Chicken Bacon Potato Soup
Savory Chicken Bacon Potato Soup: a Soul-warming Recipe
Hi there! It’s me again, diving into the cozy world of comfort food with a recipe that has completely won over my heart and kitchen on these cold nights. Imagine this: crispy bacon, tender Yukon gold potatoes, and a creamy soup base all coming together in one pot. Yes, you guessed it right – I’m talking about the Chicken Bacon Potato Soup. This dish is like a warm hug in a bowl, blending simple ingredients such as skinless chicken breast, sharp cheddar cheese, and a medley of fresh herbs to create a hearty soup that can make any chilly day feel a bit more bearable. Whether it’s gathering around the stove top with your whole family or just whipping up something simple and satisfying for yourself, this creamy chicken potato soup recipe is bound to be your new favorite!
Key Takeaways:
- Cozy comfort food: Perfect for cold nights, offering warmth and satisfaction.
- Blend of flavors: Crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and a creamy base bring this soup to life.
- Simple and hearty: Made with easy-to-find ingredients for a no-fuss, delicious meal.
Why This Soup is a Must-Try
Imagine this: after a long, chilly day, you’re welcomed home by the hearty embrace of a creamy chicken potato soup. It’s a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue, a blend that distinguishes it from any other soup you’ve tried. This isn’t just another recipe in the sea of comfort foods; it’s a standout dish that utilizes simple ingredients to craft something extraordinary. We’re talking tender chicken breasts that practically melt in your mouth, robust Yukon gold potatoes that bring a satisfying heft and creaminess, all seasoned perfectly with fresh herbs for that punch of flavor every spoonful needs. I
t’s this uncomplicated yet thoughtfully curated combination of ingredients that turns a bowl of this soup into a must-try sensation, elevating it from merely good to absolutely memorable. When it’s about warming up and filling up, this creamy chicken potato soup doesn’t just hit the spot – it envelops you in culinary comfort, proving once again how simple ingredients, when chosen and cooked with care, can create the most flavorful, hearty soup.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Embarking on our culinary journey, we gather around the heart of this soul-warming recipe, ensuring each ingredient promises comfort and flavor. It’s like collecting little pieces of happiness to fuel our creation. We start with the stars of our show – skinless chicken breast, tender and lean, ready to soak up the savory symphony of flavors, and Yukon gold potatoes, with their golden, buttery texture, become the perfect backdrop for our creamy chicken potato soup.
Next, we dive into the crispy delight of crispy bacon, cooked to perfection to add that irresistible crunch and smoky depth. Fresh herbs, like fresh parsley and fresh thyme, whisper the secrets of earthy greens and aromatic wonder into the pot, mingling beautifully with the subtle kick of black pepper and the savory warmth of Italian seasoning.
The luxurious swirl of heavy cream folds into our creation, promising a creamy texture that’s both rich and comforting. And, not to forget, the crowning glory – sharp cheddar cheese, melted into gooey excellence, wrapping every bite in a velvety hug.
Together, these ingredients, simple yet so full of promise, await their transformation. It’s not just soup we’re making; it’s a bowl of memories, a warm embrace on cold nights, meant to be shared with the whole family. Let’s begin.
Preparation: Cooking Bacon to Perfection
There’s something borderline magical about the way crispy bacon transforms a simple soup into a memorable feast for the taste buds. Let me walk you through how I make it perfection in this cozy kitchen of mine. First off, I grab thick cuts of bacon — the kind that promises extra bacon in every bite. Cooking them is an art on its own. Slowly, over medium heat, I let them sizzle, turning each strip to ensure they reach that perfect, crunchy texture without burning. The aroma that fills the kitchen? Absolutely divine.
But here’s the secret that elevates this creamy chicken potato soup from great to unforgettable: those bacon drippings. Oh, I don’t let them go to waste. Instead, I carefully reserve them, creating the most flavorful base to sauté our shallots, carrots, and celery, blending seamlessly with tender potatoes, tender chicken, and creamy soup base. This extra step, my friends, it’s what makes each spoonful of this soup a deeply satisfying embrace, especially on those chilly days. It turns a simple meal into easy comfort food recipes that warm you from the inside out, making it a family favorite for the whole family to gather around.
