Creamy Chicken Bacon Soup (Print Version)

Velvety soup combining tender chicken, crispy bacon and melted cheese for a rich, comforting meal ready in just 40 minutes.

# Ingredients:

→ Protein

01 - 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast or thighs
02 - 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits, plus extra for garnish

→ Dairy

03 - 4 oz cream cheese
04 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
05 - Optional: 1/4 cup cream or milk for extra smoothness

→ Liquids

06 - 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)

→ Seasonings and Herbs

07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives, for garnish

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Cook chicken breasts or thighs in boiling water or broth until fully cooked and tender. Shred into bite-sized pieces to create the protein base of the soup.
02 - In a large pot over medium heat, combine the chicken broth, cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts smoothly into the broth, forming a rich and silky foundation.
03 - Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Then add crispy bacon bits to infuse smoky and savory flavors into the soup.
04 - Add the shredded chicken to the cheesy broth mixture. Let the soup simmer gently for a few minutes to meld all flavors together, ensuring every spoonful is warm and comforting.
05 - Finish the soup with chopped green onions or chives for freshness and a vibrant pop of color before serving.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Use freshly shredded chicken for better flavor absorption and tender texture.
02 - Slowly melt cream cheese and cheddar to avoid curdling and achieve a smooth texture.
03 - Reserve some bacon bits for garnish to keep them crispy.
04 - Adjust salt and seasoning gradually throughout cooking.
05 - Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control salt levels.
06 - Simmer gently and avoid boiling after adding cheese to prevent separation.