Chicken Potato Soup

This Chicken Potato Soup is the perfect dish for cozy evenings and gatherings with friends. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, this soup brings warmth to any occasion. Featuring tender potatoes and juicy chicken, it strikes a balance between comfort and satisfaction. Serve it as a main dish or a side, and watch as everyone asks for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Delight: The half-and-half creates a luxuriously creamy broth that enhances all the flavors.
• Flavorful Boost: Turkey bacon adds a unique taste that elevates the overall flavor profile without overpowering the chicken.
• Easy Preparation: This soup comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adjust the recipe by adding more vegetables or swapping in different types of cheese.
• Freezes Well: Make a large batch to enjoy later! Just store it in an airtight container for future meals.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready will make your time in the kitchen enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 4.5-quart soup pot
• Chopping board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Silicone spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• 4.5-quart soup pot: This size is ideal for evenly cooking large batches of soup without overflow.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures safe and easy cutting of vegetables and chicken.
• Silicone spatula: It helps scrape down the sides of the pot, ensuring no flavor gets left behind.

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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)
• 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)

For Vegetables:

• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• ¾ cup carrots (diced)
• 2 ribs celery (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

For Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup flour

For the Soup Base:

• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 ½ lbs. yukon gold potatoes (or red potatoes)

For Garnishing:

• 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

Follow these steps to create your delightful Chicken Potato Soup.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients to make the cooking process seamless.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Bacon

Cook the turkey bacon slowly over low heat in your soup pot. Cut it in half for even cooking. Once done, set aside on a paper towel-lined plate and reserve 2 tablespoons of drippings.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Season both sides of your chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in the same pot used for turkey bacon. Sear each side until golden brown, around 3 minutes per side; don’t worry about cooking it through just yet.

Step 4: Build Your Soup Base

Add reserved turkey bacon drippings back into the pot over medium heat. Stir in diced onions, carrots, and celery to soften for about 5 minutes before adding minced garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.

Step 5: Thicken Your Soup

Sprinkle flour into your vegetable mixture. Cook for about 2 minutes until there’s no raw flour smell left.

Step 6: Combine Liquids

Gradually add chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Follow by adding half-and-half in small splashes as well.

Step 7: Add Potatoes

Peel yukon gold potatoes and chop them into bite-sized cubes before adding them to your simmering soup base.

Step 8: Simmer Until Tender

Bring everything to a boil then reduce heat to simmer with partially covered lid until potatoes are fork-tender—approximately 20 minutes.

Step 9: Final Touches

Lower heat further before stirring in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Mix in half of chopped turkey bacon; reserve remaining bacon for garnishing bowls before serving with green onions on top!

How to Serve Chicken Potato Soup

Chicken Potato Soup is a warm and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or as a cozy meal for one, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Chives: Add finely chopped chives for a mild onion flavor that complements the soup well.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Bread Rolls: Serve with warm, crusty rolls perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for a savory twist that enhances the meal’s richness.

Topped with Cheese

• Extra Cheddar: Melt additional shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving for an extra cheesy delight.
• Parmesan: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a nutty flavor that works beautifully with the soup.

With a Side Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.
• Caesar Salad: The crispness of a Caesar salad pairs well with the creamy texture of Chicken Potato Soup.

How to Perfect Chicken Potato Soup

To make your Chicken Potato Soup even better, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs elevate the overall taste and nutrition of your soup.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Start with less salt and pepper; you can always add more after tasting.
• Choose Quality Broth: Opt for homemade or high-quality chicken broth for richer flavor.
• Incorporate Vegetables Wisely: Adding seasonal vegetables can enhance both flavor and nutrition. Consider spinach or kale at the end of cooking.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving helps flavors meld together beautifully.
• Garnish Creatively: Use toppings like crispy Turkey Bacon bits or green onions to add texture and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Potato Soup makes for a complete meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: This classic side offers a crunchy texture that complements the soup’s creaminess.
2. House Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and vinaigrette provides freshness alongside the hearty soup.
3. Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Loaded baked potatoes filled with cheese, sour cream, and chives make an indulgent companion.
4. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the soup.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies can bring additional nutrients and colors to your meal plate.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad packed with herbs offers a nutritious side that balances out the richness of Chicken Potato Soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Potato Soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will elevate your dish.

• Skipping the broth preparation: Always use quality chicken broth for flavor. Homemade is best, or choose a low-sodium option if using store-bought.
• Overcooking the vegetables: To maintain texture and flavor, cook vegetables until just tender. Avoid mushy ingredients by adding them at the right time.
• Not seasoning adequately: Season at each step to build flavor. Don’t wait until the end to add salt and spices; this can lead to bland soup.
• Ignoring the potato type: Different potatoes have varying textures. Yukon golds are creamy, while russets tend to break down. Choose based on your desired soup consistency.
• Neglecting the garnishes: Garnishes like green onions or extra cheese enhance presentation and flavor. Don’t skip these finishing touches for a polished dish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Chicken Potato Soup

• Portion out the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Chicken Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each interval until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chicken Potato Soup.

Can I make Chicken Potato Soup without Turkey Bacon?

Yes! You can substitute Turkey Bacon with additional chicken drippings or use olive oil and butter for cooking.

How can I spice up my Chicken Potato Soup?

Add extra spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for added warmth and depth of flavor.

Can I use a different type of meat in Chicken Potato Soup?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with turkey, beef, or lamb if you prefer a different protein.

How do I thicken my Chicken Potato Soup?

You can add more flour during cooking or incorporate cornstarch mixed with water as a thickening agent.

Can I customize the vegetables in my Chicken Potato Soup?

Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers for variety.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Potato Soup is creamy, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to adjust ingredients based on personal preference. Try it today and enjoy customizing it with your favorite flavors!