Creamy Cheddar Chicken Bacon Soup

Cheesy Chicken Soup Recipe

🍲 Overview:
This Cheesy Chicken Soup is a beloved family favorite, combining comforting flavors of bacon, cheese, and chicken in a creamy broth. Perfect for any occasion, this soup is both kid-friendly and a delightful addition to brunch or a cozy dinner.

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour

📝 Ingredients:

• 4 slices bacon
• 1 chicken breast, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 1/2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

🔪 Instructions:

1. Lightly oil the bottom of a large saucepan, using olive oil.
2. Cook bacon over medium heat in the pan until crisp. Remove bacon from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan with bacon fat, add diced chicken, onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until chicken is lightly browned.
4. Add chicken broth and diced potatoes to the pan. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
5. Stir in corn kernels and continue to simmer.
6. In a separate bowl, place flour. Gradually add milk, stirring with a whisk until well blended. Add this mixture to the soup, stirring constantly.
7. Cook over medium heat for another 15 minutes or until the soup thickens, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
8. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well incorporated into the soup.
9. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.
10. Crumble the reserved bacon and sprinkle it over the top of the soup before serving.

🍽️ Serving:

• This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
• Serve hot, garnished with additional shredded cheese and chopped green onions if desired.

🔍 Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 505.8
• Total Fat: 24.9g
  • Saturated Fat: 10.6g
• Cholesterol: 89.9mg
• Sodium: 1166.2mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38.2g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3.7g
  • Sugars: 3.2g
• Protein: 33.4g

Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken Soup:

• Bacon Crispness: Ensure the bacon is cooked until crisp before removing it from the pan, as it adds a crunchy texture to the soup.
• Vegetable Sauté: Sautéing the chicken and vegetables in bacon fat enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
• Thickening the Soup: Gradually adding the milk and flour mixture ensures the soup thickens evenly without lumps.
• Cheese Incorporation: Adding the shredded cheddar cheese gradually and stirring constantly helps it melt smoothly into the soup, creating a creamy texture.
• Seasoning: Adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper according to your taste preference. Start with a little and add more as needed.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like carrots and celery for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Spicier Version: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
• Creamier Texture: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream just before serving for an even richer soup.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side Dishes: Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Garnish Ideas: Top with additional shredded cheese, chopped fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.

Enjoy this Cheesy Chicken Soup recipe with its comforting flavors and hearty ingredients that are sure to satisfy everyone at the table! Perfect for any occasion, it’s a dish that will warm hearts and please taste buds alike.