Bacon Beer Cheese Soup with Chicken

Bacon Beer Cheese Soup with Chicken

Cold weather is returning this week and it is a good time for some quick but totally enjoyable soup.
I found a version of this one that I then turned into an affordable version for all of us on a budget will enjoy.
Here is what I came up with:

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                                 Bacon Beer Cheese Soup with Chicken

Ingredients:

3 slices thick cut bacon
1/2  pound boneless skinless chicken breast
1/8 cup butter
1/8 cup flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon  cayenne pepper; to taste
1/2  teaspoon  paprika
1/2  teaspoon sea salt
1 /2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/2  cup beer
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup half and half ( I don't want the calories so I use skim milk)
4 ounces mild cheddar cheese, shredded 
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
croutons


Directions:

Warm an 4 quart pot over high heat. 
 cut 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, stirring occasionally. 

Garnish with  croutons.  Enjoy!