Chicken Potato Soup

This Chicken Potato Soup is a delightful comfort food that combines tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and flavorful seasonings in a creamy broth. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, making it a versatile dish that everyone will love. The addition of Turkey Bacon enhances the flavor, giving this soup a unique touch without overpowering the other ingredients. Enjoy this delicious meal any day of the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Texture: The use of half-and-half creates a rich and creamy base that makes every spoonful comforting.
• Flavorful Broth: Turkey Bacon adds depth and smokiness to the broth, elevating the overall flavor profile.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, this Chicken Potato Soup can be made quickly and effortlessly.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the soup by adding your favorite veggies or spices to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a large batch, ideal for leftovers throughout the week or freezing for later.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Chicken Potato Soup efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures better results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• 4.5-quart soup pot: This size is perfect for making large batches of soup while allowing ample space for stirring without spilling.
• Silicone spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of your pot and ensuring you get every bit of flavor from your ingredients.

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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 and Seasoning

• 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 and Broth

• ¼ cup flour
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half

Potatoes and Cheese

• 1 ½ lbs. yukon gold potatoes (or red potatoes)
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)

Garnishing

• 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 4.5-quart soup pot slowly over low heat. Cut each strip in half for even cooking. Reserve 2 tablespoons of drippings after cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season each side of the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat; sear each side until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Set aside to rest before cutting into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare Vegetables

Add reserved Turkey Bacon drippings back into the pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery; soften for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Flavorings

Stir in minced garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, rosemary, oregano, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Thicken the Broth

Mix in flour; cook for about 2 minutes until raw smell disappears. Gradually add chicken broth while stirring continuously to combine.

Step 6: Add Creaminess

Slowly stir in half-and-half until fully integrated into the mixture.

Step 7: Incorporate Potatoes

Peel potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes before adding them to your soup mix. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.

Step 8: Combine Chicken

Return seared chicken pieces back to the pot along with any juices on the plate. Simmer until potatoes are fork-tender, about 20 minutes.

Step 9: Finish off with Cheese

Lower heat before sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese into your soup; stir well until melted. Mix in half of chopped Turkey Bacon; save remaining for garnish.

Step 10: Serve

Ladle soup into bowls, garnishing with green onions on top before serving warm!

How to Serve Chicken Potato Soup

Serving Chicken Potato Soup can be as delightful as making it. This creamy soup pairs perfectly with various options to enhance your meal experience.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette complements the soup’s creaminess and is perfect for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: Add a burst of flavor with garlic bread, which adds both texture and taste.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
• Parsley or Cilantro: A sprinkle of parsley or cilantro adds freshness and enhances visual appeal.

Accompanied by Salad

• Caesar Salad: The crisp greens and creamy dressing contrast nicely with the soup’s richness.
• Garden Salad: A simple garden salad provides a refreshing crunch that balances the creamy soup.

How to Perfect Chicken Potato Soup

Perfecting Chicken Potato Soup involves attention to detail in preparation and seasoning. Here are some tips to elevate your soup-making skills.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor profile.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and spices according to your preference for maximum flavor.
• Cook Potatoes Until Tender: Ensure your potatoes are fork-tender for the best texture in every spoonful.
• Let it Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer longer if possible; this allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Potato Soup enhances your meal’s overall enjoyment. Here are some excellent options.

1. Cheddar Biscuits: These fluffy, cheesy biscuits are perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
2. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers provide a hearty complement to the creamy soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition while balancing out the meal.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad offers a healthy contrast with its nutty flavors and textures.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful sweetness that pairs well with savory soup.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad cleanses the palate and adds a burst of natural sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Potato Soup can be easy, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time.

• Skipping the Searing: Not searing the chicken can lead to less flavor in your soup. Always sear the chicken on both sides before adding it to the pot for a deeper taste.
• Ignoring the Broth: Using low-quality broth will affect the overall flavor. Invest in good-quality chicken broth or make your own for a richer taste.
• Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Aim to soften them just until they are tender, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
• Not Letting it Simmer: Rushing the simmering process can prevent the flavors from developing. Allow your soup to simmer gently so that all ingredients meld together beautifully.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold ingredients can lower cooking temperatures and affect cooking times. Bring your ingredients to room temperature before adding them to the pot.
• Forgetting to Garnish: Skipping garnishes like green onions or extra Turkey Bacon can make your dish look bland. Always add a garnish for both flavor and visual appeal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow soup to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing Chicken Potato Soup

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers as soup may expand when frozen.

Reheating Chicken Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until hot, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chicken Potato Soup.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes, you can use turkey or even beef if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I make this Chicken Potato Soup dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute half-and-half with coconut milk or any plant-based cream alternative.

What is the best type of potato for this recipe?

Yukon Gold potatoes work well due to their creamy texture. Red potatoes are also a great choice!

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, peas, or corn for added nutrition and flavor.

How do I thicken my Chicken Potato Soup?

If you want a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot or add more flour during cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Potato Soup is not only creamy and comforting but also versatile enough for various tastes. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting seasonings. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!