Cooking the Chicken
Now, let’s dive into the heart of our creamy chicken potato soup recipe—the chicken. I’ve discovered that the secret to infusing your soup with the most unbelievable flavor starts with properly searing the chicken. It’s a game-changer, trust me. Here’s how you’ll do it: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in your soup pot over medium heat. You’re aiming for a pot that’s just hot enough to sizzle the chicken to golden perfection without burning it. Add your skinless chicken breast (or thighs, if you prefer), seasoned generously with seasoning salt, and let it cook.
You’re looking for that golden crust that whispers, “I’m packed with flavor.” About 3 minutes per side should do it, but remember, the goal isn’t to cook it all the way through right now. We’re after that initial sear that locks in the juices and sets the stage for tender chicken that will continue to cook to perfection right in the soup. This step isn’t just about cooking; it’s about building layers of flavor that will make your creamy potato soup a standout favorite for the entire family.
Sautéing Vegetables for Flavor
Sautéing vegetables is almost like a little dance in the kitchen, with carrots, celery, and garlic cloves leading the steps. Picture this: you’ve got your large pot on the stove top, set to medium heat, and it’s time to add that melody of fresh garlic and crisp vegetables. Now, I’m all about making sure every bite of my creamy chicken potato soup is bursting with flavor, and this step is where the magic starts. You toss those small pieces of carrots and celery into the pot, letting them sizzle and soften, but not too much! We’re aiming for that perfect tender-crisp texture. And, oh, the aroma when you stir in the garlic is just divine, signaling that our chicken bacon potato soup will have a base that’s rich and hearty, without a mushy vegetable in sight.
Simmering to Soup Perfection
Now, let’s get cozy with our cooking pot, because the magic of this Chicken Bacon Potato Soup blossoms in the simmering. When we’re talking about bringing flavors together and making those Yukon gold potatoes tender, the simmer is where it’s at. Imagine the chicken, now seared to perfection, joining back with the veggie-laden, creamy broth. Here, under the gentle heat, everything starts to mingle; the spices wake up, and the potatoes start to soften, promising that creamy texture we’re all craving.
This isn’t just cooking; it’s like orchestrating a symphony where every ingredient has a part to play, every spoonful tells a story of comfort and warmth. It’s the slow dance of flavors combining, of tender potatoes meeting creamy broth, that makes this soup not just food, but a soul-warming experience. So, give it the time it needs on the stove top, and you’ll see – this isn’t just any soup; it’s a bowl of creamy, hearty comfort, perfect for cold nights and warming hearts.
Cheese and Bacon: The Final Touches
Now, let’s talk about adding that irresistible layer of richness with sharp cheddar cheese and those irresistible crispy bacon bits. I found that the moment you stir these two into your simmering pot, the entire kitchen fills with a scent that promises your soup’s transformation into a creamy delight. But, doing this right, well, it’s almost an art. First off, I make sure my soup’s on low heat; this way, I avoid any chance of the cheese clumping instead of seamlessly melting through. Then, gently folding in the freshly shredded sharp cheddar, I watch as it weaves its magic, turning the broth into a velvety canvas.
Adding the crispy bacon bits, that’s my favorite part. It’s not just about tossing them in; it’s about reserving just enough to sprinkle on top for that final garnish, ensuring you get that contrast in textures with each spoonful. With each bite, you’re greeted with the smooth, creamy soup, punctuated by the crunch of bacon—absolute perfection, if I do say so myself.
Serving Suggestions
When you’ve ladled this creamy chicken potato soup into bowls, creating a tableau that beckons the whole family to the table on a chilly day, here’s how to elevate it from merely comforting to utterly soul-satisfying.
- Start with a dollop of sour cream – a simple swirl on top adds a creamy tang that balances the hearty richness of the soup.
