Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup Recipe

Oh, honey, there’s something so incredibly comforting about a bowl of warm, hearty soup, especially when it’s as rich and satisfying as this Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug on a chilly evening, a perfect blend of smoky bacon, tender chicken, and soft potatoes swimming in a velvety broth. It feels like a little bit of magic, transforming simple ingredients into a truly special treat that nourishes both body and soul.

I remember my grandmother, bless her heart, would always have a pot simmering on the stove, filling her kitchen with the most delightful aromas. She taught me that the secret to truly good food, much like a beautiful dessert, lies in the love you pour into it. This recipe brings back those cherished memories, a testament to how simple, honest cooking creates lasting joy.

This Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup is not only wonderfully cozy and incredibly flavorful, making it an instant family favorite, but it’s also remarkably approachable for any home cook. My top tip for any dish, sweet or savory, is always to taste as you go; your palate is your best guide!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this delightful soup truly is a joy, bringing together humble ingredients for a truly satisfying experience. We’re talking about luscious heavy cream, savory bacon, and tender Yukon Gold potatoes, which are the heart and soul of this wonderfully comforting dish. These elements combine to create a Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup that is rich in flavor and wonderfully textured. You’ll find the complete list of ingredients and their precise measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup

Creating this heartwarming Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup is a beautiful journey of flavors coming together. We begin by crisping up the bacon, then cooking the chicken to golden perfection before sautéing aromatic vegetables. Next, we simmer the potatoes in a flavorful chicken broth until tender. A quick roux thickens our soup to creamy perfection, then we stir in the milk and cream, letting it all meld into that irresistible, cozy bowl of goodness. You’ll be amazed how easily this comes together!

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Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup

This hearty and comforting Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup is packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, soft potatoes, and fresh vegetables in a rich, velvety broth, perfect for a cozy meal.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Bacon & Chicken
  • 6 slices bacon thick-cut, diced
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced into 1-inch pieces
For the Aromatics & Base
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
  • 6 cups chicken broth low sodium
  • 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
For the Creaminess
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/4 cup cooked bacon crumbled (reserved from initial cooking or extra)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Equipment

  • Large Dutch Oven
  • Heavy-bottomed pot
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Slotted spoon
  • Ladle
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cook Bacon
  1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, and set aside. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot, discarding any excess.
Cook Chicken
  1. Add the diced chicken to the pot with the reserved bacon fat. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside with the bacon.
Sauté Vegetables
  1. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot (if needed). Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Broth & Potatoes
  1. Pour in the chicken broth. Add the diced potatoes, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Make Roux
  1. While potatoes cook, in a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened. This is your béchamel sauce.
Combine & Cream
  1. Once potatoes are tender, stir the cooked chicken and about half of the cooked bacon (reserve the rest for garnish) back into the soup pot. Pour in the milk-flour mixture (béchamel) and stir well to combine.
Add Cream
  1. Stir in the heavy cream. Continue to simmer gently for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens to your desired consistency. Do not boil once cream is added.
Season and Serve
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the hot Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, reserved crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Notes

For a thicker soup, mash a portion of the potatoes against the side of the pot with a fork or potato masher before adding the cream. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or spinach during the last 5 minutes of simmering for added flavor and nutrition.

Pro Tips for Making This Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup

Creating a truly memorable Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup is all about those little touches that elevate it from good to absolutely divine. These are the tricks I’ve picked up over my years in the kitchen, experimenting and learning from every pot and pan.

My Secret Trick: I always crisp the bacon first, setting it aside, and then use a little of that beautiful bacon fat to sauté the onions and celery. It infuses such a deep, smoky flavor right from the start, making your Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup incredibly savory!

When it comes to the potatoes, I always recommend Yukon Golds for this recipe. Their waxy texture holds up beautifully without getting mushy, and they lend a natural creaminess to the soup. Make sure to cut them into even pieces so they cook uniformly.

