Chicken Salad Chick Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

Chicken Salad Chick Loaded Potato Soup Recipe: A Hearty and Delicious Comfort Food

If you’re craving a warm and comforting meal, the Chicken Salad Chick Loaded Potato Soup is a perfect choice. This soup is rich, creamy, and full of flavor, making it an ideal dish for cold days or when you need something satisfying. The combination of potatoes, cheese, and bacon creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave you wanting more. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this delightful soup at home, provide some variations, and share the nutritional benefits of the ingredients used. Let’s get started!

What Makes Chicken Salad Chick Loaded Potato Soup Special?

The Loaded Potato Soup from Chicken Salad Chick is known for its thick, creamy texture and rich flavors. The recipe includes tender potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a blend of spices that make each spoonful irresistible. The soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it can also be served as a starter or side dish. What sets this soup apart is its perfect balance of ingredients that come together to create a satisfying and comforting dish.

Ingredients for Chicken Salad Chick Loaded Potato Soup

To make the Chicken Salad Chick Loaded Potato Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Potatoes: 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups of chicken broth or stock
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup of heavy cream for a rich and creamy texture
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Bacon: 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Butter: 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• Flour: 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour for thickening
• Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Green Onions: 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
• Sour Cream: Optional, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Salad Chick Loaded Potato Soup

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into small cubes. The size of the cubes should be consistent to ensure even cooking. Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil. Cook the potatoes until they are tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Once done, drain the potatoes and set them aside.

2. Cook the Bacon

While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the bacon. In a large skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until they are crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside for later use.

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same pot you used to cook the potatoes, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Make the Roux

To create a thick and creamy base for the soup, you’ll need to make a roux. Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring constantly. Cook the flour mixture for about 2-3 minutes until it turns a light golden color. This step is crucial for eliminating the raw flour taste.

5. Add the Chicken Broth and Cream

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken. After the broth has thickened, stir in the heavy cream and continue to cook for another 5 minutes.

6. Add the Potatoes and Cheese

Once the soup base is ready, add the cooked potatoes to the pot. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt completely. The cheese will give the soup its signature creamy texture and rich flavor. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. The garnishes add extra flavor and texture, making the soup even more delicious.

Variations of the Loaded Potato Soup

While the classic Chicken Salad Chick Loaded Potato Soup is delicious on its own, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Spicy Loaded Potato Soup

If you enjoy a bit of heat in your food, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup. This will give the soup a spicy kick that pairs well with the creamy base.

2. Vegetarian Loaded Potato Soup

For a vegetarian version of this soup, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add additional vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

3. Loaded Potato Soup with Ham

If you have leftover ham, dice it up and add it to the soup along with the potatoes. The ham adds a smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

4. Cheddar and Broccoli Potato Soup

For a twist on the classic recipe, add some steamed broccoli florets to the soup along with the cheese. The combination of cheddar and broccoli is always a hit, and it adds some extra veggies to the dish.

Nutritional Information for Chicken Salad Chick Loaded Potato Soup

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for a typical serving of Chicken Salad Chick Loaded Potato Soup. This is based on a standard serving size of one cup (240g).

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	320	16%
Total Fat	22g	34%
Saturated Fat	12g	60%
Cholesterol	65mg	22%
Sodium	800mg	33%
Total Carbohydrates	23g	8%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Sugars	2g	–
Protein	10g	20%
Vitamin A	15%	–
Vitamin C	10%	–
Calcium	20%	–
Iron	6%	–

Note: The nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. If you make any substitutions or add extra ingredients, be sure to adjust the nutritional information accordingly.

Tips for Making the Best Loaded Potato Soup

To ensure your Chicken Salad Chick Loaded Potato Soup turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they have a high starch content, which helps create a creamy texture. If you use other types of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, the soup may have a different texture.
• Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Be careful not to overcook the potatoes when boiling them. They should be tender but not mushy. Overcooked potatoes can make the soup too thick and starchy.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: For the best flavor and texture, grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Adjust Consistency as Needed: If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more chicken broth or cream. Conversely, if the soup is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
• Season to Taste: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce if you like.

FAQs

Conclusion

The Chicken Salad Chick Loaded Potato Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal to warm you up on a cold day or a delicious starter for a dinner party, this soup is sure to impress. The combination of creamy potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds satisfied.

By following the simple recipe and tips provided in this article, you can recreate this popular soup at home and even put your own spin on it with some creative variations. Not only is this soup delicious, but it also offers nutritional benefits, making it a well-rounded choice for your meal plan.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients and start cooking this delicious Chicken Salad Chick Loaded Potato Soup today. Your family and friends will thank you!