- Scatter extra bacon bits over the top. Because, let’s be honest, a bit more crispy bacon only makes everything better, adding that perfect crunch and saltiness.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and a mild oniony bite which cuts through the creamy texture wonderfully.
And, if you’re like me, believing that soup without bread is like a day without sunshine, serve it with slices of crusty bread. It’s not just a meal; it’s a complete hug in a bowl, making even the coldest nights feel warmer and more welcoming.
Storing and Reheating Tips
After enjoying the warm embrace of our homemade Chicken Bacon Potato Soup, the last thing we want is to let any go to waste, right? So, here’s my go-to method for keeping it just as delightful for next time. First, let’s talk storage. Pop any leftovers into an airtight container; this keeps everything fresh and tasty. It’s perfect in the fridge for those chilly days when you need a quick warm-up, keeping well for 3-4 days. But if you’re anything like me and love having a backup comfort meal ready, freezing is your friend. A freezer bag or container works wonders and means you can enjoy this cozy goodness for months.
Now, reheating is where the magic happens again. To maintain that creamy texture we all adore, thaw the soup overnight in your fridge if it’s been frozen. Then, gently reheat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This way, every spoonful is as soul-warming as it was fresh off the stove. Trust me, it’s the best way to revisit the comforting hug of this creamy soup.
A Warm Hug in a Bowl: Reflecting on Comfort Food
There’s something truly magical about sitting down to a bowl of Chicken Bacon Potato Soup, especially as the air gets crisper and the days shorter. Imagine coming in from a chilly day to the aromatic embrace of a hearty soup simmering on the stove top. It’s not just any soup, it’s a concoction that brings together the creaminess of heavy cream, the robust flavors of tender chicken, and the earthy heartiness of Yukon gold potatoes, all crowned with the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon. This isn’t just food; it’s a warm hug served in a bowl, a culinary mosaic of simple ingredients coming together to create a creamy potato soup that feels like a celebration of comfort.
And what makes this soup a favorite among favorite soups? It’s the way it invites the whole family to gather round the table, sharing stories of their day as they dip crusty bread into the creamy texture, savoring every bite. The addition of fresh parsley and the subtle hint of Italian seasoning elevate this dish from merely nourishing to truly soul-warming, reminding us that the best thing about cold nights is the easy comfort food recipes like this creamy chicken potato soup recipe that we come back to, time and again.
So, the next time you’re pondering over what to serve your loved ones, remember this chicken bacon potato soup. Not only does it promise to warm their bodies, but it also offers to fill their hearts with joy, making it the best soup for not just the cold nights but for any day that calls for a little extra warmth and togetherness. Let’s embrace the colder months with great recipes like this one, ensuring our family gatherings are always filled with the hearty, the creamy, and the utterly delicious.
Chicken Bacon Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- Seasoning salt, to taste
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small shallot, diced
- ¾ cup carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 5 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1½ cups mild cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large 4.5-quart soup pot, cook the bacon over low heat until crisp, cutting the strips in half first for even cooking. Remove and drain on paper towels, then chop into small pieces. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pot.
- Prepare the pot base: Carefully wipe out any burnt bits but keep the flavorful browned bits in the pot.
- Sear the chicken: Season the chicken with seasoning salt. Heat avocado oil over medium-high heat in the pot, then sear chicken pieces about 3 minutes per side until golden. The chicken will finish cooking in the soup. Set aside and rest for 10 minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the vegetables: Return bacon drippings and butter to medium heat. Add diced shallot, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, soy sauce, parsley, thyme, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, and white pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Thicken the base: Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out raw flour flavor.
- Add liquids: Slowly pour in chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps and scrape up any stuck bits. Stir in heavy cream.
- Cook the potatoes: Add peeled and cubed potatoes. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce to simmer.
- Add chicken: Return chopped chicken and any juices to the pot. Simmer uncovered or partially covered for about 20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
- Finish soup: Lower heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar until melted. Mix in half of the chopped bacon, reserving the rest for garnish.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with remaining bacon and chopped green onions.
