Chicken Potato Soup

This Chicken Potato Soup is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a chilly evening or a family gathering. The creamy broth combines tender potatoes and juicy chicken, creating a satisfying meal that everyone will love. With the addition of Turkey Bacon, this soup delivers a rich flavor without compromising on your dietary needs. It’s a delicious way to enjoy hearty ingredients while keeping things light and wholesome.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Comfort: The smooth, rich texture of the soup makes it incredibly comforting and satisfying.
• Flavor Packed: Infused with savory seasonings and Turkey Bacon drippings, this soup bursts with flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or as a starter for your dinner parties, making it suitable for various occasions.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, even novice cooks can whip up this delightful soup.
• Nutritious Choice: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, this recipe is as nutritious as it is delicious.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Chicken Potato Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can greatly enhance your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly while allowing enough space for all ingredients.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and safe chopping of vegetables and meats.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements help maintain the right balance of flavors in your recipe.
• Silicone spatula: Ideal for scraping the pot clean, ensuring you maximize flavor from all ingredients.

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 over low heat until crispy.
• Once cooked, place on paper towels to drain excess fat; reserve drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
• Heat olive oil over medium-high heat; sear chicken until golden brown on each side (about 3 minutes).
• Remove from heat, let rest for 10 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Base of the Soup

• Add reserved Turkey Bacon drippings back to the pot over medium heat.
• Sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery for about five minutes until softened.

Step 4: Add Flavors

• Stir in minced garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings to combine.

Step 5: Thicken the Soup

• Sprinkle flour into the pot; cook for two minutes until raw flour smell dissipates.

Step 6: Pour in Broth

• Gradually add chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps; do same with half & half.

Step 7: Add Potatoes & Chicken

• Peel potatoes; cut into cubes. Add them along with seared chicken back into the pot.
• Bring to boil; reduce heat to simmer until potatoes are fork-tender (about 20 minutes).

Step 8: Final Touches

• Lower heat; mix in shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
• Stir in half of chopped Turkey Bacon; reserve other half for garnish.

How to Serve Chicken Potato Soup

Serving Chicken Potato Soup can be a delightful experience, enhancing the comforting flavors of the dish. Here are some creative suggestions for how to serve this hearty soup.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Pair your soup with slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: Serve garlic bread on the side for an extra kick of flavor.

Topped with Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for added freshness and crunch.
• Extra Cheese: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese right before serving for a cheesy finish.

In Bread Bowls

• Edible Bowls: Hollow out small loaves of bread to create fun and edible bowls that hold your soup perfectly.

Accompanied by Salads

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad pairs well with the richness of Chicken Potato Soup.
• Garden Salad: A light garden salad adds freshness and balances the creamy soup.

How to Perfect Chicken Potato Soup

Perfecting your Chicken Potato Soup takes just a few thoughtful steps. Follow these tips to elevate your soup-making skills.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor profile significantly.
• Control the Heat: Keep the heat low when simmering to avoid overcooking the chicken and potatoes.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; adding salt or spices can dramatically improve flavor at different stages.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking lets flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Potato Soup can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some excellent options.

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing, this crispy sandwich complements the creamy soup perfectly.
2. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast to the savory soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide colorful nutrition and balance out the meal.
4. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges add texture and are great for dipping into your soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers are hearty enough to complement any bowl of Chicken Potato Soup.
6. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad brings brightness and variety to your meal, making it feel complete.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Potato Soup can be a joy, but certain mistakes can hinder your perfect bowl. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold ingredient substitutions: Using the wrong type of broth or seasonings can alter the flavor. Stick with chicken broth for a rich taste and adjust spices to your liking.
• Bold overcooking potatoes: If you cook the potatoes too long, they may turn mushy. Check for tenderness about 20 minutes into simmering to ensure they hold their shape.
• Bold not checking seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can lead to bland soup. Always taste before serving and add salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
• Bold skipping the browning step: Not searing the chicken can result in less flavor. Always sear your chicken first for a golden crust that enhances the soup’s richness.
• Bold ignoring ingredient prep: Cutting vegetables unevenly can lead to inconsistent cooking. Make sure all pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken Potato Soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Chicken Potato Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; just leave room for expansion.

Reheating Chicken Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through, about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in short bursts (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chicken Potato Soup.

What is Chicken Potato Soup?

Chicken Potato Soup is a creamy dish made with tender chicken, potatoes, vegetables, and seasonings that create a rich and flavorful broth.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute turkey or beef for chicken if you prefer different flavors or have leftovers you’d like to use up.

How do I make Chicken Potato Soup thicker?

To thicken your soup, you can add more flour during cooking or use cornstarch mixed with cold water as a thickening agent.

Can I make Chicken Potato Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better after sitting for a day, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.

Is Chicken Potato Soup healthy?

This recipe provides balanced nutrition with protein from chicken and fiber from vegetables and potatoes, making it a wholesome meal option.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Potato Soup recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings according to personal preferences. Try this comforting dish today!