Chicken Potato Soup

This Chicken Potato Soup is a delightful dish that warms the heart and fills the stomach. With its creamy broth, tender chicken, and flavorful ingredients, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends. This recipe shines with its rich flavors and comforting texture, making it a versatile choice for various occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Texture: The addition of half and half gives this soup a luxuriously creamy feel.
• Rich Flavor: The Turkey Bacon drippings enhance the taste, adding depth to the broth.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious soup in just over 50 minutes.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vegetables and protein, it’s a wholesome meal option.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the seasonings or add your favorite veggies!

Tools and Preparation

To make this Chicken Potato Soup seamlessly, you will need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking and prevents spillage while stirring.
• Silicone spatula: This tool helps scrape the bottom of the pot for maximum flavor extraction.

Ingredients

This Chicken Potato Soup recipe has a creamy and flavorful broth with Turkey Bacon, tender potatoes, juicy chicken, and the best seasonings.

Meat

• 6 strips thick cut Turkey Bacon (plus 2 tbsp. Turkey Bacon drippings)
• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs)

Vegetables

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

Liquids

• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half

Seasonings

• Salt/Pepper
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon EACH: dried rosemary, oregano, mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Other Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter (not needed if Turkey Bacon drippings are used)
• ¼ cup flour
• 1 ½ lbs. yukon gold potatoes (or red potatoes), peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Green onions (to garnish)

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 easier cooking. While it cooks, measure out remaining ingredients. Once cooked, set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to cool before chopping. 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 in the same pot and sear the chicken until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. It’s fine if it’s not fully cooked; it will finish cooking later. Let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Start Making the Soup Base

Add the reserved Turkey Bacon drippings back into the pot over medium heat. Use a silicone spatula to scrape any remnants from cooking the bacon, enhancing flavor. Add onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Flavorful Ingredients

Stir in minced garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and all seasonings. Mix well to combine flavors.

Step 5: Incorporate Flour

Add flour to the mixture and cook for about two minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.

Step 6: Pour in Broth

Gradually add chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Repeat this process with half and half until completely combined.

Step 7: Add Potatoes

Add prepared potato cubes to the soup base. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing heat to a simmer. Return seared chicken along with juices from resting plate to the pot; cook partially covered until potatoes are fork-tender—about 20 minutes.

Step 8: Final Touches

Reduce heat to low once cooked through. If desired, mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted smoothly into the soup. Stir in half of chopped Turkey Bacon from earlier; save remaining bacon for garnish when serving.

Garnish with green onions before serving hot!

How to Serve Chicken Potato Soup

Serving Chicken Potato Soup can elevate your dining experience. This creamy soup pairs well with various accompaniments, enhancing its flavors. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to consider.

Crusty Bread

• A warm loaf of crusty bread provides the perfect vehicle for scooping up the hearty soup. Opt for sourdough or a rustic baguette.

Green Salad

• A light green salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup. Consider using mixed greens topped with a simple vinaigrette.

Garlic Bread

• Toasted garlic bread complements the soup’s flavors beautifully. Spread butter and minced garlic on slices before toasting them until golden.

Cheese Croutons

• Top each bowl of soup with crispy cheese croutons for added texture and flavor. Simply bake cheese on small bread pieces until golden and crunchy.

Pickle Platter

• A selection of pickles can provide a tangy contrast to the creamy soup. Include dill pickles, sweet gherkins, or even pickled vegetables for variety.

How to Perfect Chicken Potato Soup

To achieve the ultimate Chicken Potato Soup, consider these helpful tips for enhancing flavor and texture.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs bring vibrant flavor to your soup, making it more delicious.
• Don’t rush the cooking: Allowing time for flavors to meld during simmering enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Adjust seasoning gradually: Add salt and pepper incrementally, tasting as you go to ensure balanced seasoning.
• Customize your toppings: Experiment with different garnishes like fresh herbs, additional cheese, or crispy turkey bacon for added appeal.
• Store properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove.
• Make it ahead: Prepare your soup a day in advance; this allows flavors to develop further as they sit overnight.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Potato Soup enhances your meal experience. Here are some tasty options that complement this comforting dish perfectly.

1. Caesar Salad
   A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and tanginess, making it a great match for creamy soup.

2. Cornbread
   Sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast; serve it warm with butter for extra indulgence.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasoned roasted vegetables add depth and flavor while being healthy and satisfying.

4. Stuffed Peppers
   Hearty stuffed peppers filled with rice and herbs make for a filling side that pairs nicely with soup.

5. Pasta Salad
   A light pasta salad dressed in olive oil and vinegar brings brightness alongside the rich flavors of the soup.

6. Cheesy Biscuits
   Fluffy cheesy biscuits are perfect for dipping into Chicken Potato Soup, adding a savory element to your meal.

7. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad provides a sweet contrast and cleanses the palate after each bite of rich soup.

8. Quinoa Salad
   A protein-packed quinoa salad with veggies is both nutritious and complements the heartiness of the chicken potato soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Potato Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can hinder your results.

• Bold Preparation: Not preparing all ingredients ahead of time can lead to overcooked veggies. Chop and measure everything before you start cooking for smoother preparation.
• Bold Cooking Temperature: Cooking on too high heat might burn the bottom. Always use medium heat for sautéing to avoid this issue and ensure even cooking.
• Bold Skipping Seasoning: Forgetting to season your ingredients will result in bland soup. Make sure to add salt, pepper, and other spices at various stages of cooking for enhanced flavor.
• Bold Not Using Enough Liquid: Insufficient broth can lead to a thick and dry soup. Always stick to the recommended liquid amounts or adjust based on preference.
• Bold Overcooking Potatoes: Allowing potatoes to cook too long can make them mushy. Check for fork-tenderness after 20 minutes of simmering; remove them once they’re just right.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure the soup has cooled completely before sealing the container.

Freezing Chicken Potato Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Chicken Potato Soup

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until hot, about 20-25 minutes.
• Bold Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely. Heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
• Bold Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chicken Potato Soup that might help you.

What is the best chicken cut for Chicken Potato Soup?

Boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs work best as they remain tender during cooking.

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes! Yukon Gold and red potatoes are excellent choices due to their creamy texture when cooked.

How can I make Chicken Potato Soup spicier?

To add more heat, include additional hot sauce or red pepper flakes during cooking according to your taste preference.

How do I thicken my Chicken Potato Soup?

For a thicker soup, increase the amount of flour used, or let it simmer longer to reduce excess liquid.

Can I customize the recipe with other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas or corn for extra nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Potato Soup is not only creamy and delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting seasonings according to your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings!