Chicken Bacon Chowder

Chicken Bacon Chowder

Serves: 6

½ large onion, diced

½ bell pepper, diced

2 stalks celery, diced

8 oz mushrooms, sliced

2 tsp garlic, minced

2 cups chicken broth

2 tbs butter

1 tsp salt

1 lb bacon

1 lb chicken thighs, boneless, skinless

2 cups heavy cream

8oz cream cheese, softened

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp basil

1 tsp thyme

2 tsp garlic powder

1.   Turn slow cooker on low and add vegetables, 1 ½ cups chicken broth, butter and salt. Cover slow cooker.

2.   Cut bacon into small pieces and cook until very crisp. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon and put aside.

3.   Leave 2 tbsp bacon grease in the skillet and sear chicken on both sides. Remove chicken and cut into small cubes.

4.   Use remaining ½ cup of chicken broth to de-glaze the pan, pour this into the slow cooker.

5.   Add bacon, chicken, heavy cream, cream cheese and seasonings, stirring until well blended.

6.   Cook on low setting for 6 hours.

7.   Stir well before serving.

Nutrition: 732 calories; 66g fat; 246mg cholesterol; 1445mg sodium; 280mg potassium; 8g carb; 1g fiber; 7g sugar; 27g protein