I love cooking delicious meals, but I absolutely despise the mountain of dishes that follows. That’s why I’m obsessed with my Irish Chicken Bacon Cabbage Potato Soup – Warm & Hearty.
It delivers all the comfort of a home-cooked feast. Best of all, you only have one pot to wash at the end.
We’re talking tender chicken, smoky bacon, and hearty vegetables simmered together. It’s the ultimate cozy meal without the cleanup nightmare, perfect for pairing with a fresh fruit salsa as a light starter.
Recipe Overview
Let’s get straight to the good stuff. Here’s everything you need to know about this simple dish.
- Cuisine: Irish
- Category: Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
The Magic of a One-Pot (or One-Pan) Meal
As a dedicated dish-avoider, I can’t overstate the joy of a one-pot wonder. This method is a total game-changer for weeknight dinners.
You simply build layers of flavor in a single vessel. Everything cooks together, infusing the broth with incredible depth.
This means maximum flavor with minimal effort. Your sink will thank you later.
All You Need (One Pot & These Ingredients)
Gathering your gear and ingredients is the first step. I promise it’s a short list.
You’ll need one large soup pot or Dutch oven. That’s it for the major equipment.
Irish Chicken Bacon Cabbage Potato Soup – Warm & Hearty Recipe
The Full Ingredient List
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Irish Chicken Bacon Cabbage Potato Soup – Warm & Hearty Recipe!
Nutrition Information
The ingredients are simple, wholesome, and pack a powerful flavor punch. Let’s take a look.
The Full Ingredient List
Here is your complete shopping list. Everything comes together to create magic.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 8 oz bacon, chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked soup and a clean kitchen. I’ve included my best clean-as-you-go tips.
- Start by cooking the chopped bacon in your large pot over medium heat until crispy. This creates a flavorful base of bacon fat. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add the cubed chicken to the hot bacon fat. Season it with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, then remove it and set it aside with the bacon.
- Now, sauté the diced onion in the same pot until it’s soft and translucent. This should take about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- It’s time to add the potatoes, shredded cabbage, chicken broth, dried thyme, and the bay leaf. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the pot. Stir everything together and let it heat through for about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Your dinner is served, and your kitchen is still tidy!
PREPARATION
This recipe is perfect for those who love hearty, slow-cooked flavors. If you enjoy this style of cooking, you’ll definitely want to try our slow cooker sloppy joes for another effortless family favorite.
Pro-Tips for Perfect One-Pot Cooking
A few simple tricks can make your one-pot cooking even better. These are my tried-and-true secrets.
First, use the right size pot. A pot that’s too small will lead to messy boil-overs. A 6-quart Dutch oven is perfect for this recipe.
Don’t stir too much once the potatoes are in. Let them cook gently so they don’t break apart and turn the soup starchy.
Resist the urge to add more liquid. The cabbage will release water as it cooks, creating a perfectly balanced broth.
Storing & Reheating (Easy!)
This soup is fantastic for meal prep. It stores beautifully, making your future self very happy.
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened.
Nutrition Notes
This soup isn’t just easy on your dishes; it’s also nourishing. Here’s a quick breakdown per serving.
- High in Protein: Thanks to the chicken and bacon.
- Rich in Vitamins: Packed with Vitamin C from the cabbage and potatoes.
- Good Source of Fiber: The cabbage and potatoes provide a hearty dose.
- Comforting Carbs: The potatoes make it satisfying and energy-boosting.
If you’re looking for more comforting one-bowl meals, our crockpot lasagna soup delivers all the classic flavors with minimal cleanup.
Your One-Pot Questions, Answered
I get a lot of questions about this recipe. Here are the answers to the most common ones.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the bacon and chicken first for the best flavor. Then, add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
What can I use instead of cabbage?
If you’re not a cabbage fan, kale is a wonderful substitute. Just add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking so it doesn’t get too soft.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld together, making it the perfect make-ahead meal.
So there you have it. A delicious, hearty meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s the perfect solution for a cozy night in.
You get to enjoy all that incredible flavor while staring at a remarkably clean kitchen. It’s a win-win in my book.
I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your home. Enjoy all that flavor (and your clean kitchen!). Let me know how it went by leaving a comment and rating below!