Chicken Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, hearty potatoes, and a creamy, flavorful broth. This dish is perfect for cozy nights, especially when the weather gets chilly. It combines savory ingredients like bacon, garlic, and cheddar cheese, creating a mouthwatering, filling meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether you are looking to warm up after a long day or serve a family-friendly dinner, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your household. The balance of flavors, along with the creamy texture from the potatoes and half and half, makes this recipe stand out as a must-try comfort soup. It’s easy to make and packed with satisfying ingredients, ensuring you have a hearty meal that warms both your body and soul.

This Chicken Potato Soup is a versatile recipe that you can adapt based on your preferences. It can be made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, and you can use red or Yukon gold potatoes depending on what you have on hand. Add a bit of hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor, and of course, the bacon makes everything better. With its balance of savory and creamy elements, this soup will undoubtedly impress everyone at the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Potato Soup is full of comforting flavors and rich textures, making it the ideal meal for any time of year, but especially perfect for cooler weather. The crispy bacon and tender chicken combine beautifully with creamy potatoes, while the aromatic seasonings elevate the broth to a new level. The addition of cheddar cheese gives the soup an indulgent richness that will make you want to come back for more. Plus, it’s an easy recipe to make, whether you are cooking for a family or prepping meals for the week.

What really sets this recipe apart is the combination of bacon drippings, butter, and the variety of seasonings that create a deep, satisfying flavor profile. The soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, yet it also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad.

Ingredients

6 strips thick cut bacon, plus 2 tbsp. bacon drippings
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, or thighs
Salt/Pepper
1-2 teaspoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter (not needed if 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
¼ 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

Seasonings

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

Variations

Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, peas, or parsnips for added texture and flavor.
Make It Spicy: If you like a little more heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or add some jalapeños to the soup.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and chicken, and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
Use Different Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes give this soup a creamy texture, but feel free to use red potatoes or russet potatoes for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the half and half for coconut milk or almond milk and use dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version of this soup.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large pot, cook the bacon strips over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside. Keep about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt and pepper. In the same pot with the bacon drippings, add a little olive oil if needed, and cook the chicken over medium heat until fully cooked (about 7-8 minutes per side). Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest. Once cooled, chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add butter (if not using bacon drippings), and sauté the diced onions, carrots, and celery until they begin to soften, about 5-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Soup Base

Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking for about 1 minute. Then, gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings (parsley, rosemary, oregano, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes). Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5: Add the Potatoes and Cook

Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Continue to cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Add the Cream and Cheese

Once the potatoes are soft, stir in the half and half and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Bacon

Add the chopped chicken and crumbled bacon to the pot. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 5-10 minutes for all the flavors to meld.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with green onions before serving. Enjoy your creamy, comforting Chicken Potato Soup!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Bacon: For extra flavor, try using a combination of regular bacon and turkey bacon for a lighter, yet flavorful option.
Potatoes: For a smoother soup, you can mash some of the potatoes after they’ve cooked, or use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup for a creamier texture.
Cheese: Feel free to swap out the cheddar cheese for other melty cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or a blend of sharp cheeses for different flavor profiles.

How to Serve

This Chicken Potato Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or some garlic bread. If you’re looking to add a little more texture, top the soup with some crispy croutons or a drizzle of extra hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Freezing

This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore its creamy texture if needed, as the soup may thicken when stored.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to cook it through completely before adding it to the soup.

2. Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.

3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the chicken and bacon, and add more vegetables or use plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.

4. How do I make this recipe spicier?

Add more hot sauce or even diced jalapeños to increase the heat of the soup.

5. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

You can substitute the half and half with a dairy-free milk such as coconut or almond milk and use dairy-free cheese for a completely dairy-free version.

6. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding the cheese and cream in the last 30 minutes.

7. Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, feel free to use russet potatoes or red potatoes for slightly different textures.

8. How can I make this soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes in the pot or use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup.

9. How long will this soup keep in the refrigerator?

This soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

10. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

Conclusion

This Chicken Potato Soup is the perfect combination of hearty chicken, creamy potatoes, and flavorful bacon, making it a comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone. Easy to make and packed with savory ingredients, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to warm up after a long day. Whether you make it with leftover chicken or fresh ingredients, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a bowl of this rich, creamy soup!