Chicken Potato Soup

This Chicken Potato Soup is a delightful blend of creamy broth, tender potatoes, and juicy chicken, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. It’s not only satisfying but also easy to prepare. The addition of turkey bacon enhances the flavor profile, creating a rich and hearty dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly day or a crowd-pleasing recipe for your next occasion, this Chicken Potato Soup stands out as a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Comfort: The rich, creamy broth makes every spoonful comforting and satisfying.
• Flavorful Ingredients: With tender chicken and seasoned turkey bacon, each bite bursts with flavor.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure that even novice cooks can create this delicious soup.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or served alongside crusty bread for dipping.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for leftovers; the flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to gather your tools and ingredients. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Provides enough space to cook all ingredients evenly without spilling.
• Silicone spatula: Ideal for scraping the bottom of the pot to incorporate all those delicious flavors into your soup.

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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 Base

• 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)

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 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

Thickening Agent

• ¼ cup flour

Broth & Creaminess

• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half

Potatoes & Cheese

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

Garnish & Seasoning

• 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 slowly over low heat. Cut the turkey bacon in half for easier fitting in the pan. While it cooks, measure out the remaining ingredients. Once cooked, set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Chop once cooled and reserve 2 tablespoons of turkey bacon drippings.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season each side of the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on each side, about 3 minutes per side. It’s fine if it’s slightly uncooked inside; it will finish cooking in the soup. Let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Soup Base

Add reserved turkey bacon drippings back to the pot over medium heat. Use a silicone spatula to scrape any remnants from cooking the turkey bacon, adding flavor to your soup. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 4: Add Garlic & Seasonings

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

Step 5: Thicken the Soup

Sprinkle in flour while stirring continuously for about 2 minutes until there’s no raw flour smell left.

Step 6: Incorporate Broth & Cream

Gradually add chicken broth in small splashes while stirring constantly. Repeat with half and half until well combined.

Step 7: Add Potatoes

Peel yukon gold potatoes or red potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes before adding them to your soup mixture. Bring it to a boil then reduce to simmer.

Step 8: Finish Cooking

Return seared chicken back into the pot along with any juices from resting. Simmer partially covered until potatoes are fork-tender; this should take around 20 minutes.

Step 9: Add Cheese & Serve

Reduce heat to low while sprinkling in shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Stir in half of chopped turkey bacon; save other half for garnishing when serving. Top bowls with green onions before enjoying!

Now you have an incredible Chicken Potato Soup recipe that is both nourishing and bursting with flavor! Enjoy your culinary creation!

How to Serve Chicken Potato Soup

Serving Chicken Potato Soup is easy and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or something heartier, there are plenty of delicious ways to enjoy this creamy soup.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

• Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh, crisp flavor that complements the richness of the soup.
• Extra Turkey Bacon: Sprinkle some crispy turkey bacon on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Shredded Cheese: A little extra cheddar cheese can enhance the creaminess of each bowl.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Baguette Slices: Serve slices of crusty baguette for dipping; they soak up the soup beautifully.
• Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavors of garlic bread pair wonderfully with Chicken Potato Soup.

Add a Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers a nice contrast to the creamy soup.
• Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens adds freshness and balances the meal.

How to Perfect Chicken Potato Soup

To take your Chicken Potato Soup to the next level, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your soup is packed with flavor and has the perfect texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs make all the difference in flavor.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; adding a pinch more salt or pepper can elevate your dish.
• Control Thickness: If your soup is too thick, add more chicken broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• Cook Potatoes Thoroughly: Ensure potatoes are fork-tender for the best texture in each bite.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Potato Soup enhances the overall meal experience. Here are some delightful options that complement this hearty soup perfectly.

1. Garlic Parmesan Knots: Soft dough knots brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
2. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet and moist cornbread muffins bring a comforting touch to your meal.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, and spices provide a flavorful contrast.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add crunch and nutrition alongside your soup.
5. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Classic grilled cheese pairs perfectly for dipping into the creamy soup.
6. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil offer a refreshing side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Potato Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Not seasoning properly: Failing to season your soup adequately will result in bland flavors. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as you cook.
• Overcooking the potatoes: If you cook the potatoes too long, they can become mushy. Aim to simmer just until fork-tender for the best texture.
• Skipping the browning step: Browning ingredients like chicken and Turkey Bacon adds depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step; it’s crucial for a rich taste.
• Using cold ingredients: Adding cold broth or cream can shock the soup, affecting its consistency. Warm them slightly before adding to maintain a smooth texture.
• Neglecting to stir frequently: Not stirring often can cause sticking and burning at the bottom of the pot. Stir regularly, especially when adding flour or broth.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Chicken Potato Soup

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Chicken Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until warm throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chicken Potato Soup that might help clarify any doubts:

What is Chicken Potato Soup?

Chicken Potato Soup is a hearty dish made with tender chicken and potatoes simmered in a creamy broth, offering comforting flavors perfect for any occasion.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! While chicken is traditional, you can also use turkey or beef if you prefer different flavors or have those meats on hand.

How can I make Chicken Potato Soup vegetarian?

To make this soup vegetarian, substitute chicken with plant-based proteins like chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What are good toppings for Chicken Potato Soup?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, green onions, crispy Turkey Bacon bits, or even croutons for extra crunch.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Chicken Potato Soup by adding vegetables such as spinach, corn, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Potato Soup recipe is not only creamy and delicious but also versatile enough to allow for various customizations. You can easily adapt it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting seasonings. Give it a try; it will surely become a comforting staple in your kitchen!