Name: Chicken Potato Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 strips thick-cut bacon; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs; Salt and pepper; 1-2 teaspoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter (if not using bacon drippings); 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3/4 cup carrots, diced; 2 ribs celery, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 5 cups chicken broth; 1 cup half and half; 1 1/2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 pinch red pepper flakes; Green onions for garnish

Jump to Recipe

Chicken Potato Soup brings together tender chicken, buttery Yukon gold potatoes, crispy bacon, and a creamy, flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out. This satisfying bowl of comfort delivers everything you crave in a comfort food soup—rich texture, savory depth, and wholesome ingredients. Whether you need a cozy winter soup for chilly evenings or a satisfying dinner that feeds a crowd, this recipe checks every box. With layers of flavor built from bacon drippings, aromatics, and carefully balanced seasonings, this homemade favorite easily rivals restaurant versions.

Story

I started making Chicken Potato Soup on cold evenings when I wanted something filling yet simple. Over time, it became the recipe everyone requested. The aroma of bacon sizzling slowly in the pot sets the tone immediately. Then the onions, carrots, and celery soften and release their sweetness, building a foundation that transforms this Chicken Potato Soup into something truly special.

What makes this Chicken Potato Soup stand out is the balance. The broth tastes creamy without feeling heavy. The potatoes hold their shape while still delivering that velvety bite. Meanwhile, the chicken stays juicy because it finishes cooking gently in the soup itself. Every spoonful feels like a classic hearty potato soup, yet the addition of seasoned chicken gives it extra substance. If you love creamy chicken soup with layers of texture and bold seasoning, this recipe will quickly become a staple.

Ingredients

6 strips thick-cut bacon, plus 2 tablespoons bacon drippings
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
Salt and pepper, to taste
1–2 teaspoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter (if not using bacon drippings)
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 all-purpose flour
5 cups chicken broth
1 cup half and half
1½ lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
1½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Green onions, for garnish

Seasonings

1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon mustard powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 pinch red pepper flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Cook the bacon slowly in a 4.5-quart soup pot over low heat until crisp. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate, then reserve 2 tablespoons of drippings. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 3 minutes per side until golden. Remove and rest for 10 minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery, mince the garlic, and cube the peeled potatoes so everything is ready to build the soup smoothly.

Cooking Instructions

Return the reserved bacon drippings to the pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, then cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Sprinkle in flour and cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw taste. Gradually add chicken broth while stirring, then pour in the half and half. Add cubed potatoes and bring to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer. Return the chicken and its juices to the pot. Simmer partially covered for about 20 minutes until the potatoes become fork-tender. Reduce the heat to low, stir in the shredded cheese, and mix in half of the chopped bacon. Garnish bowls with the remaining bacon and green onions before serving.

Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid adding cheese while the soup boils, because high heat causes dairy to separate and turn grainy. Instead, reduce the heat first. Also, stir the broth gradually when adding flour and liquid to prevent lumps. Finally, resist overcooking the potatoes, since overly soft potatoes can break apart and thicken the soup too much.

Pro Tips for Better Flavor

Use freshly shredded cheese from a block for smoother melting and better taste. Yukon gold potatoes create a naturally creamy texture, while red potatoes hold their shape beautifully. If you prefer richer results, substitute heavy cream for half and half. For extra nutrition, stir in chopped kale or spinach at the end and allow it to wilt gently. These small adjustments transform this dish into an even more satisfying chunky vegetable soup variation.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve

Serve Chicken Potato Soup hot in deep bowls topped with crispy bacon and fresh green onions. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. This recipe yields about 11 cups, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings where everyone wants a generous bowl of this comforting classic.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. If the soup thickens during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating to reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Chicken Potato Soup delivers everything you want in a homemade meal: warmth, texture, and deeply satisfying flavor. With crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy potatoes in every spoonful, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a comforting dinner that feels both nostalgic and nourishing. Try it once, and it will quickly earn a permanent place in your meal rotation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Chicken Potato Soup without bacon?

Yes, you can skip the bacon and use butter instead of bacon drippings. However, bacon adds depth and smokiness that significantly enrich the broth.

What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon gold potatoes create a creamy consistency, while red potatoes hold their shape well. Russets also work but may break down more due to their higher starch content.

Can I freeze Chicken Potato Soup?

Because this soup contains dairy and potatoes, freezing may slightly change the texture. If you plan to freeze it, cool it completely and reheat gently while stirring to restore creaminess.