Bacon Beer Cheese Soup with Chicken

By vealam

Ingredients

• 6 slices thick cut bacon
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons ground chile de arbol (or cayenne pepper; to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup beer, Belgian style wheat beer (Blue Moon)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cups half and half
• 8 ounces mild cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• chives
• croutons

Details

Servings 6
Adapted from theslowroasteditalian.com

Preparation

Step 1

Warm an 8 quart pot over high heat. Using clean scissors; cut bacon into pot. Cook bacon until lightly crisp, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, cut chicken into bite size pieces.

Remove bacon from pan and place on a plate. Add chicken into bacon grease to cook. Stir occasionally until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken onto plate with bacon.

Cut butter into 1 tablespoon pieces and add to pan drippings. Whisk in flour and spices. Add beer, broth and half & half. Whisk to combine and bring to a bubble. Add cheese whisk to combine, stir until you have a smooth mixture. Add Worcestershire sauce, chicken and bacon. Stir to combine.

Allow to simmer until ready to serve, stirring occasionally.

Garnish with chives and croutons. Enjoy!