“You’ll Never Guess the SECRET Ingredient in This Chicken Soup!”

A Kentucky mom’s surprising twist on chicken soup will leave you amazed—and craving more. It’s delish! 🌐 #News #LouisvilleKY #Kentucky #Food

LOUISVILLE, KY — In the rolling hills of Kentucky, where home cooking reigns supreme, Amanda Hensley, a mom of three, has spent over a decade perfecting her family’s chicken soup recipe. Known for her knack for comfort food, Amanda’s version of this classic dish has a secret weapon that’s both unexpected and brilliant. “It’s a little trick I picked up from my grandma, but I made it my own,” Amanda says with a grin.

The foundation is familiar: tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a slow-simmered broth. But it’s her secret ingredient—a dollop of creamy peanut butter—that transforms this soup into something extraordinary, adding a subtle richness that’s got everyone talking.

From Hidden Gem to Local Legend

Amanda’s chicken soup is the star of every potluck and family gathering she attends. Friends and neighbors can’t get enough, often piling their bowls high while trying to pinpoint what makes it so irresistible. “I used to get guesses like cinnamon or bourbon,” Amanda chuckles, “but when I tell them it’s peanut butter, their jaws drop!”

It’s not as wild as it sounds. The peanut butter melts into the broth, lending a nutty depth that complements the savory chicken and veggies without overpowering them. It’s a humble, pantry-staple twist that reflects Amanda’s resourceful Kentucky spirit.

A Cozy Bowl with a Clever Twist

For Amanda, this soup is more than just a meal—it’s a hug from home. “It’s what I make when my kids need cheering up or when the weather turns chilly,” she shares. The peanut butter, she explains, brings a layer of comfort that ties into her childhood memories of peanut butter sandwiches and hearty soups on cold days.

“It’s not about being fancy,” Amanda adds. “It’s about taking something simple and making it special.” The result is a velvety, soul-warming broth with a hint of nuttiness that keeps you spooning for more.

Amanda’s Kentucky Peanut Butter Chicken Soup Recipe

Amanda’s ready to let you in on her secret—here’s her full recipe, peanut butter and all, so you can bring a taste of Kentucky to your table.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), or 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
6 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (Amanda’s secret ingredient!)

Instructions:

Cook the Chicken: If using a whole chicken, place it in a large pot with the broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes until the chicken is tender. Remove, cool slightly, shred the meat, and discard skin and bones. If using pre-cooked chicken, skip to step 2.
Sauté the Veggies: In the pot (or a new one for shredded chicken), heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Simmer the Soup: Pour in the broth (or return it to the pot). Add shredded chicken, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the Secret: Stir in the peanut butter until it fully dissolves into the broth, about 1-2 minutes. Simmer for 15-20 minutes more to meld the flavors.
Serve: Remove the bay leaf, ladle into bowls, and enjoy hot—perfect with cornbread or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for extra flair.

Notes: Use natural, creamy peanut butter for the best texture—Amanda swears by it. Adjust the amount to taste; 2 tablespoons give a subtle nutty boost without turning it into peanut soup!

A Secret Worth Sharing

Amanda’s peanut butter chicken soup proves that the best recipes often come from a little creativity and a lot of heart. “It’s not about hiding it anymore,” she says. “I want people to try it and see how something so simple can be so good.” So, grab your spoon and dig into this Kentucky mom’s genius twist—you won’t believe what you’ve been missing.

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RELATED TOPICS: Food | Kentucky | Lifestyle