Time required:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
# Introduction
Looking for a warming and filling dish guaranteed to comfort your soul and fill your belly? Look no further than this Chicken Potato Soup with Bacon recipe. It’s a delicious blend of tender chicken, fluffy potatoes and smoky bacon, bound together with a decadent, creamy soup.
# Why make this recipe?
This soup is the perfect choice for cold, dreary days or when you’re in need of some comforting, home-cooked food. It’s easy to make with ingredients you probably already have on hand. The combination of chicken, potatoes and bacon offers a satisfying and hearty dish that is sure to please the whole family.
# How to make Chicken Potato Soup with Bacon
## Ingredients
– 4 slices bacon, chopped
– 1lb (450g) chicken breast, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 cups chicken broth
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tsp thyme
– 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
## Directions
**Step 1**: In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. remove the bacon and set it aside, but leave the fat in the pot.
**Step 2**: Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until browned. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside.
**Step 3**: Add the onions and garlic to the same pot and sauté until the onions become translucent.
**Step 4**: Pour in the chicken broth, cubed potatoes, and thyme. Allow the mixture to boil before reducing the heat and allowing it to simmer until the potatoes become tender.
**Step 5**: Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes to achieve your desired soup consistency.
**Step 6**: Return the chicken to the pot, and stir in milk and cream until the mixture is heated through. Season with salt and pepper.
# How to serve Chicken Potato Soup with Bacon
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle the crispy bacon and chopped green onions on top. Enjoy this warming dish as it is for a lunch or dinner main, or serve it as a hearty starter for a larger meal.
# How to store Chicken Potato Soup with Bacon
For leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, transfer the soup to a pot and simmer over a medium heat until hot.
# Tips to make Chicken Potato Soup with Bacon
– For a thicker soup, allow it to simmer for longer – this will allow more time for the potatoes to break down and become softer.
– For an extra savory taste, you can use chicken stock instead of broth.
– To make the dish spicier, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
# Variation (if any)
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and bacon, and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. Add additional vegetables, such as carrots or peas, for extra nutritional value.
# FAQs
**1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?**
Yes, sweet potatoes can be a great addition to this soup. They will add a slightly sweeter flavor.
**2. Can I freeze leftover soup?**
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in airtight containers and use within three months for best flavor.
**3. Can I use a different meat, like turkey?**
Yes, you can certainly use turkey instead of chicken. It may alter the flavor slightly but will still be delicious.