Bacon Beer Cheese Soup With Chicken

I have 2 favorite soups in the world, here is the first one, it is creamy and cheesy, beer, chicken, smoky spices, and some cream then topped off with a crunch of croutons and chives..Yummy!! Easy and delicious soup done in 30 minutes..I love soup, any type of soup I will try, you can serve at dinner parties, freeze leftovers for during the week, add any of your favorite ingredients..

Ingredients:
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 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, if desired
croutons, if desired

Directions:

Warm an 8 quart pot over high heat. Dice 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, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Garnish with chives and croutons.  Enjoy!

recipe from:http://www.theslowroasteditalian.com/2013/09/bacon-beer-cheese-soup-with-chicken-recipe.html