Introduction
Cooking can be a delightful journey, and this chicken soup recipe combines rich flavors with comforting textures. The addition of bacon and croutons elevates this dish, making it a perfect choice for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends. Here’s everything you need to bring this soup to life!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken Breast
400g/10oz chicken breast (2 small), cut in half horizontally to form 2 thin steaks (sub boneless thighs)
Cooking Salt / Kosher Salt
1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
Black Pepper
1/4 tbsp black pepper
Soup Ingredients
Streaky Bacon
4 strips streaky bacon (enough to cover base of pot)
Unsalted Butter
30g/2 tbsp unsalted butter
Onion
1/2 onion, finely diced
Garlic
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
Thyme
2 sprigs thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
Celery
2 celery stalks, chopped (~0.5 x 1.2 cm / 1/5 x 1/2″ pieces)
Carrot
1 carrot, chopped (0.5 x 1 cm / 1/5 x 1/2″ pieces)
Corn Kernels
3/4 cup corn kernels (frozen thawed or canned drained)
Flour
4 tbsp flour
Milk
3 cups milk, full fat best but low fat ok (non-dairy ok too)
Low Sodium Chicken Stock/Broth
2 cups low sodium chicken stock/broth
Water
2 cups water
Cooking Salt
1 tsp cooking salt
Pasta
1 1/3 cups (100g) broken angel hair pasta OR angel hair pasta / spaghetti broken into 6 pieces, or other small, spoon-able pasta
Frozen Peas
3/4 cup frozen peas
Parsley
1/2 tsp finely chopped parsley, optional
Mini Croutons
Bread
1 cup bread (crustless) cut into 7mm / 1/4″ cubes – sourdough type is crunchier, regular sandwich bread is fine too
Olive Oil
2 tsp olive oil
Cooking Salt
Pinch cooking salt / kosher salt
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Detailed Directions and Instructions
CROUTONS & CRISPY BACON
Preheat the oven to 180°C/345°F (160°C fan-forced). In a medium bowl, toss crustless bread cubes with olive oil and a pinch of kosher salt until evenly coated. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the croutons are golden and fully crisp. Note that some breads, such as sourdough, may take longer to crisp. Once baked, cool the croutons on the tray and set aside.
Season Chicken
Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with cooking salt and black pepper, ensuring they are well seasoned.
CRISPY BACON
Place the strips of streaky bacon in a single layer in a large pot (do not preheat the pot). Turn the heat to medium-high and cook the bacon until it is golden on both sides, approximately 2 to 3 minutes on the first side and 1 ½ minutes on the second side. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pot, allowing the fat to remain. Drain the bacon on paper towels; it will become crispier as it cools. Finely chop the bacon and set aside for garnishing the soup.
THE SOUP
Using the same pot, with the heat still on, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the bacon fat. Cook for 1 ½ minutes on each side until they are lightly golden. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and transfer it to a plate. Allow it to cool slightly, then chop into small 8 mm (1/3 inch) cubes.
Broth Preparation
Lower the heat to medium-high. In the same pot, add the unsalted butter and melt it. Combine the finely diced onion, minced garlic, chopped celery stalks, chopped carrot, and thyme sprigs (or dried thyme) into the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until the carrot is softened and the onion is translucent (do not allow the onion to brown). Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1 minute. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring to dissolve the flour completely. After the flour is incorporated, add the chicken stock, water, and cooking salt, stirring well to combine.
Simmer
Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a simmer. Once simmering, lower the heat and allow the soup to simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Note that the soup may seem thin at this stage, but it will thicken as the pasta cooks.
Pasta Inclusion
Return the heat to high and add the broken angel hair pasta and corn to the soup. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the pasta is soft. In the final 2 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas and the chopped chicken (including any juices pooled on the plate).
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy bacon, homemade croutons, and a pinch of finely chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Note 1
For the croutons, use a crustless bread of your choice; sourdough provides more crunch compared to regular sandwich bread.
Note 2
The bacon should be cooked in an unheated pot to render the fat correctly, ensuring a crispy texture.
Note 3
The soup thickens as it cooks, so don’t worry if it seems thin at first; this is normal.
Note 4
Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving. Adjust the consistency with additional water or broth if necessary.
Cook techniques
Preheating
Preheat the oven to 180°C/345°F (160°C fan-forced) to ensure even cooking for the croutons.
Tossing
Toss the bread cubes with olive oil and salt to coat them evenly before baking for optimal crispiness.
Baking
Bake croutons for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway, until they are golden and fully crisp.
Seasoning
Season both sides of the chicken breast with cooking salt and black pepper for enhanced flavor.
Crispy Cooking
Cook the bacon in an unheated pot on medium-high heat to render its fat and achieve a crispy texture.
Chopping
Chop cooked chicken into small cubes for even distribution in the soup.
Sautéing
Sauté onion, garlic, celery, and carrot in butter over medium heat until the vegetables are softened.
Thickening
Add flour and stir for 1 minute to create a roux, which will help thicken the soup.
Simmering
Simmer the broth gently for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the soup to thicken as the pasta cooks.
Cooking Pasta
Cook pasta in the soup for approximately 5 minutes or until soft, adding chicken and peas in the last 2 minutes.
Serving
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, croutons, and a sprinkle of parsley for garnish.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breast for a juicier result.
What can I use instead of bacon?
You can use turkey bacon, pancetta, or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can use non-dairy milk alternatives for a dairy-free option.
How can I add more vegetables?
Feel free to add more vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers according to your preference.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup can be frozen; however, pasta may become softer after freezing and reheating.
Conclusion
This hearty chicken soup combines the richness of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and flavorful vegetables with the comfort of pasta. The addition of homemade croutons enhances the texture, making it a delightful meal perfect for any occasion. It’s a wholesome dish that’s not only satisfying but also easy to prepare, ensuring a warm and filling experience for all.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Chicken Soup
Swap the bacon for sautéed mushrooms and add a variety of seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a lighter, veggie-packed version.
Chicken and Rice Soup
Replace the pasta with cooked rice for a classic chicken soup twist, adding thyme and bay leaves for extra flavor.
Spicy Chicken Corn Chowder
Incorporate diced jalapeños and a touch of chili powder to create a spicy version of this chowder, perfect for those who enjoy a kick.
Cheesy Chicken Pasta Soup
Stir in shredded cheese during the last minutes of cooking for a creamy, cheesy soup. You can use Cheddar or Parmesan for a delightful flavor.
Herbed Chicken Soup
Enhance flavors by including fresh herbs like dill, basil, or oregano, giving the soup a refreshing aromatic profile.
Lentil Chicken Soup
Add cooked lentils to boost protein and fiber in your chicken soup, making it even more nutritious and hearty.
