Introduction
Discover a comforting soup recipe that combines the robust flavors of chicken, bacon, and vegetables, all harmonized with silky milk and pasta. This delightfully creamy soup is perfect for chilly days and can be enhanced with crispy croutons for added texture.
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
▢ 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
Black pepper
▢ 1/4 tbsp black pepper
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)
Chicken stock
▢ 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
Croutons
▢ 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
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Croutons & Crispy Bacon
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan-forced). In a mixing bowl, toss the crustless bread cubes with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread them evenly on a baking tray. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and fully crisp. Some breads, like sourdough, may take longer to achieve crispiness. Once done, let them cool on the tray and set aside.
Season Chicken
Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breast with cooking salt and black pepper, ensuring an even coating.
Crispy Bacon
Place the bacon strips in a single layer within a cold, large pot. Gradually turn the heat to medium-high. Cook the bacon until golden on both sides, approximately 2-3 minutes for the first side and 1½ minutes for the second side. Remove the bacon from the pot, leaving the rendered fat behind, and drain on paper towels. The bacon will continue to crisp as it cools. Once cooled, finely chop the bacon and set aside for garnish.
The Soup
In the same pot that held the bacon, cook the seasoned chicken in the remaining bacon fat for about 1½ minutes on each side until light golden. After cooking, transfer the chicken to a plate. Once it is cool enough to handle, chop it into small cubes, approximately 8 mm (1/3 inch).
Broth Preparation
Lower the heat to medium-high and add unsalted butter to the pot. Once melted, add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, chopped carrot, and thyme (if using). Cook for 5 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent the onion from browning, until the carrot has softened. Add flour and stir for 1 minute to incorporate. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring to dissolve the flour. Once mixed, add the low sodium chicken stock, water, and an additional teaspoon of cooking salt, stirring thoroughly.
Simmering the Soup
Increase the heat until the mixture reaches a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Note that the soup will appear thin initially, but it will thicken as the pasta cooks.
Cooking Pasta
Raise the heat back up to high. Add the broken pasta and corn kernels to the simmering mixture. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. For the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas and the cooked chicken (along with any juices from the plate).
Serving the Soup
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish generously with the chopped crispy bacon and croutons, and if desired, add a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
Note 1:
Ensure the bread for croutons is crustless for better texture, though regular sandwich bread will also work.
Note 2:
Cooking times for bacon may vary based on the thickness of the strips. Adjust accordingly for desired crispness.
Cook techniques
Seasoning Chicken
Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breast with cooking salt and black pepper to enhance flavor before cooking.
Crispy Bacon
Start by placing the bacon in a cold pot and then heat it to medium-high. Cooking it this way helps render the fat and achieve a crispy texture without burning.
Making Croutons
Toss bread cubes with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then bake in a preheated oven until golden and crisp, ensuring to toss halfway through for even cooking.
Sautéing Vegetables
In a hot pot, melt butter and add finely diced onion, garlic, chopped celery, and carrot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened without browning the onion.
Thickening Soup
Add flour to the sautéed vegetables and stir for a minute before gradually pouring in milk to create a roux that will help thicken the soup.
Simmering
Bring the soup to a simmer after adding broth and water, then reduce heat to gently simmer, allowing flavors to meld and the soup to thicken.
Cooking Pasta
Increase heat to add pasta and cook until tender. Add ingredients like corn, peas, and cooked chicken towards the end of the cooking time to heat through.
FAQ
Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts for added flavor and moisture.
What type of bread is best for croutons?
Sourdough bread is crunchier and ideal for croutons, but regular sandwich bread works fine too.
Can I use non-dairy milk in the soup?
Yes, any non-dairy milk can be used as a substitute for regular milk in the recipe.
How do I know when the croutons are done?
Croutons are done when they are golden brown and fully crisp; this usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes in the oven.
Is it necessary to use bacon for flavor?
While bacon adds great flavor, you can omit it and use olive oil or another fat to sauté the vegetables.
Conclusion
This chicken soup is a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and comforting ingredients. The crispy bacon and croutons add depth, while the hearty vegetables and pasta make it a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
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