Don’t rush the roux! Whisking the butter and flour until it’s a pale golden color, truly allows the raw flour taste to cook out. This small step ensures your soup has a smooth, rich base without any grainy texture.

Finally, remember to add your heavy cream and milk gently, and avoid bringing the soup to a rolling boil after they’ve been added. A gentle simmer is all you need to warm through and combine, preserving that lovely, creamy consistency for your Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup.

Fun Variations for Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup

One of the greatest joys of cooking, for me, is the freedom to play and personalize a recipe, making it truly your own! This Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup is wonderfully versatile, and with a few simple tweaks, you can discover new flavor profiles that delight your taste buds.

Spice it Up!

If you love a little warmth, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper when you sauté the vegetables. My friend, Sarah, always asks for a little extra kick in her soup, and it truly adds a delightful depth without overwhelming the classic flavors of this comforting soup.

Veggie Boost

For an extra nutritional punch, consider stirring in some frozen corn or peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking. A handful of fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the soup right before serving, adding a lovely splash of color and an earthy note.

Cheesy Delights

While shredded cheddar is wonderful, feel free to experiment with other cheeses! A sprinkle of smoked gouda or even a touch of Parmesan grated in just before serving can transform the flavor profile of your Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup in the most delightful way.

What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup

Ah, the art of pairing! Just like a delicate cookie needs the perfect cup of tea, a hearty soup like our Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup deserves companions that complement its rich flavors and textures. I love creating a spread that makes a meal feel complete and utterly satisfying.

A crusty artisan bread, warm from the oven, is an absolute must for dipping into that creamy broth. My mom always had a fresh loaf on the table, and there’s nothing quite like it for soaking up every last bit of deliciousness. Garlic bread or a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also pair wonderfully, cutting through the richness of the soup.

For a comforting winter meal, I often serve this Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup with a simple grilled cheese sandwich. It’s a nostalgic pairing that reminds me of childhood and adds another layer of cozy satisfaction. And if you’re looking for a quick serving idea, a sprinkle of fresh chives or a dollop of sour cream on top just before serving adds a lovely fresh finish.

How to Store Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup

Knowing how to properly store your homemade creations is just as important as baking them! This ensures you can savor every last spoonful of your delicious Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup without compromising its wonderful flavor or creamy texture.

Fridge Storage

Once your soup has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping a cozy lunch or a quick dinner on a busy weeknight.

Freezer Tips

For longer storage, Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup freezes quite well! Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating for Best Results

When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, gently reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a little thick, you can add a splash of milk or chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency. My personal tip is to always taste and adjust the seasonings after reheating – sometimes a little extra salt and pepper can bring it right back to life!

Nutritional Benefits

This hearty soup, our delightful Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup, is more than just a comforting indulgence; it also offers some lovely nutritional benefits. Packed with protein from the chicken and bacon, and complex carbohydrates from the Yukon Gold potatoes, it provides sustained energy. With fresh vegetables like carrots and celery, it’s a wonderfully balanced and satisfying meal that combines warmth with wholesome goodness.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Prepare it a day in advance, cool, and store in the refrigerator. Gently reheat when ready to serve.

Faq 2

What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a slightly lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk, though the soup won’t be quite as rich. Avoid using skim milk as it may curdle when heated, especially after making the Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup.

Faq 3

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Frozen corn, peas, or diced bell peppers would be delicious additions. Add softer vegetables towards the end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming too mushy in your Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup.

Faq 4

Is this soup gluten-free?
As written, this Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup recipe uses all-purpose flour for the roux, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or use a cornstarch slurry to thicken.

Conclusion

There’s truly nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade Creamy Chicken Bacon Potato Soup to bring warmth and comfort to your home. This recipe, filled with tender chicken, savory bacon, and creamy potatoes, is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather around the table, share stories, and create new memories. I hope you’ll embrace the joy of making this comforting soup, letting your kitchen fill with its incredible aroma and your heart with the delight of sharing something truly special. Happy cooking, sweet friends!

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