Chicken Potato Soup

This Chicken Potato Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that warms you from the inside out. With a creamy broth filled with tender potatoes and juicy chicken, it’s perfect for cozy evenings or as a comforting meal any day of the week. This recipe features Turkey Bacon for added flavor, making it a unique twist on traditional chicken soup. Your family will love it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Flavorful: The rich broth combined with the smooth texture makes each spoonful irresistible.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Meal: Great for lunch or dinner, this soup can be served alone or paired with crusty bread.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its comforting flavors, it’s sure to impress family and friends at gatherings.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!

Tools and Preparation

To make this Chicken Potato Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• 4.5-quart soup pot: Ideal size for cooking soups, allowing ample space for all ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and meat.
• Silicone spatula: Great for scraping 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 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 & Seasonings

• 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

Thickening Agent & Broth

• ¼ cup flour
• 5 cups chicken broth

Richness & Flavor Enhancers

• 1 cup half and half
• 1 ½ lbs. Yukon gold potatoes (or red potatoes)

Toppings & Garnish

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

Herbs & Spices

• 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. Cut it in half for even cooking. While it cooks, measure out your other ingredients. Once cooked, set aside on paper towels to drain. Reserve two tablespoons of drippings.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in the pot over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides, about three minutes per side. Set aside to rest for ten minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetable Mixture

Add reserved Turkey Bacon drippings back into the pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery; cook until softened, about five minutes.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Stir in minced garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs/spices until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Create the Soup Base

Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook for two minutes to eliminate raw flour smell.

Step 6: Add Broth and Cream

Gradually add chicken broth while stirring continuously to keep a smooth texture. Repeat this process with half and half.

Step 7: Add Potatoes

Peel Yukon gold potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes. Add them to the pot along with seared chicken pieces. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to simmer until potatoes are tender, about twenty minutes.

Step 8: Final Touches

Lower heat to low; sprinkle in shredded cheese if desired. Stir in half of chopped Turkey Bacon; reserve remaining bacon for garnish when serving.

Serve hot garnished with green onions! Enjoy your delicious Chicken Potato Soup!

How to Serve Chicken Potato Soup

Serving Chicken Potato Soup is all about enhancing its comforting flavors while making it visually appealing. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for a burst of color and mild onion flavor.
• Dried Parsley: A light dusting of dried parsley adds a touch of earthiness and enhances the soup’s presentation.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread: Its tangy flavor and chewy texture make it an excellent accompaniment for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness complements the creamy soup perfectly.

Add a Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with tangy dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
• Garden Salad: A mix of fresh greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers offers a light and crunchy balance.

Serve in Unique Bowls

• Bread Bowls: Transform your serving style by using hollowed-out bread as bowls for an interactive dining experience.
• Mason Jars: For a rustic feel, serve individual portions in mason jars, making it perfect for gatherings.

How to Perfect Chicken Potato Soup

Making the best Chicken Potato Soup involves paying attention to details. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor and texture, making your soup more vibrant.
• Adjust Seasonings Gradually: Taste as you go; adding seasonings incrementally helps achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
• Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer helps meld the flavors together beautifully for a rich taste.
• Blend for Creaminess: For an extra creamy texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving to create a smooth consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Potato Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some delightful options that complement its rich flavors.

1. Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots infused with garlic are perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
2. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice and spices add variety and nutrition to your meal.
3. Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw brings a refreshing crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soup’s creaminess.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a savory side that enhances the overall meal experience.
5. Cheese Quesadillas: Crispy tortillas filled with melted cheese add a delightful texture and cheesy goodness alongside the soup.
6. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges offer an extra potato fix while providing a satisfying crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Potato Soup, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the Searing Step: Not searing the chicken can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Make sure to give your chicken a nice golden crust before adding it to the soup.

• Not Measuring Ingredients Properly: Accurate measurements are crucial for balance in flavors. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision, especially with spices and liquids.

• Overcooking the Potatoes: If you cook the potatoes for too long, they can become mushy. Keep an eye on them and check for fork tenderness around the 20-minute mark.

• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: The soup might need extra salt or spices depending on personal taste. Always taste your soup before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold broth or cream directly into a hot pot can shock the ingredients. Allow them to come to room temperature first for a smoother blend.

• Neglecting Garnishes: Skipping garnishes can diminish the presentation and flavor. Don’t forget to add green onions or extra Turkey Bacon on top for added texture and taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken Potato Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Chicken Potato Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup will stay fresh for about 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as the soup may expand when frozen.

Reheating Chicken Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm.

• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts (1-2 minutes), stirring between intervals until hot throughout.

• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chicken Potato Soup that might help you perfect your cooking experience.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey or beef as per your preference. Just adjust cooking times accordingly based on meat type.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

To create a vegetarian version of Chicken Potato Soup, substitute chicken with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Consider adding herbs like thyme or basil, or additional spices such as cayenne pepper for heat. These additions elevate the overall flavor profile effectively.

How do I thicken my Chicken Potato Soup?

If you desire a thicker consistency, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the simmering soup until thickened.

Can I make this Chicken Potato Soup in advance?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better after sitting overnight, as flavors meld together beautifully. Just store properly in the refrigerator or freezer as mentioned above.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Potato Soup is not only creamy and comforting but also versatile enough for various tastes. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting seasonings according to your preferences. It’s perfect as a hearty meal any day of the week!