Name: Velvety 35-Minute Creamy Chicken Bacon Chowder You'll Crave
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tsp thyme; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt

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Nothing warms you up quite like a steaming bowl of my creamy chicken bacon chowder – it’s been my go-to comfort food since college when I’d whip up big batches to get through finals week. This rich, velvety soup packs serious flavor with every spoonful while sneaking in veggies and protein to keep you nourished. I still make it whenever someone in our house feels under the weather or when we just need that cozy “everything’s going to be okay” kind of meal.

The magic happens in one pot in under 35 minutes – crispy turkey bacon mingling with tender chicken, sweet carrots, and that luscious cream base that’ll have you scraping the bowl clean. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent but is actually packed with good-for-you ingredients to support your immune system. Trust me, once you try this chowder, it’ll become your new cold-weather staple too.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Bacon Chowder

Okay, let me just gush for a second about why this soup is my absolute favorite. First off, that texture! It’s so creamy and luxurious without being overly heavy. And it’s a total nutrient powerhouse – the protein from the chicken and the vitamins from the veggies make it a genuinely healthy chicken soup recipe that actually keeps you full. The best part? It comes together so fast on a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving! I’ve made it keto for my sister and dairy-free for a friend, and everyone still raves about it. Honestly, it’s just a big, warm, comforting hug in a bowl.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Bacon Chowder

Let me tell you exactly what you’ll need to make this dreamy chowder – I’m pretty particular about these ingredients because they make all the difference! First, grab 2 cups of cooked chicken (I like to shred mine while it’s still warm – it blends into the soup better). You’ll need 4 slices of turkey bacon, chopped into little bite-sized pieces – trust me, the crispy bits are worth it!

For the veggies: 1 medium onion diced small (about 1 cup), 2 carrots peeled and diced (about 3/4 cup), and 2 celery stalks diced (about 1/2 cup). Don’t skip the garlic – 3 cloves minced fine makes everything better! The liquid magic comes from 4 cups of good chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream (yes, full-fat – I promise it’s worth it).

Finally, the flavor boosters: 2 tablespoons of butter (real butter, please!), 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. That’s it! Simple ingredients that transform into something magical.

Equipment You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for this creamy chicken bacon chowder – just a few kitchen basics! Grab a large pot (I use my trusty 5-quart Dutch oven), a wooden spoon for stirring, a sharp knife and cutting board for prepping veggies, and a measuring cup. That’s really it! No special gadgets required, just good old-fashioned stovetop cooking.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Bacon Chowder

Alright, let me walk you through making this dreamy chowder step by step – it’s easier than you think! Just follow these simple stages, and you’ll have the most comforting bowl of soup ready in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon

First, grab your large pot and toss in those chopped turkey bacon pieces. Cook them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they get nice and crispy – about 5 minutes should do it. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden brown and smell amazing. Scoop them out with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. That crispy bacon will be your delicious garnish later!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Now, don’t clean that pot! Those bacon drippings add so much flavor. Add your butter to the pot, then toss in the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook them over medium heat, stirring often, until they soften up – about 5-7 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy. Then add your minced garlic and cook for just 1 more minute until fragrant (careful not to burn it!).

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Time for the liquid gold! Pour in your chicken broth and scrape up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that’s where so much flavor lives. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add your shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it all simmer together for about 15 minutes – this lets the flavors really get to know each other.

Step 4: Add Cream and Serve

Here’s the magic moment! Turn the heat down to low and slowly stir in your heavy cream. Whatever you do, don’t let it boil now – we want it creamy, not curdled! Just warm it through for about 2 minutes. Finally, stir in that crispy bacon you set aside earlier. Ladle into bowls and enjoy immediately while it’s piping hot. Oh my goodness, your kitchen smells incredible right now!

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Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Bacon Chowder

Let me share my hard-earned secrets for making this chowder absolutely perfect every single time! First, always use full-fat cream – I know it sounds indulgent, but trust me, it makes all the difference in texture. When shredding your chicken, do it while it’s still warm – it blends into the soup so much better that way.

Here’s a pro tip: wait until the very end to adjust your salt. Between the bacon and broth, you might not need much! If you’re going the keto route, try adding a dollop of sour cream at the end for extra richness. And don’t skip resting time – letting it sit for 5 minutes before serving allows all those flavors to truly harmonize.

Oh! One last thing – if your chowder seems too thick, just whisk in a splash of warm broth. Too thin? Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. Easy fixes for perfect results every time!

Variations of Creamy Chicken Bacon Chowder

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can tweak it to fit any diet or craving! Need it dairy-free? Simply swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk – it gives the same luxurious creaminess with a subtle tropical twist. My keto friends love when I replace the carrots with cauliflower florets to cut carbs while keeping that comforting texture.

Looking to sneak in more greens? Toss in a couple handfuls of fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking – it wilts perfectly into the chowder. Mushroom lovers (like me!) can add sliced cremini mushrooms when sautéing the other veggies – their earthy flavor pairs amazingly with the bacon.

For an extra immune-boosting punch, I sometimes stir in a teaspoon of turmeric when adding the spices. And if you’re watching calories, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream (though I’ll always be team full-fat for that velvety mouthfeel). Seriously, this chowder welcomes all your creative twists! If you enjoy creative soup twists, you might also like checking out recipes over at familytastes.com.

Serving Suggestions

Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve this creamy chicken bacon chowder! Nothing beats dunking thick slices of crusty sourdough bread right into that velvety broth. For a lighter meal, pair it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. My kids go crazy when I serve it with buttery garlic toast – the crispy edges soak up every last drop!

Storage and Reheating

Here’s how I keep leftovers tasting fresh! Store your creamy chicken bacon chowder in airtight containers – I like mason jars because you can see the layers. It’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, go low and slow! Warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick, just whisk in a splash of broth or water to bring back that perfect creamy consistency.

Nutritional Information

Just a quick note – these nutritional values are estimates based on exactly how I make my creamy chicken bacon chowder! Each hearty bowl (about 1.5 cups) packs roughly 320 calories with 20g protein, 10g carbs, and 22g fat. Remember, your numbers might vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients – especially if you tweak the recipe like we talked about earlier! If you are interested in other healthy chicken soup options, check out this healthy healing chicken vegetable soup recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this creamy chicken bacon chowder?
Honestly, I don’t recommend freezing it – the dairy tends to separate when thawed. But it keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days! Just gently reheat it on the stove with a splash of broth to bring it back to life.

What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?
For dairy-free, full-fat coconut milk works wonders! If you’re just watching calories, half-and-half will do in a pinch (though it won’t be quite as rich). My keto friends swear by blending cream cheese with a bit of broth for that same luxurious texture.

Is this really an immune-boosting chicken soup?
Absolutely! Between the protein-packed chicken, vitamin-rich veggies, and healing garlic, it’s packed with nutrients to support your immune system. I always make a batch when someone in our house starts sniffling! For another immune-supporting option, consider this golden turmeric chicken healing soup recipe.

Can I make this in my slow cooker?
You bet! Just sauté the bacon and veggies first, then dump everything except the cream into your crockpot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, stir in the cream at the end, and voila – easy creamy chicken bacon chowder with minimal effort! You might also enjoy this slow cooker creamy chicken chowder recipe.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my all-time favorite creamy chicken bacon chowder that’s gotten me through countless chilly nights and sniffly days! Now I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Snap a photo of your steamy bowl and tag me, or leave a rating if you tried it – nothing makes me happier than knowing this recipe brought someone else comfort too. Happy cooking, friends!

Velvety 35-Minute Creamy Chicken Bacon Chowder You’ll Crave

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Bacon Chowder