Chicken Potato Soup

This Chicken Potato Soup is a comforting blend of creamy broth, tender potatoes, and juicy chicken, making it perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Its rich flavor comes from delicious seasonings and the addition of Turkey Bacon, creating a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Serve it as a hearty lunch or a cozy dinner, and enjoy the delightful warmth it brings to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of Turkey Bacon and spices creates a savory broth that enhances every bite.
• Creamy Texture: The half and half adds a luxurious creaminess that makes this soup irresistible.
• Easy to Customize: You can adjust the vegetables and seasonings to suit your family’s preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch ahead of time for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This soup is sure to impress family and friends with its hearty ingredients and delightful taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Chicken Potato Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Silicone spatula
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Ideal for cooking large quantities and allows room for stirring without spilling.
• Chef’s knife: Provides precision when chopping vegetables, ensuring even cooking throughout the soup.

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 Broth

• 6 strips thick cut Turkey Bacon (plus 2 tbsp. Turkey Bacon drippings)
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs)
• Salt/Pepper to taste
• 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
• ¼ cup flour
• 1 ½ lbs. yukon gold potatoes (or red potatoes), peeled and cubed
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 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 until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside on paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pot.

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 chicken for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. It’s fine if it’s not fully cooked through at this stage.

Step 3: Prepare Vegetables

Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 4: Add Garlic & Seasonings

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

Step 5: Incorporate Flour

Sprinkle flour into the mixture and cook for another 2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour scent.

Step 6: Add Broth & Cream

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

Step 7: Add Potatoes & Simmer

Add cubed potatoes to your soup mix. Bring it to a boil then reduce heat to simmer until potatoes are fork-tender, about 20 minutes.

Step 8: Finish With Cheese

Lower heat further before mixing in shredded cheese until melted. Stir back in half of the chopped Turkey Bacon for extra flavor.

Step 9: Serve

Garnish each bowl with remaining Turkey Bacon bits and green onions before serving hot! Enjoy your warm bowl of Chicken Potato Soup!

How to Serve Chicken Potato Soup

Serving Chicken Potato Soup is a delightful experience that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. You can enhance the dining experience with a few creative suggestions.

With Crusty Bread

• A slice of crusty bread or a baguette pairs beautifully, perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.

With Fresh Salads

• A light, crisp salad adds refreshing crunch. Consider a simple green salad with vinaigrette or a Caesar salad for contrast.

Topped with Cheese

• Sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top just before serving for added creaminess and flavor.

Garnished with Green Onions

• A sprinkle of sliced green onions not only adds color but also a fresh taste that complements the soup well.

With a Side of Crackers

• Serve some crunchy crackers on the side for texture, making each bite more enjoyable.

How to Perfect Chicken Potato Soup

Making the perfect Chicken Potato Soup is all about enhancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out wonderfully every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs elevate the taste and aroma of your soup.
• Cook slowly: Allowing the soup to simmer gently melds the flavors together beautifully.
• Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more flour or blend a portion of the potatoes.
• Taste as you go: Season throughout the cooking process to achieve the best flavor balance.
• Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite spices or herbs to customize the flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Potato Soup can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread
   Warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of delicious soup.
2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy dressing offers a delightful contrast to the warmth of the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables bring extra nutrition and vibrant colors to your meal.
4. Cornbread Muffins
   Sweet cornbread muffins provide a comforting sweetness that complements the savory soup perfectly.
5. Stuffed Peppers
   Flavorful stuffed peppers can serve as a hearty side dish that pairs well with creamy soups.
6. Potato Wedges
   Crispy potato wedges add another layer of potato goodness while providing satisfying crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes will help you make the best Chicken Potato Soup. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold chicken or broth can affect cooking time and texture. Always bring ingredients to room temperature before cooking.
• Overcooking the potatoes: If potatoes are cooked too long, they can become mushy. Check for doneness by piercing with a fork; they should be tender but hold their shape.
• Not seasoning properly: Failing to adjust seasonings can lead to bland soup. Taste as you go and add salt, pepper, or herbs gradually for optimal flavor.
• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing vegetables builds flavor through caramelization. Don’t rush this step—allow the onions, carrots, and celery to soften before adding other ingredients.
• Using low-quality broth: The broth is a key component of Chicken Potato Soup. Use high-quality chicken broth for a richer taste; homemade is even better!
• Neglecting garnishes: Garnishes enhance both flavor and presentation. Don’t forget to top your soup with green onions or extra Turkey Bacon for added texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Chicken Potato Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Chicken Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Chicken Potato Soup that may help you in your cooking process.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute turkey or beef if desired. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on meat type.

What can I add for more flavor?

Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves during cooking for extra depth of flavor.

How do I make Chicken Potato Soup dairy-free?

You can substitute half-and-half with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free version.

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Absolutely! Red potatoes or russets work well in this recipe. Each type will give a slightly different texture.

How do I thicken my Chicken Potato Soup?

If your soup is too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering soup until thickened.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Potato Soup is creamy, hearty, and perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors combined with tender chicken and potatoes make it a favorite among family meals. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences!