This Chicken Potato Soup recipe is a comforting dish perfect for chilly days or family gatherings. With a creamy broth and tender chunks of chicken and potatoes, it’s an easy and satisfying meal that everyone will love. The use of Turkey Bacon adds a unique flavor, making it stand out from other soups. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting Flavor: The creamy texture combined with hearty ingredients creates a warm and inviting dish.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, you can whip up this soup in under an hour.
Versatile Ingredients: Substitute or add your favorite vegetables to customize the soup to your taste.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze for later.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will appreciate the rich flavors and satisfying nature of this soup.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting, gather your tools to streamline the cooking process. Having everything ready will make preparing this Chicken Potato Soup even easier.

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 larger quantities, ensuring even heating and blending of flavors.
Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping ingredients quick and safe.
Silicone spatula: Great for scraping the sides of the pot without damaging it, helping maximize flavor extraction.

Ingredients

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

6 strips thick cut Turkey Bacon (plus 2 tbsp. Turkey Bacon drippings)
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs)
Salt/Pepper
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)
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup flour
5 cups chicken broth
1 cup half and half
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 until crispy. Once cooked, set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve about two tablespoons of drippings for added flavor later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about three minutes per side until golden brown. It does not need to be fully cooked yet as it will finish cooking in the soup. Let it rest before cutting into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Add the reserved Turkey Bacon drippings back into the pot over medium heat. Use a silicone spatula to scrape any remnants from cooking. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to soften for about five minutes.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Stir in minced garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and all seasonings. Mix everything well before adding flour to cook for another two minutes.

Step 5: Add Broth and Potatoes

Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps from forming. Then do the same with half-and-half. Peel Yukon gold potatoes (or red) and cut them into cubes before adding them to the soup mixture.

Step 6: Simmer

Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to simmer partially covered for about twenty minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 7: Finish with Cheese

Lower heat further before sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese into the soup, mixing until melted. Stir in half of your chopped Turkey Bacon bits; reserve some for garnishing when serving.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious bowl of Chicken Potato Soup!

How to Serve Chicken Potato Soup

Serving Chicken Potato Soup is a delightful experience, perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. The creamy texture and rich flavors make it a versatile dish that pairs well with various accompaniments.

With Fresh Bread

Crusty Artisan Bread: Serve slices of warm, crusty artisan bread for dipping into the soup.
Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor enhances the soup’s taste and adds a crunchy texture.

Topped with Garnishes

Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh crunch.
Shredded Cheese: Add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.

Accompanied by Salads

Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the soup’s richness.
Garden Salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.

How to Perfect Chicken Potato Soup

To elevate your Chicken Potato Soup, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.

Use Quality Broth: A good-quality chicken broth enriches the overall taste of the soup.
Sauté Vegetables Well: Properly sautéing onions, carrots, and celery will deepen the flavor base.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste your soup as it cooks and adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or hot sauce to your preference.
Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
Add Cheese at the End: Stir in cheese at low heat to ensure it melts smoothly without clumping.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Potato Soup enhances your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

Crusty Baguette: A warm baguette provides the perfect vehicle for savoring every bite of soup.
Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: These fluffy biscuits add a cheesy twist that complements the creamy soup nicely.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring additional nutrients and vibrant colors to your meal.
Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can serve as a hearty side that pairs well with the soup’s richness.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds sweetness and freshness, balancing out the savory flavors of the soup.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a crunchy contrast that enhances the overall dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Potato Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.

Not seasoning properly: Failing to season the chicken and vegetables can lead to bland soup. Always season each layer as you cook.
Overcooking the potatoes: Cooking the potatoes for too long can make them mushy. Add them when the broth is boiling and simmer until fork-tender.
Skipping the browning step: Not searing the chicken and turkey bacon can result in a lack of depth in flavor. Take time to brown these ingredients well before adding liquids.
Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Adding cold ingredients into a hot pot can lower the temperature drastically. Allow refrigerated items to come to room temperature before incorporating.
Using low-quality broth: A good broth is key for a delicious soup. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken broth for the best flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keeps well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Chicken Potato Soup

Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
Can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Chicken Potato Soup

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer soup into an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat for about 25-30 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if needed to adjust consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Chicken Potato Soup:

What is Chicken Potato Soup?

Chicken Potato Soup is a creamy and hearty dish made with chicken, potatoes, vegetables, and spices that create a comforting meal.

Can I make Chicken Potato Soup without Turkey Bacon?

Yes! You can substitute Turkey Bacon with extra butter or simply omit it altogether for a lighter version while still enjoying great flavor.

How long does Chicken Potato Soup last?

When stored properly, this soup lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months if frozen.

How do I thicken Chicken Potato Soup?

If you want your soup thicker, you can add more flour during cooking or incorporate mashed potatoes after cooking.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your soup by adding vegetables like corn, peas, or green beans according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Potato Soup offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes it perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting seasonings. Try this recipe today for a comforting meal that everyone will love!