Chicken Potato Soup

This Chicken Potato Soup is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it promises to warm you up on chilly days or serve as an inviting meal for family gatherings. This recipe highlights tender potatoes, juicy chicken, and the delightful taste of Turkey Bacon, making it a standout option for your next soup night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of half and half with chicken broth creates a velvety base that enhances all the ingredients.
• Easy to Make: This soup comes together quickly with straightforward steps, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: With 11 servings, this Chicken Potato Soup is great for leftovers, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal throughout the week.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the potatoes, this soup will satisfy your hunger.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. The following equipment will make preparing this Chicken Potato Soup efficient and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Silicone spatula
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: A spacious pot allows you to cook all the ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
• Sharp knife: Ensures safe and precise cutting of vegetables and chicken, saving prep time.
• Silicone spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the pot while mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

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

For the Base

• 6 strips thick cut Turkey Bacon (plus 2 tbsp. Turkey Bacon drippings)
• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs)
• Salt/Pepper

For Cooking

• 1-2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter (not needed if Turkey Bacon drippings are used)
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• ¾ cup carrots (diced)
• 2 ribs celery (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

For Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup flour

For Liquid Ingredients

• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half

For Adding Heartiness

• 1 ½ lbs. yukon gold potatoes (or red potatoes)
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)

For Garnish

• 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 large soup pot over low heat. Cut each strip in half to ensure even cooking. While it’s cooking, measure out your other ingredients. Once done, place it on a paper towel-lined plate to cool before chopping. Reserve 2 tablespoons of drippings.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in the same pot over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on each side, about 3 minutes per side. It’s okay if it’s not fully cooked yet; it will finish cooking in the soup.

Step 3: Build Your Soup Base

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

Step 4: Add Flavors & Thickeners

Stir in minced garlic along with hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another minute before adding flour; stir continuously for about 2 minutes until flour is well combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Broth & Dairy

Gradually add chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Follow with half and half using a similar method until fully integrated.

Step 6: Add Potatoes & Chicken

Peel potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes before adding them into your pot along with seared chicken pieces. Bring everything to a boil then reduce heat to simmer until potatoes are fork-tender—about 20 minutes.

Step 7: Finish & Serve

Lower heat again before adding shredded cheese into the mix; stir until melted. Add half of chopped Turkey Bacon into your soup now while reserving some for garnish later. Top each bowl with green onions before serving hot!

How to Serve Chicken Potato Soup

This Chicken Potato Soup is a hearty meal that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped parsley or cilantro: Sprinkle fresh herbs over each bowl for a burst of color and freshness.
• Thyme sprigs: Add a few sprigs of thyme for an aromatic touch that complements the soup’s flavors.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty baguette: Serve with slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping into the creamy broth.
• Garlic bread: Pair with garlic bread for a flavorful side that adds a nice crunch and taste contrast.

Topped with Cheese

• Extra cheddar cheese: Top each bowl with additional shredded cheddar for gooey goodness.
• Crumbled feta cheese: Add feta for a tangy flavor that enhances the creamy soup.

Garnished with Vegetables

• Sliced green onions: Use chopped green onions as a vibrant garnish that adds crunch and flavor.
• Diced tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes on top can add a refreshing element to the rich soup.

How to Perfect Chicken Potato Soup

Creating the perfect Chicken Potato Soup involves careful preparation and attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your soup is delicious every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the overall flavor of your soup, making it taste more vibrant.
• Don’t rush the browning process: Allow the chicken and vegetables to develop a nice golden color; this adds depth to the soup’s flavor.
• Adjust seasoning gradually: Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and spices in small amounts for better control over flavor balance.
• Let it simmer adequately: Allowing the soup to simmer helps all flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a richer broth.
• Experiment with toppings: Try various toppings like avocado or crispy chickpeas for added texture and nutritional value.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Potato Soup can turn your meal into a feast. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Garden Salad: A light garden salad made with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
2. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a comforting complement, perfect for dipping in your hearty soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots and Brussels sprouts add texture and nutrition alongside the soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa make for an filling side that pairs well with the soup’s flavors.
5. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs create an enjoyable crunch that mirrors the potato elements in the soup.
6. Cheese Quesadillas: Simple cheese quesadillas cut into triangles can serve as a fun finger food alongside your warm bowl of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Potato Soup can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Overcooking the Chicken – Cooking chicken for too long can result in dry meat. Sear it just until golden; it will finish cooking in the soup.
• Skipping the Turkey Bacon – Omitting Turkey Bacon may lead to less flavor. If you want a lighter version, consider using olive oil and butter for richness.
• Not Cleaning the Pot Properly – Failing to scrape up browned bits from the pot may lead to uneven flavors. Always use a spatula to incorporate those remnants into your soup.
• Ignoring Seasoning Levels – Under-seasoning can make your soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust salt and spices according to your preference.
• Adding Potatoes Too Early – If you add potatoes before the broth is simmering, they may not cook evenly. Wait until you reach a boil before adding them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Chicken Potato Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion as it freezes.

Reheating Chicken Potato Soup

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop – Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making Chicken Potato Soup, here are some common questions answered.

Can I use other meats in Chicken Potato Soup?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or beef for different flavors while keeping the creamy broth intact.

How do I thicken Chicken Potato Soup?

You can thicken it by adding more flour while cooking or using a cornstarch slurry mixed with water.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves, or spices such as smoked paprika for a twist on traditional flavors.

How long does Chicken Potato Soup last in the fridge?

It lasts about 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Potato Soup is not only creamy and comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings. Try it today and discover how delicious homemade soup can be!