, though the cream may separate slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, whisking to recombine any separated cream.
Reheating Best Practices: Always reheat the soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from breaking. If the soup appears too thick, thin it with additional broth or water. Avoid microwaving large portions, as this can cause uneven heating and texture issues with the creamy base.
FAQs
Can I make Savory Ground Chicken Soup ahead of time?
Yes, this Savory Ground Chicken Soup is excellent for meal prep and actually tastes better the next day. Prepare the soup completely, let it cool, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight. When reheating, do so gently over low heat and add a splash of broth if needed to restore the desired consistency.
What can I substitute for ground chicken in Savory Ground Chicken Soup?
Ground turkey makes an excellent 1:1 substitute in this Savory Ground Chicken Soup, offering similar texture and cooking time. Ground beef (85/15 lean) works well too, though you may want to drain excess fat after browning. For a lighter option, try ground turkey breast, but watch carefully to avoid overcooking as it can become dry quickly.
How do I prevent my Savory Ground Chicken Soup from becoming too thick?
To control the thickness of your Savory Ground Chicken Soup, start with less cornstarch (1 tablespoon instead of 2) and add more if needed. Always mix cornstarch with cream before adding to prevent lumps. If your soup becomes too thick during storage, simply thin it with warm chicken broth when reheating, stirring until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I make Savory Ground Chicken Soup in a slow cooker?
While this Savory Ground Chicken Soup is designed for stovetop cooking, you can adapt it for a slow cooker. Brown the chicken, onions, and garlic on the stovetop first, then transfer to your slow cooker with remaining ingredients except cream and cornstarch. Cook on low for 6 hours, then stir in the cream mixture during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Ground Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This savory ground chicken soup is creamy, hearty, and full of flavor. A one-pot recipe made with ground chicken, baby potatoes, and spinach—ready in under an hour. Perfect for recipes ground chicken, recipes soup, and recipes quick and easy dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 pounds (900 g) ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ pound (250 g) mushrooms, quartered
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 5 cups baby potatoes, quartered
- 6 cups chicken broth or stock
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup cream
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 cups baby spinach
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with cumin, paprika, onion powder, and salt. Cook 6–8 minutes until no longer pink.
- Stir in mushrooms and celery. Cook 4–5 minutes until mushrooms soften.
- Pour in chicken broth, add potatoes, black pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk cream and cornstarch. Slowly stir into soup to thicken. Simmer 3–4 minutes more.
- Remove bay leaves, add spinach, and stir until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of cream. Substitute ground turkey for chicken if preferred. This soup reheats beautifully and makes excellent leftovers for lunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: ground chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, one pot dinner, recipes ground chicken, recipes soup, recipes quick and easy







