If you’re searching for a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug, this Creamy Chicken Potato Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and luscious cream in one bowl, all brought together with a crisp hint of bacon and fresh veggies. Every spoonful delivers a rich, velvety texture balanced perfectly with rustic, savory flavors. Whether it’s a chilly day or you simply want a wholesome meal that feels like home, this soup is a delicious winner that’s sure to satisfy everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a key role in building its depth and character. From the smoky bacon fat that forms your flavor base to the cream that lends that irresistible richness, every element matters.
- Bacon strips: Provides a smoky, crispy foundation that adds depth and texture to the soup.
- Medium onion (chopped small): Offers natural sweetness and aroma as it softens in the pot.
- Medium carrots (peeled & chopped small): Adds a subtle sweetness and pleasant bite for texture contrast.
- Celery sticks (chopped small): Brings fresh, aromatic undertones that balance the richness.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the soup with a warm, savory punch that brightens each spoonful.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A fragrant blend of herbs that complements the hearty ingredients perfectly.
- Flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the soup into that creamy, luscious consistency you’re craving.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Provides a savory, flavorful base that’s crucial for depth.
- Heavy or whipping cream (1 cup): Imparts richness and smoothness, making the soup truly creamy.
- Russet potatoes (2 medium-to-large, peeled & diced): These add heartiness and a comforting texture that soaks up all the soup’s flavors.
- Corn (3/4 cup, frozen or fresh): Adds a pop of sweetness and vibrant color to the bowl.
- Cooked or rotisserie chicken (2 cups): Tender protein that melds beautifully with the broth and veggies.
- Seasoning salt and pepper (to taste): The final touch to balance and enhance every element in the soup.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Crisp and Render the Bacon
Start by cutting your bacon into small pieces—kitchen shears make this a breeze—and cooking them in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. This takes about 10 minutes. You want that bacon perfectly crispy because it not only adds smoky flavor but the rendered fat creates the ultimate base for sautéing your veggies.
Step 2: Set Bacon Aside, Keep the Fat
Once the bacon is crisp, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Don’t discard the tasty bacon fat in the pot; it holds the key flavor for your soup’s foundation, so leave it right there and ready for the next step.
Step 3: Sauté Your Aromatics
Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to your bacon fat. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are nicely softened and fragrant. This classic trio contributes sweetness and a subtle earthiness that elevate the soup’s overall profile.
Step 4: Build Flavor with Garlic and Italian Seasoning
Next, stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and flour. Cook this mixture for about a minute, stirring constantly to meld the flavors and cook out the raw flour taste. This step thickens the soup while layering in those wonderful herbaceous tones.
Step 5: Add Chicken Broth and Scrape the Pot
Pour in the chicken broth, giving the pot a good stir to dissolve the flour. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom because they add a beautiful depth of flavor you don’t want to miss. That’s where the magic happens!
Step 6: Bring in Cream, Potatoes, and Corn
Now it’s time to add the cream, diced potatoes, and corn. Turn the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a rapid simmer and let it gently cook, with the lid slightly ajar, for 15 minutes. During this time, the potatoes will soften and the soup will begin to thicken to that lovely creamy consistency you’re craving.
Step 7: Add Chicken and Bacon, Finish Cooking
Finally, stir in the cooked chicken and crispy bacon pieces. Let everything cook together for another 5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the potatoes are perfectly tender. This last melding of ingredients ensures every bite bursts with comfort and flavor.
Step 8: Season to Taste
Season your soup with seasoning salt and pepper to taste. Don’t skimp here—getting the seasoning just right will bring all the rich, hearty flavors together into a wonderfully balanced dish that feels homemade in every sense.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Add an extra layer of fun and flavor with garnishes like fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, or even a dollop of sour cream for a tangy contrast. These little touches not only amp the visual appeal but also enhance the textural experience with creamy or fresh bites.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm, buttery dinner rolls that invite you to soak up every last drop. A simple green salad or steamed green beans can bring a refreshing crispness to the plate, balancing out this creamy, rich soup perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls, which makes your meal feel cozy and special. You can also offer bowls with a sprinkle of crispy bacon and chives on top, making each serving feel like a personalized experience that’s just waiting to be devoured.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your Creamy Chicken Potato Soup Recipe cools to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making for an easy, comforting meal ready to enjoy anytime.
Freezing
This soup freezes quite well. To do so, cool it completely, then store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It’s best used within 2 months. When thawed, you might notice the cream separates slightly—just stir well while reheating to bring it back to that creamy goodness.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to recombine any separated cream. You may want to add a splash more broth or cream to refresh the soup’s silky texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using cooked chicken thighs is a wonderful option because their dark meat stays tender and flavorful. Just shred or chop them and add as directed in the recipe.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative. This will still add richness without dairy, while slightly altering the flavor profile in a delightful way.
What type of potatoes work best for this soup?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they break down slightly during cooking, helping thicken the soup without becoming mushy. However, Yukon Golds can also work well for a creamier texture.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be creamy and thick enough to coat your spoon but still ladle easily. If it’s too thick, simply add a splash of broth to loosen it up during reheating.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Definitely. You can chop the vegetables and cook the bacon ahead of time to speed up the cooking process. The soup itself also tastes great the next day, as flavors develop more fully overnight.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Potato Soup Recipe is the kind of dish that warms you inside and out, a true testament to how simple ingredients can create something absolutely sensational. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors as much as I do. It’s perfect for any day you crave a little extra #comfortinabowl.
