Easy Potato Soup With Chicken Broth

This Easy Potato Soup with chicken broth is made with smart ingredient choices like bacon, herbs and spices, and tangy Greek yogurt for a cozy meal with an upscale touch.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Zoup! All opinions are 100% my own.

Get Cozy With This Simple Potato Soup Recipe

I love a really great potato soup, but I couldn’t find one on the internet that I thought was perfect, so I made my own. While the list of ingredients may look long, a lot of it is fridge and pantry staples, so you probably have some of it on hand already.

The ingredients have been carefully chosen to make the most comforting, flavorful potato soup you’ve ever had. Everything from the right potatoes to the best broth to the pinch of nutmeg (learned that in culinary school!) comes together to create the most cozy meal ever.

And forget the other recipes that call for thickening potato soup with flour – you shouldn’t need to do that! All potato soup should be EASY potato soup, and this one doesn’t mess around with any unnecessary steps.

Easy Potato Soup Ingredients

• russet potatoes – the star of the soup. These starchy potatoes are the best choice.
• chicken broth – since this easy potato soup recipe is meant to be as easy as possible, we’re not making homemade broth, but we are choosing the next best thing: Zoup! Chicken Bone Broth. It has a complex yet balanced flavor that really tastes homemade.
• bacon – the smoky, savory starter for this soup. We’ll be garnishing the finished soup with the crispy bacon bits, and using the bacon grease to saute the aromatics, so nothing goes to waste.
• white onion – provides a savory and slightly sweet base for the soup.
• celery – adds an earthy flavor that complements the flavor of the potatoes.
• garlic – adds the aromatic punch that only garlic can add.
• salt and black pepper – elevates all of the flavors in the soup.
• dried thyme – adds an herbal note to increase the depth of flavor.
• smoked paprika – adds a subtle warmth that rounds out the flavors of the soup.
• bay leaf – we all put them in soup and we don’t know why, but we’re too scared to stop so let’s just keep it going.
• nutmeg – adding just a little pinch of nutmeg to creamy soups is a trick I learned in culinary school. It complements the flavor of both potatoes and creamy soups very well.
• Greek yogurt – adds creaminess but also a slight tang to this simple potato soup recipe that makes you want to keep coming back for more bites. Sour cream works as a sub!
• half and half – adds richness and creaminess. Whole milk works in a pinch but it won’t be quite as creamy.
• green onions – for a fresh, colorful garnish.
• sharp cheddar cheese – to garnish the finished soup and make it like a loaded baked potato soup.

How to Make Potato Soup With Chicken Broth

1. BACON. Cook the bacon in a large pot until it is crisp, then transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to reserve for later, while leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.

2. AROMATICS. Cook the white onion and celery in the bacon drippings until they are softened, then add the garlic, salt, thyme, pepper, paprika and nutmeg.

3. SIMMER. Add the potatoes, bay leaf and broth. Heat to boiling then reduce to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook until the potatoes are very tender.

4. PUREE. Transfer the soup to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.

5. FINISH. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the yogurt and half and half. Cook until the yogurt melts into the soup, stirring frequently. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

6. SERVE. Serve the soup garnished with green onions, cheese and bacon.

How to Thicken Potato Soup

By pureeing all of the potatoes, this soup is designed to be a rich, thick puree that still has a soup texture (i.e. it’s not TOO thick like mashed potatoes or anything).

If you decide NOT to puree all of the potatoes, and you’d like a thicker soup, you can whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water and add it to the soup. The soup must come to at least a low boil at this point to activate the cornstarch and thicken the soup.

Variations of Potato Soup Recipe With Chicken Broth

• EXTRA VEGGIES – Add extra veggies like carrots and broccoli for added nutrition.
• HAM – Make this soup from leftover ham instead of bacon. Use unsalted butter to saute the aromatics instead of bacon drippings, then stir in diced cook ham at the end.
• SPICY – For a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños to the aromatics or a pinch of cayenne when you add the other spices.

What to Serve With Potato Soup

Creamy potato soup pairs wonderfully with:

• Bread like homemade focaccia, quick yeast rolls or homemade garlic bread. This is a judgement free zone for carb-on-carb deliciousness.
• Salads like a chicken and spinach salad, or simply fresh greens tossed with citrus salad dressing.
• Sandwiches like a smoked salmon BLT or prosciutto sandwich.

Easy Potato Soup Storage

If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and place them in the fridge uncovered for a few hours until they are fully chilled, then cover them with the lid and keep in the refrigerator up to 3 days. 

Reheat on the stovetop, or in the microwave at 50% power, adding broth or water to thin the soup out if necessary.

Can You Freeze Potato Soup?

Yes, you can freeze potato soup! Transfer soup to storage containers and place them in the fridge uncovered for a few hours until they are fully chilled, then cover them with the lids, transfer them to the freezer and keep in the freezer up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.