Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without complaints? I’ve been there more times than I can count. Those dinner table negotiations can feel like high-stakes diplomacy.
That’s why I’m so excited to share my Irish Chicken Bacon Potato Cabbage Soup – Hearty Comfort. This dish has become our family’s secret weapon against picky eating. It’s the cozy hug in a bowl that somehow satisfies everyone at the table, much like our popular yogurt toast does for breakfast.
I know how tough weeknight dinners can be when you’re juggling different taste preferences. This soup has saved many evenings in our household. Let me show you why it might become your new favorite too.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Irish
- Category: Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
Getting my kids to eat their vegetables used to feel like mission impossible. This soup changed everything for us.
The magic is in the familiar flavors that blend together beautifully. Kids recognize the chicken and potatoes right away. The cabbage becomes mild and sweet when cooked, losing that strong taste that often turns kids away.
Everything cooks together until tender and comforting. The bacon adds just enough smoky flavor to make it exciting. Even my most skeptical eater now asks for seconds.
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I always keep these ingredients on hand for busy weeks. They’re simple and accessible, which makes life easier.
You’ll need 1 pound of chicken breast, 6 slices of bacon, 4 potatoes, half a head of cabbage, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 cups of water, and basic seasonings. That’s it – nothing fancy or hard to find.
The beauty is in the simplicity. These are ingredients most kids already know and love. They come together to create something truly special.
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting kids involved in cooking makes them more excited to eat the final result. I’ve found this works like magic.
Younger children can wash the potatoes and carrots. Older kids can help tear the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. These simple tasks make them feel proud and invested in the meal.
My daughter loves being the “potato inspector.” She checks that each one is clean before it goes into the pot. Little moments like these make cooking together so much fun.
PREPARATION
Don’t worry – this recipe is much easier than it looks. I’ll walk you through each simple step.
1. Chop the bacon into small pieces and cook in a large pot until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
2. Add diced chicken to the same pot and cook until no longer pink. The chicken will absorb all that delicious bacon flavor.
3. Add chopped onion and carrots to the pot. Cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in diced potatoes, chopped cabbage, chicken broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Return the crispy bacon to the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and watch your family dig in! The soup will make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing.
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
Every family has different preferences. Here are some easy ways to customize this soup for your crew.
For super sensitive kids, you can serve the bacon on the side as a topping. Some children prefer their foods separated until they’re ready to try them mixed.
If your family loves creamy soups, stir in half a cup of cream at the end. For extra veggies, toss in some frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can make it work for your family’s specific needs and preferences.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This soup is fantastic for meal prep. It actually tastes even better the next day.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop and meld together beautifully.
You can also freeze this soup for up to 3 months. I often double the recipe and freeze half for those crazy busy weeks. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
Nutrition Notes
- Packed with protein from chicken and bacon
- Excellent source of vitamins from cabbage and carrots
- Provides healthy carbohydrates from potatoes
- Rich in fiber for digestive health
- Lower in calories than many comfort foods
If you’re looking for another hearty meal that’s perfect for busy nights, you’ll love our Crock Pot Taco Chili – Hearty Comfort Meal for Busy Nights.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the bacon and chicken first for best flavor, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
What if my child doesn’t like cabbage?
Try cutting the cabbage smaller and cooking it longer until very soft. The mild flavor blends beautifully with the other ingredients, making it much more approachable.
Can I use different meats in this soup?
Of course! Turkey bacon works well, and you can substitute the chicken with turkey or even use sausage instead. The recipe is very forgiving.
This Irish Chicken Bacon Potato Cabbage Soup has become our go-to comfort food that everyone actually eats. It’s saved me from many dinner time battles and become a family favorite.
The best part is watching my kids enjoy a meal packed with vegetables without even realizing it. Those are the kitchen victories that make all the effort worthwhile, especially when followed by a sweet treat like our delicious fresh peach fritters.
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Please leave a comment and rating below to let me know how it turned out!
