Chicken Potato Soup

This Chicken Potato Soup is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy broth, and flavorful Turkey Bacon into a delightful bowl of goodness. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this soup is not only rich in flavor but also easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special for guests, this Chicken Potato Soup will surely impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: The blend of half and half and cheddar cheese creates a wonderfully rich texture.
• Flavor-Packed: Turkey Bacon adds a unique depth of flavor, elevating the overall taste of the soup.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, making this soup is a breeze.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge, making it great for lunches throughout the week.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own!

Tools and Preparation

To bring your Chicken Potato Soup to life, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in ensuring your cooking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Soup Pot
• Silicone Spatula
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife
• Measuring Cups/Spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Soup Pot: A spacious pot allows ingredients to cook evenly without overcrowding.
• Silicone Spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides 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.

Ingredients:
– 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)
– 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
– 1/4 cup flour
– 5 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup half and half
– 1 ½ lbs. yukon gold potatoes (or red potatoes)
– 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

Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon

Cook the Turkey Bacon in a large soup pot slowly over low heat. Cut the bacon strips in half for even cooking. While it cooks, measure out the remaining ingredients. Once cooked, place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess fat. Reserve about two tablespoons of drippings.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in the same pot you used for bacon. Sear each side of the chicken until golden brown; about three minutes per side works well. It’s fine if it’s slightly undercooked as it will finish cooking later in the soup. Allow resting for ten minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Build Your Soup Base

Add back your reserved Turkey Bacon drippings to the pot over medium heat. Use a silicone spatula to clean any remnants from cooking bacon off the bottom of the pot for added flavor. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery; sauté these vegetables until they soften—around five minutes.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Incorporate minced garlic along with hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, rosemary, oregano, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes into your vegetable mixture. Stir everything together well.

Step 5: Thicken Your Broth

Sprinkle flour into your pot and cook while stirring for about two minutes until you no longer smell raw flour. This step helps thicken your soup perfectly.

Step 6: Combine Liquids

Gradually pour in chicken broth while continuously stirring to prevent lumps from forming. Follow this by adding half and half in small splashes as you mix everything together again.

Step 7: Add Potatoes and Chicken

Peel Yukon gold potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes before adding them directly into your soup pot along with any resting juices from your chicken plate. Bring everything to a boil before reducing it to a simmer over medium heat while partially covered until potatoes are fork-tender—this usually takes about twenty minutes.

Step 8: Finish with Cheese

Lower heat to low once done cooking and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese if desired into your soup mixture. Stir in half of your chopped Turkey Bacon now; reserve remaining bacon for garnishing each serving bowl later on.

Now you’re ready to serve up this delicious Chicken Potato Soup! Enjoy garnished with green onions for an extra pop of flavor!

How to Serve Chicken Potato Soup

Serving Chicken Potato Soup can elevate your dining experience. This comforting dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Fresh Bread

• Crusty French Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Garlic Bread: The buttery flavor of garlic bread complements the soup’s richness perfectly.

Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Parmesan cheese and croutons adds a fresh crunch.
• Mixed Greens Salad: Lightly dressed mixed greens help balance the hearty flavors of the soup.

Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Adding extra cheddar cheese on top creates a deliciously gooey finish.
• Chopped Green Onions: A sprinkle of green onions adds freshness and a pop of color.

Crackers

• Saltines or Oyster Crackers: These classic choices add a lovely crunch without overpowering the soup.

How to Perfect Chicken Potato Soup

Creating the perfect Chicken Potato Soup requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Here are ways to ensure your soup is creamy and flavorful.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken broth enhance the overall taste.
• Cook Potatoes Until Tender: Ensure potatoes are fork-tender for the best texture in every bite.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak spices according to your preferences for a personalized flavor profile.
• Incorporate Cream Slowly: Add half and half gradually to achieve a smooth consistency without curdling.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes improves its flavors as they meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Potato Soup can create a complete meal experience. Here are some excellent options that go well with this comforting soup:

1. Cheesy Garlic Biscuit: These fluffy biscuits are delightful when dipped into the savory soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrients to your plate.
3. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a nice contrast to the savory flavors of the soup.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms make an elegant side that complements the creaminess nicely.
5. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs can offer an additional potato element that many enjoy.
6. Pickles or Relish Tray: A tangy pickle selection can refresh your palate between bites of rich soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Potato Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common pitfalls and how to dodge them.

• Skipping the Sear: Not searing the chicken can lead to a lack of flavor. Always sear your chicken for a rich taste.
• Overcooking Vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Aim to soften them just enough for a nice texture.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Forgetting to season at different stages can result in bland soup. Season as you go for depth of flavor.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold broth or dairy can cool down your soup. Always use room temperature ingredients for better results.
• Not Adjusting Consistency: If the soup is too thick, you may need more broth. Adjust with additional liquid based on your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken Potato Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Potato Soup

• Freeze in individual servings for convenience.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover. Heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chicken Potato Soup that may help enhance your cooking experience.

Can I make Chicken Potato Soup without Turkey Bacon?

Yes, you can omit the Turkey Bacon if desired. The soup will still be flavorful; consider adding more herbs for depth.

How do I make Chicken Potato Soup creamy?

To achieve creaminess, use half and half or a combination of cream and broth when cooking.

What type of potatoes work best in Chicken Potato Soup?

Yukon gold or red potatoes are ideal choices due to their creamy texture and ability to hold shape during cooking.

How long does Chicken Potato Soup take to cook?

This recipe typically takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect weeknight meal option.

Can I customize the ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like corn or green beans based on your preferences, or adjust spices for more heat.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Potato Soup is a warm and comforting dish that’s not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with various vegetables or spices, making it suitable for any occasion. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!