Bacon Beer Cheese Soup with Chicken

I found this recipe and couldn't resist trying it. Well it was so worth it, delicious!!!!Perfect time of the  year to start making soups!! 

Bacon Beer Cheese Soup with Chicken

serves 6-8 

6 slices thick cut bacon

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast

¼ cup butter

¼ 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

Warm an 8 cup 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!

Click here for a printable version of this recipe - The Slow Roasted Italian.com 

Recipe developed by Donna Elick - The Slow Roasted Italian