Chicken Potato Soup

This Chicken Potato Soup is a comfort food classic that brings warmth and flavor to any table. With its creamy texture, tender potatoes, and juicy chicken, it’s perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with family and friends. The addition of Turkey Bacon enhances the broth, making it rich and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this Chicken Potato Soup will surely become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Comfort: The half-and-half gives this soup its rich and velvety texture, making each spoonful delightful.
• Flavorful Depth: The Turkey Bacon adds a savory smokiness that elevates the entire dish without overpowering it.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand; this recipe is flexible and accommodating.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a large batch, ensuring you have leftovers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Chicken Potato Soup, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 4.5-quart soup pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Silicone spatula
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• 4.5-quart soup pot: Ideal for cooking large batches while allowing enough space for stirring without spills.
• Silicone spatula: Great for scraping the bottom of the pot to incorporate all those flavorful bits into your soup.

Ingredients

This Chicken Potato Soup recipe has a creamy and flavorful broth with Turkey Bacon, tender potatoes, juicy chicken, and the best seasonings.

Meat & Dairy

• 6 strips thick cut Turkey Bacon (plus 2 tbsp. Turkey Bacon drippings)
• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs)
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)

Vegetables

• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• ¾ cup carrots (diced)
• 2 ribs celery (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 ½ lbs. yukon gold potatoes (or red potatoes)

Pantry Staples

• Salt/Pepper
• 1-2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter (not needed if Turkey Bacon drippings are used)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup flour
• 5 cups chicken broth

Seasonings

• Green onions (to garnish)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon EACH: dried rosemary, oregano, mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

How to Make Chicken Potato Soup

Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon

Cook the Turkey Bacon in a 4.5-quart soup pot slowly over low heat. Cut it in half for even cooking. Measure out remaining ingredients while it cooks. Once done, set aside on a paper towel-lined plate and chop after cooling.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season each side of the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in the same pot over medium-high heat to sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. It’s okay if it’s still uncooked inside; it will finish cooking later. Let it rest before cutting into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Base of the Soup

Add reserved Turkey Bacon drippings back into the pot over medium heat. Use a silicone spatula to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 4: Incorporate Flavorings

Mix in minced garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and all seasonings. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Thicken with Flour

Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture and cook for about 2 minutes until it loses its raw smell.

Step 6: Add Broth & Cream

Gradually add chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Follow with half-and-half using the same method to ensure smoothness.

Step 7: Add Potatoes & Chicken

Peel potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes before adding them to the soup base. Bring everything to a boil then reduce heat to simmer. Reintroduce cooked chicken along with any juices from resting; cover partially until potatoes are fork-tender—about 20 minutes.

Step 8: Final Touches & Serve

Lower heat again before mixing in shredded cheese until melted. Stir in half of chopped Turkey Bacon; save some for garnishing bowls later! Top with green onions before serving hot.

Enjoy your deliciously creamy Chicken Potato Soup!

How to Serve Chicken Potato Soup

Chicken Potato Soup is best enjoyed warm, allowing the creamy and flavorful broth to comfort and satisfy. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Chopped parsley or dill can brighten up the soup’s flavors while adding a fresh aroma.

Serve with Crusty Bread

• A slice of sourdough or whole grain bread provides a great texture contrast and is perfect for dipping.

Top with Cheese

• Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving for an indulgent touch of creaminess.

Include a Side Salad

• A light garden salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpart to the rich Chicken Potato Soup.

Garnish with Green Onions

• Chopped green onions add color and a mild onion flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

Pair with Crackers

• Serve some crunchy crackers on the side for added texture and a bit of crunch in every bite.

How to Perfect Chicken Potato Soup

Creating the ideal Chicken Potato Soup requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for a delicious result.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor profile significantly.
• Adjust seasoning gradually: Taste as you go, adding more salt, pepper, or spices in small increments.
• Allow it to simmer: Letting the soup simmer allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Choose quality chicken broth: A rich, well-flavored broth will make all the difference in your soup’s taste.
• Avoid overcooking potatoes: Check for doneness frequently; you want fork-tender potatoes without them falling apart.
• Experiment with cheeses: Try different cheese varieties like gouda or pepper jack for unique flavor twists.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Potato Soup

Enhance your meal by pairing Chicken Potato Soup with complementary side dishes. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread
   Perfectly toasted garlic bread is ideal for dipping and adds robust flavor to your meal.

2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce paired with creamy dressing and croutons offers a refreshing crunch alongside the soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized makes for a healthy, flavorful side.

4. Cornbread Muffins
   Soft and sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast to the savory soup.

5. Steamed Broccoli
   Lightly steamed broccoli maintains its vibrant color and nutrients while complementing the creamy soup nicely.

6. Potato Wedges
   Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make an enjoyable side that echoes the main ingredient in your soup.

7. Coleslaw
   A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness that balances out the richness of the soup.

8. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate and adds a sweet finish to your comforting meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes can help you create the perfect Chicken Potato Soup. Here are some common pitfalls:

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your soup properly can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
• Not sautéing vegetables enough: Undercooking your onions, carrots, and celery can result in a less flavorful broth. Sauté until they are soft to enhance the soup’s taste.
• Ignoring potato sizes: Cutting potatoes into uneven pieces can cause them to cook inconsistently. Aim for uniform, bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
• Adding cheese too early: If you add cheese too soon, it may clump instead of melting smoothly. Stir it in at the end when the soup is off the heat.
• Rushing the cooking process: Cooking chicken too quickly can make it tough. Sear gently and allow it to simmer slowly for tenderness.
• Not letting it rest before serving: Serving immediately can affect flavor development. Letting it sit for a few minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Chicken Potato Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Chicken Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls for 2-3 minutes on high, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Chicken Potato Soup that may help you:

Can I make Chicken Potato Soup without Turkey Bacon?

Yes, you can omit Turkey Bacon if desired. Use butter or olive oil for flavor instead.

How do I thicken my Chicken Potato Soup?

To thicken your soup, stir in more flour or use a slurry of cornstarch mixed with water as it simmers.

What type of chicken should I use?

You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs according to your preference.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like peas or corn for extra nutrition and flavor.

How long does this Chicken Potato Soup last?

In the refrigerator, this soup lasts 3-4 days; if frozen, enjoy within 3 months.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Potato Soup is creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep throughout the week. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch!