Chicken Potato Soup

This Chicken Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food, combining creamy broth with tender potatoes and succulent chicken. Ideal for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this soup is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Enjoy the rich flavors that come from the Turkey Bacon while maintaining a hearty, satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Texture: The half and half combined with cheddar cheese creates a luscious, creamy soup that’s irresistible.
• Flavorful Broth: Turkey Bacon adds a unique smoky flavor to the broth, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering it.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is straightforward enough for beginner cooks.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences; this soup adapts well to various tastes.
• Great for Meal Prep: This Chicken Potato Soup can be made in bulk and stored for quick meals throughout the week, making it perfect for busy schedules.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Chicken Potato Soup, you’ll need some kitchen essentials. Having the right tools can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 4.5-quart soup pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Silicone spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• 4.5-quart soup pot: A sturdy pot allows for even cooking and ample space to simmer all ingredients together.
• Cutting board: Essential for safely chopping vegetables and meats without messing up your countertops.
• Sharp knife: A good knife makes chopping easier and ensures precision when preparing ingredients.
• Silicone spatula: This tool helps scrape the bottom of the pot effectively, ensuring no flavor is lost during cooking.

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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 Soup Base

• 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)

Vegetables

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

Flavor Enhancers

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup flour

Liquid Ingredients

• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half

Potatoes

• 1 ½ lbs. yukon gold potatoes (or red potatoes)

Toppings

• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Green onions (to garnish)

Seasonings

• 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 4.5-quart soup pot slowly over low heat. Cutting the bacon in half helps it fit better in the pan. While it cooks, measure out remaining ingredients. Once cooked, set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Chop into pieces once cooled and reserve 2 tablespoons of drippings.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season each side of the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in the same pot where you cooked the bacon. Sear each side of the chicken until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. It’s fine if it’s slightly undercooked as it will finish cooking in the soup later. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Soup Base

Add reserved Turkey Bacon drippings back into the pot over medium heat. Use a silicone spatula to clean any remnants at the bottom of the pot—that’s where much flavor lies! Add diced onions, carrots, and celery; toss to coat them well in the drippings. Soften these vegetables for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in minced garlic along with hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and all seasonings mentioned earlier—mix thoroughly to combine.

Step 5: Incorporate Flour

Sprinkle in flour while stirring continuously; cook for about 2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour smell.

Step 6: Add Broth & Cream

Gradually pour in chicken broth in small splashes while stirring continuously—this will help keep lumps from forming. Repeat this process with half-and-half until fully incorporated.

Step 7: Prepare Potatoes

Peel yukon gold potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes before adding them directly into your bubbling soup mixture. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat; let simmer partially covered until potatoes are fork-tender—approximately 20 minutes.

Step 8: Final Touches

Reduce heat to low before adding shredded cheddar cheese if desired—stir well! Mix in half of your chopped Turkey Bacon now; save remaining bacon for garnishing bowls when serving. Serve warm topped with green onions for an extra touch!

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Potato Soup—a comforting dish sure to please any crowd!

How to Serve Chicken Potato Soup

Chicken Potato Soup is a warm and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or fancy it up a bit, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Top with Fresh Garnishes

• Green Onions – Chopped green onions add a fresh, crisp flavor that complements the richness of the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese – A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top creates a creamy texture and enhances the flavor.
• Croutons – Adding crunchy croutons gives a nice contrast to the smooth soup.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Bread – A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread – The buttery, garlicky flavor of garlic bread pairs well with the creamy soup.

Serve as a Meal

• Salad – A simple green salad with vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the chicken potato soup.
• Sandwiches – Serve with turkey or veggie sandwiches for a complete meal that satisfies all appetites.

How to Perfect Chicken Potato Soup

Making Chicken Potato Soup is easy, but small adjustments can elevate your dish from good to great. Here are some tips for perfection.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs will boost the flavor significantly compared to dried or old ingredients.
• Adjust Seasonings – Taste as you go; adding more salt, pepper, or spices can enhance flavors according to your preference.
• Cook Potatoes Properly – Ensure they are fork-tender but not mushy for the best texture in your soup.
• Blend for Creaminess – For an extra creamy texture, blend part of the soup and stir it back in before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Potato Soup can create a balanced and satisfying meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garden Salad – A mix of greens topped with your favorite dressing provides freshness.
2. Garlic Breadsticks – Soft and buttery breadsticks add a comforting touch alongside your soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies bring additional flavors and textures to your meal.
4. Cheese Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits infused with cheese make for an indulgent side that complements the soup well.
5. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and vegetables make for a hearty addition.
6. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast to the savory soup.
7. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned perfectly provide an extra potato fix!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Potato Soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure you achieve the best flavors and texture.

• Bold seasoning: Underseasoning your soup can lead to bland flavors. Always taste as you cook and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Cutting potatoes inconsistently: Uneven potato sizes can result in some being overcooked while others remain hard. Aim for uniform bite-sized cubes.
• Not using enough liquid: Skimping on broth or liquid can lead to a thick or dry soup. Always use the recommended amount of chicken broth for a creamy consistency.
• Skipping the sauté step: Ignoring the sautéing of vegetables can mean missing out on deep flavors. Always take the time to cook onions, garlic, and other aromatics before adding liquids.
• Adding cheese too early: Adding cheese too soon can cause it to clump. Stir in cheese at low heat towards the end for a smoother blend.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken Potato Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Chicken Potato Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken Potato Soup

• Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to making Chicken Potato Soup that may help you during your cooking journey.

Can I use leftover chicken for Chicken Potato Soup?

Yes! Leftover cooked chicken works great and can save time. Just add it towards the end of cooking.

How do I make Chicken Potato Soup thicker?

To thicken your soup, you can add a slurry of flour mixed with water or blend part of the soup and return it to the pot.

What type of potatoes are best for Chicken Potato Soup?

Yukon gold or red potatoes work well due to their creamy texture when cooked.

Can I customize my Chicken Potato Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like peas or corn, or switch up spices based on your taste preferences.

Is this Chicken Potato Soup recipe easy for beginners?

Yes! This recipe is beginner-friendly with simple steps that yield comforting results.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Potato Soup is not only creamy and flavorful but also versatile. You can easily adapt it by adding your favorite veggies or spices. Give it a try, and enjoy this comforting dish any day of the week!