Chicken Potato Soup

This Chicken Potato Soup is a delightful blend of creamy broth, tender chicken, and hearty potatoes. Perfect for cozy nights or gatherings, this soup will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it’s an ideal dish for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The creamy broth and tender ingredients create a soothing experience with every spoonful.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you’ll have this delicious soup ready in no time.
• Versatile: Customize the soup by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for serving at gatherings, this recipe yields multiple servings, making it great for feeding a group.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vegetables and protein, this soup is not only tasty but also nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Chicken Potato Soup efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment on hand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Silicone spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: A spacious pot allows you to cook all ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
• Cutting board & knife: Essential for safely chopping vegetables and preparing chicken.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
• Silicone spatula: Great for scraping up bits from the bottom of the pot while preventing scratches on non-stick surfaces.

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)

Seasonings & Broth

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup flour
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half

For Texture & Flavor

• 1 ½ lbs. yukon gold potatoes (or red potatoes)
• 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 slowly over low heat. Cut the bacon in half for even cooking. As it cooks, measure out the remaining ingredients. Once cooked, set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to cool before chopping. Reserve 2 tablespoons of Turkey Bacon 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 each side of the chicken until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. It’s fine if it’s not fully cooked; it will finish cooking in the soup. Let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Soup Base

Add reserved Turkey Bacon drippings back to 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; toss to coat and soften for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Mix in Garlic & Seasonings

Add minced garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings to the pot. Stir well to combine everything evenly.

Step 5: Incorporate Flour

Sprinkle in flour while stirring continuously for about 2 minutes until it loses its raw smell.

Step 6: Add Broth & Half-and-Half

Gradually add chicken broth in small splashes while stirring continuously. Follow by adding half-and-half in a similar manner until fully integrated into the mixture.

Step 7: Add Potatoes & Simmer

Peel Yukon Gold potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes before adding them to the soup. Bring everything to a boil then reduce heat to simmer gently until potatoes are fork-tender—about 20 minutes.

Step 8: Finish with Cheese

Lower heat further if you choose to add cheese; stir in shredded cheddar until melted smoothly into the soup base. Mix in half of chopped turkey bacon now; reserve remaining bacon for garnishing later.

Step 9: Serve & Garnish

Once ready, ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with green onions along with leftover turkey bacon bits as garnish before enjoying!

How to Serve Chicken Potato Soup

Chicken Potato Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

With Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked bread complements the creamy soup, allowing you to soak up every last drop.

Topped with Green Onions

• Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for an added crunch and burst of flavor.

With a Side Salad

• A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

Garnished with Cheese

• Add extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for a melty, indulgent treat.

Served in Bread Bowls

• For a fun twist, serve your Chicken Potato Soup in hollowed-out bread bowls that add flavor and texture.

How to Perfect Chicken Potato Soup

To make your Chicken Potato Soup even better, consider these helpful tips for achieving the perfect bowl every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
• Adjust thickness: If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
• Let it simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer develops deeper flavors. Aim for at least 20 minutes after adding potatoes.
• Season wisely: Taste and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper towards the end of cooking for optimal flavor balance.
• Store properly: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Potato Soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options!

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a refreshing touch with its crisp romaine and tangy dressing.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a healthy and flavorful contrast to the soup.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms bring a delightful bite that complements the rich flavors of the soup.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins pair wonderfully with this hearty dish, offering a sweet contrast.
6. Cheese Quesadillas: Crispy cheese quesadillas serve as an excellent finger food alongside your warm bowl of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Potato Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final dish.

• Using low-quality ingredients: Always choose fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh chicken and quality vegetables make a noticeable difference.
• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing onions and vegetables enhances their flavors. Don’t rush this part; it adds depth to your soup.
• Not seasoning properly: Seasoning throughout the cooking process is crucial. Taste as you go to ensure balanced flavors in your Chicken Potato Soup.
• Overcooking the potatoes: Be careful not to overcook the potatoes; they should be fork-tender but not mushy. Add them at the right time for the best texture.
• Ignoring texture variety: Add other vegetables or use different types of potatoes for texture. This can elevate your soup from ordinary to extraordinary.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken Potato Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Potato Soup

• Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months. Label with the date for reference.

Reheating Chicken Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between sessions.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Chicken Potato Soup.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute turkey or beef for chicken in this Chicken Potato Soup recipe. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the meat used.

Is Chicken Potato Soup healthy?

Chicken Potato Soup can be a nutritious option when made with wholesome ingredients like fresh vegetables and lean meats. It’s filling and comforting!

How do I customize my Chicken Potato Soup?

Feel free to add different vegetables like peas or corn or use sweet potatoes instead of Yukon gold. Experimenting with spices can also enhance flavor!

What makes this Chicken Potato Soup creamy?

The creaminess comes from half-and-half combined with flour that thickens the broth, creating a rich and satisfying texture.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Potato Soup is not only creamy and delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep!