Chicken Potato Soup Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the hearty and satisfying nature of Chicken Bacon Potato Soup. This rich and creamy soup combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and soft potatoes in a flavorful broth that’s sure to warm you up on even the coldest of days. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for a family gathering, this soup is a perfect choice. Plus, with easy-to-follow instructions and common ingredients, it’s a recipe that anyone can master.

Why Chicken Bacon Potato Soup?

This Chicken Bacon Potato Soup is a recipe that appeals to a wide range of tastes. It’s perfect for those who love a good, hearty meal, but it’s also flexible enough for anyone who enjoys experimenting with flavors. The combination of crispy bacon and creamy potatoes is a classic pairing that brings out the best in both ingredients. Plus, the addition of chicken adds a satisfying protein element, making this soup a complete meal on its own.

Ingredients

Understanding the ingredients and their roles in this soup is key to creating the perfect dish. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• 6 strips of thick-cut bacon (plus 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings): Adds a smoky, savory flavor to the soup.
• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: Provides tender, juicy meat that complements the richness of the bacon.
• Salt/Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing the overall flavor.
• 1-2 teaspoons olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to develop a golden crust.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Optional, but can be used instead of bacon drippings to sauté vegetables.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
• ¾ cup carrots, diced: Brings a subtle sweetness and color.
• 2 ribs celery, diced: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter flavor that balances the richness.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a robust, aromatic base.
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Adds a gentle kick of heat.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and depth.
• 1/4 cup flour: Helps thicken the soup.
• 5 cups chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base of the soup.
• 1 cup half and half: Adds creaminess and richness.
• 1 ½ lbs. Yukon Gold or red potatoes: The star of the soup, these potatoes add heartiness and texture.
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded: Optional, but adds a rich, cheesy flavor.
• Green onions: For garnishing and adding a fresh pop of color.

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon each: dried rosemary, oregano, mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

this RECIPE

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Chicken Bacon Potato Soup

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the right equipment on hand:

• 4.5-quart soup pot: Ideal for cooking the bacon and making the soup.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: Essential for prepping the chicken, vegetables, and bacon.
• Slotted spoon: Useful for removing bacon and chicken from the pot.
• Silicone spatula: Helps in scraping the pot clean and stirring the soup.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients.
• Paper towels: To drain excess grease from the bacon.

Preparing the Ingredients

Proper preparation is key to making this soup as delicious as possible:

• Chicken: Season each side of the chicken with salt and pepper before searing. This step ensures the chicken is flavorful and juicy.
• Bacon: Cut the bacon strips in half for easier cooking. Cooking the bacon slowly over low heat allows it to render its fat, which is crucial for flavoring the soup.
• Vegetables: Dice the onions, carrots, and celery into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
• Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes so that they cook evenly and quickly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Chicken Bacon Potato Soup

1. Cooking the Bacon Start by cooking the bacon in a large soup pot over low heat. This slow cooking process allows the fat to render out, which is essential for building flavor. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the pot, as they will be used to cook the vegetables later.

2. Searing the Chicken With the bacon set aside, increase the heat to medium-high. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear it in the pot until it develops a golden crust, about 3 minutes per side. Don’t worry if the chicken is still pink in the middle—it will finish cooking in the soup. After searing, set the chicken aside and let it rest for about 10 minutes before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.

3. Making the Soup Base Return the bacon drippings to the pot and reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery, stirring to coat them in the fat. Allow the vegetables to soften for about 5 minutes before adding the minced garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Begin adding the chicken broth in small splashes, stirring constantly to create a smooth base. Follow with the half and half, continuing to stir until the mixture is well combined.

Add the diced potatoes to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and return the chicken to the pot, along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate. Partially cover the pot and let the soup simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 20 minutes.

4. Finishing the Soup Once the potatoes are tender, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese (if using). The cheese will melt into the soup, adding a creamy texture and rich flavor. Finally, stir in half of the chopped bacon, reserving the rest for garnish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Searing the chicken too long before adding it to the soup can make it tough. Remember, it will finish cooking in the broth.
• Mushy Potatoes: Don’t overcook the potatoes. Keep an eye on them and test with a fork to ensure they’re tender but not falling apart.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, so be sure to add it after the vegetables have softened and stir constantly.

Variations and Substitutions

1. Making the Soup Without Bacon If you prefer not to use bacon, you can substitute the bacon drippings with 2 tablespoons of butter. The soup will still be flavorful, though it will lack the smoky depth that bacon provides.

2. Dairy-Free Option For a dairy-free version, replace the half and half with a non-dairy milk such as coconut milk or almond milk. Omit the cheese, or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when serving this soup. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the reserved crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. Serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping. For an extra touch, you can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of additional shredded cheese on top.

Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to avoid curdling the half and half. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, you can thin it with a splash of chicken broth or water.

FAQs About Chicken Bacon Potato Soup

Can I make this soup in advance? Yes, you can prepare this soup a day ahead. The flavors will meld together, making it even more delicious the next day.

Can I freeze Chicken Bacon Potato Soup? Yes, you can freeze this soup. However, note that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly after freezing. If you plan to freeze the soup, consider undercooking the potatoes slightly so they don’t become mushy when reheated.

What can I use instead of chicken? You can substitute the chicken with turkey. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

This Chicken Bacon Potato Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a starter, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Try out this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your results! If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes like this.

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