This Creamy Chicken and Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings. With tender chicken, hearty potatoes, crispy bacon, and flavorful vegetables, all combined in a rich broth, it’s a warming, satisfying dish. This easy-to-make soup is ideal for meal prep and is freezer-friendly for later enjoyment.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled

• ¼ cup unsalted butter

• 1 onion, diced

• ½ cup carrots, diced

• ½ cup celery, diced

• 5 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 chicken bouillon cube

• ½ tsp thyme

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 3 Russet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced

• 1 cup heavy cream

Topping Ideas

• Cheddar cheese

• Diced green onions

• Sour cream

• Chopped parsley

• Additional crumbled bacon

Directions

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, keeping about ¼ cup of the drippings in the pot.

2. Sauté Vegetables: Add butter to the pot and melt it. Sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic for about 5 minutes until softened.

3. Make the Base: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and whisk for 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.

4. Simmer: Add the chicken bouillon, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

5. Add Chicken and Cream: Stir in the cooked chicken and heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

6. Serve: Adjust seasonings to taste and serve in bowls with desired toppings.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 565 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 8g

• Protein: 16g

• Fat: 52g

• Saturated Fat: 21g

• Cholesterol: 101mg

• Sodium: 601mg

• Potassium: 334mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 1g

• Vitamin A: 1262 IU

• Vitamin C: 3mg

• Calcium: 20mg

• Iron: 1mg

The Perfect Base: Chicken and Potatoes

At the heart of this soup are the two key ingredients: chicken and potatoes. The combination of tender, diced chicken breast and hearty russet potatoes makes for a filling and comforting base that is perfect for a cold evening. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used in this recipe to keep the soup lean, while still providing a satisfying amount of protein. The chicken is cooked until tender and diced into small chunks that blend seamlessly into the soup, absorbing the flavors of the broth and the rich seasonings.

The russet potatoes, peeled and diced, are another essential ingredient. As they cook in the broth, the potatoes soften and break down slightly, thickening the soup and making it more substantial. The potatoes absorb the flavors of the broth, becoming even more delicious as they cook. Their mild, earthy flavor balances out the richness of the other ingredients, making them the perfect complement to the savory chicken.

Flavorful Vegetables: Adding Depth and Freshness

To enhance the flavor profile of this soup, a combination of onions, carrots, and celery is sautéed with garlic in butter. This classic combination, known as the “mirepoix” in French cooking, serves as the aromatic base for the soup. The onions become sweet and soft, the carrots add a slight natural sweetness, and the celery contributes a refreshing crunch and a subtle earthiness. Garlic, added to the mix, provides an aromatic depth that brings all the flavors together.

Sautéing these vegetables in butter helps release their natural sugars and flavors, infusing the soup with a savory base that enhances the overall taste. This mirepoix forms the foundation of the soup’s flavor, ensuring that each bite is rich and layered with savory goodness.

The Savory Broth: The Key to the Soup’s Richness

What really elevates this Creamy Chicken and Potato Soup is the savory broth that ties all the ingredients together. The soup base is made with chicken broth, which imparts a deep, savory flavor that complements the chicken. A chicken bouillon cube is added to intensify the chicken flavor, making the broth rich and flavorful. Seasoned with thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper, the broth has a well-rounded flavor that is both aromatic and comforting.

The combination of these seasonings creates a broth that is flavorful yet not overpowering, allowing the taste of the chicken and vegetables to shine through. As the soup simmers, the flavors meld together, creating a harmonious balance of savory, herbal, and slightly earthy notes that make each spoonful satisfying.

The Creaminess: Adding a Luxurious Texture

To give the soup its signature creamy texture, heavy cream is stirred in towards the end of the cooking process. The cream adds richness, turning the broth into a velvety, indulgent base that coats the ingredients beautifully. The richness of the cream also balances the savory elements of the soup, providing a smooth, comforting finish.

The use of cream ensures that the soup is both hearty and luxurious without feeling too heavy. This creamy consistency also helps to hold the flavors together, providing a satisfying mouthfeel that is perfect for a cozy meal. The creaminess of the soup, combined with the tender chicken, potatoes, and vegetables, creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

Crispy Bacon: The Finishing Touch

One of the standout features of this Creamy Chicken and Potato Soup is the crispy bacon, which adds a delightful crunch and a smoky, salty flavor to the dish. The bacon is cooked until crisp and then crumbled into the soup, providing both texture and flavor. The smoky notes of the bacon pair beautifully with the creamy broth, adding depth and richness to the soup.

Bacon not only contributes a savory element but also enhances the overall complexity of the soup. Each bite of the soup, with the crunchy bacon bits mixed throughout, brings a satisfying contrast to the smooth and creamy base. The addition of bacon makes this soup even more comforting and indulgent, giving it that irresistible “umami” punch that makes you want to go back for seconds.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Freezing

One of the greatest advantages of this Creamy Chicken and Potato Soup is that it’s ideal for meal prep and can be frozen for later enjoyment. The soup can be made in large batches, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time. Whether you’re cooking for the week or planning to store leftovers for a busy day, this soup holds up well in the fridge for several days.

If you want to store it longer, the soup can easily be frozen in airtight containers. Simply allow it to cool, then transfer it to the freezer, where it can stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove, adding a little extra broth or water if necessary to thin it out to your desired consistency.

This makes it a fantastic option for busy families, individuals who like to plan their meals in advance, or anyone looking for a make-ahead meal that still tastes fresh and delicious.

Toppings and Variations: Customizing Your Soup

This Creamy Chicken and Potato Soup is already a satisfying and hearty meal, but it can easily be customized with a variety of toppings. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, adding a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy broth. Diced green onions add a burst of freshness and color, while a dollop of sour cream introduces a tangy richness that complements the soup’s creamy texture. Chopped parsley can be sprinkled on top to add a pop of green and a fresh, herbal note.

For an extra dose of crunch, you can also sprinkle more crumbled bacon on top before serving. The crispy bacon adds not only flavor but texture, balancing the soup’s creaminess with a satisfying crunch. You can also add a few croutons or serve the soup with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth, making it even more filling.

Nutritional Benefits: A Hearty Yet Comforting Meal

While this soup is undeniably rich and creamy, it also offers a balanced nutritional profile. Each serving provides a generous amount of protein from the chicken and bacon, as well as a healthy dose of carbohydrates from the potatoes and vegetables. The heavy cream adds fat, but it’s the kind of indulgent fat that contributes to the soup’s luxurious texture without making it too heavy.

This soup also provides a good amount of potassium, which helps support heart health and muscle function, and vitamin A, which is essential for eye health. While the sodium content may be higher due to the use of chicken broth and bouillon, it can be adjusted by using low-sodium broth or reducing the amount of added salt.

Overall, this Creamy Chicken and Potato Soup offers a nourishing and satisfying meal that is not only delicious but also provides essential nutrients to support a balanced diet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Creamy Chicken and Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings when you need something warm and satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, hearty potatoes, flavorful vegetables, crispy bacon, and creamy broth makes it a well-rounded, filling meal that is both rich and comforting. It’s a great option for meal prep and can be easily frozen for future meals, making it a convenient choice for busy days. Whether enjoyed with your favorite toppings or on its own, this soup is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen, offering both warmth and nourishment with every bowl.