Warm, comforting, and incredibly satisfying, this Easy One-Pot Chicken Potato Soup with Bacon is the ultimate comfort meal for chilly days. Made with tender chicken, creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and aromatic herbs, this soup delivers rich flavors without any complicated steps. Because everything cooks in one pot, cleanup is a breeze — making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Whether you’re craving something hearty or looking for a simple homemade soup, this recipe hits the mark. The combination of creamy potatoes, savory chicken, and smoky bacon creates a delicious bowl that feels both rustic and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This (Easy One-Pot Chicken Potato Soup with Bacon)
- Made in one pot — zero mess
- Rich, creamy, and comforting
- Packed with protein
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Perfect for leftovers
- Great for busy weeknights
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This soup is a crowd-pleaser because it balances simplicity and depth of flavor. Unlike heavy creamy soups, this version uses milk and potatoes to create natural thickness. The bacon adds texture while the chicken keeps it hearty. If you enjoy cozy soups like chowder or creamy chicken stew, you’ll absolutely love this dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 strips bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chives, extra bacon
How to Make This (Easy One-Pot Chicken Potato Soup with Bacon) —
- Cook the bacon:
Place chopped bacon in a large pot and cook over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot. - Sauté aromatics:
Add butter to the pot. Add diced onions and cook until translucent (about 4–5 minutes).
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. - Add potatoes and broth:
Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes until potatoes soften. - Add chicken:
Stir in shredded chicken and simmer for another 3 minutes. - Add milk for creaminess:
Pour in the milk and simmer gently until the soup thickens (about 4–6 minutes). - Finish with bacon:
Add the crispy bacon bits and stir. - Taste & adjust:
Season with more salt or pepper if needed. - Serve warm:
Top with cheese, chives, or extra bacon if you like.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Protein: 23 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: ~750 mg
(Values vary depending on ingredients used.)
Tips for the Best (Easy One-Pot Chicken Potato Soup with Bacon)
- Don’t overcook the potatoes — otherwise the soup becomes mushy.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Mash a few potatoes with a spoon to naturally thicken the soup.
- Add milk slowly to avoid curdling.
- Season in layers — broth, chicken, and final taste.
- Use thick-cut bacon for a stronger smoky flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
- Creamier: Add ½ cup heavy cream.
- Low-fat: Replace milk with skim milk or almond milk.
- Cheesy: Add cheddar or mozzarella at the end.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
What to Serve With (Easy One-Pot Chicken Potato Soup with Bacon)
- Crusty bread or baguette
- Garlic bread
- Simple green salad
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Crackers
- Cornbread
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding milk too early — it may separate.
- Using too much broth — soup becomes thin.
- Over-seasoning at the beginning — flavors intensify while simmering.
- Not simmering long enough — potatoes won’t release enough starch to thicken the soup.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk.
- Freezing is possible, but potatoes may soften — best for blended-style reheating.
Conclusion
Easy One-Pot Chicken Potato Soup with Bacon is a comforting, flavorful, and simple meal you can make anytime. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s ideal for cold nights, busy schedules, or meal prep. The creamy texture, savory chicken, and crispy bacon make it irresistible — and the one-pot method keeps cooking stress-free.
General Information
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: ~40 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Cuisine: American comfort food
- Difficulty: Easy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
A: Yes — simmer it in the broth until cooked, then shred.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as your broth is gluten-free.
Q: Can I thicken it more?
A: Mash potatoes or add a slurry of flour + water.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, but texture may change due to potatoes.