Walking through a bustling winter market, the scent of rich broth mingling with smoky bacon always pulls me in. That fragrant warmth inspired the creation of my Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup with Rosemary Bacon, a dish that feels like a cozy embrace in a bowl. This hearty soup combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and comfortingly chewy mini potato pierogies, making it the perfect antidote to chilly days. Best of all, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, letting you enjoy a deeply satisfying meal in no time at all. Whether you’re a seasoned home-chef or new to the kitchen, this soup is your ticket to a flavorful experience that will impress family and friends alike. Curious about how to whip up this delicious bowl of warmth? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why is this soup a must-try?
Comfort Food at Its Finest: This Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup with Rosemary Bacon brings the nostalgic flavors of home-cooked meals to your table.
Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and kitchen pros, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience.
Rich Flavor: The combination of crispy bacon with creamy cheddar and fresh herbs creates a taste explosion that’s incredibly satisfying.
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap chicken thighs for breasts or use different cheeses just like in my Garlic Smothered Chicken recipe for a unique twist!
Family Appeal: This soup is sure to impress, turning picky eaters into fans with its cozy flavors and delightful textures. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal!
Get ready to enjoy a comforting hug in a bowl!
Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup Ingredients
• Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup with Rosemary Bacon!
For the Soup Base
- Chicken Thighs – Juicy and flavorful, perfect for creating a hearty broth.
- Crispy Bacon – Adds smoky depth and crunch that elevates the soup.
- Minced Garlic – Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Onion – Sweetens as it sautés, forming a lovely base for the soup.
- Carrots – Adds natural sweetness and color to the mix.
- Celery – Offers freshness and a slight crunch that enhances the soup’s texture.
- Kale – Introduces nutritional value and a hint of bitterness, balancing the flavors.
For the Creaminess
- Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully, providing a creamy richness to the soup.
- Heavy Cream – Makes the soup luxuriously smooth and adds to the comforting texture.
For the Pierogies
- Mini Potato Pierogies – Delivers heartiness and a satisfying chew; can substitute with small dumplings for variety.
For the Broth
- Chicken Broth – The essential liquid base that brings all the flavors together.
For Freshness
- Fresh Herbs (such as rosemary and parsley) – Brightens the dish and enhances its flavor profile.
For Cooking
- Olive Oil or Butter – Used to cook the base vegetables and adds richness to the broth.
Now that you have all the ingredients, you’re ready to embark on this comforting culinary adventure!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup with Rosemary Bacon
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large, heavy pot, heat over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and sauté until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, ensuring every piece turns golden. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, letting it drain on a paper towel while leaving the drippings in the pot for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
With the bacon drippings still in the pot, add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. Stir occasionally to coat everything in the flavorful drippings, and watch for the onions to turn translucent.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Introduce the chicken thighs to the pot, ensuring they are evenly spread out. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned on all sides. This step builds a rich base for your Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup, infusing the broth with savory chicken flavor.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Herbs
Carefully pour in 6 cups of chicken broth, followed by fresh rosemary and thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add the Pierogies
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it and shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones if desired. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in mini potato pierogies. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the pierogies float and are tender, creating a hearty texture in the soup.
Step 6: Stir in Cream and Cheese
Lower the heat to low, adding heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and the soup turns a creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, realizing the rich flavor of this Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup with Rosemary Bacon.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls, topping each serving with crispy bacon and freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. This comforting soup is now ready to warm your heart on any chilly day, inviting you to dig in!
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup
Fridge: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: This delicious creamy soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe containers or quart-sized bags, leaving some space for expansion.
Reheating: Thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth to adjust the consistency.
Airtight Tips: Ensure the soup is completely cool before transferring to containers to prevent condensation and ice crystals, preserving the quality of your Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup.
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup with Rosemary Bacon components are perfect for meal prep, saving you precious time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the soup base (bacon, sautéed vegetables, and shredded chicken) up to 24 hours ahead, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also cook the mini potato pierogies and refrigerate them separately for optimal texture. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the soup base on the stovetop over medium heat, then stir in the refrigerated pierogies and finish with cheese and cream to maintain that creamy, comforting consistency. This way, you’ll have a heartwarming, delicious meal waiting for you with minimal effort at dinnertime!
Variations & Substitutions for Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup
Feel free to get creative and tailor this comforting soup to your taste; the possibilities are endless!
- Lean Chicken: Substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a lower-fat option, but don’t forget to add more seasoning for flavor.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap out chicken with chickpeas or diced tofu and use vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian option that’s still satisfying.
- Vegetable Booster: Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for a nutritional boost and vibrant colors that pop in your bowl.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses—try smoked Gouda or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist that warms the soul.
- Herb Enhancement: Replace rosemary with fresh dill or basil to change the soup’s aroma and depth, creating an entirely different flavor experience.
- Extra Crispy: If you love crunch, top your soup with crispy fried onions or croutons just before serving for a delightful contrast in texture!
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy some heat, throw in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to elevate your soup to fiery heights.
- Dumpling Delight: Instead of mini potato pierogies, use homemade or store-bought dumplings for a change in texture—like those found in my Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken dish!
These variations can help you whip up a personalized version of this soul-soothing soup while keeping family favorites in mind. Enjoy the journey of flavor discovery!
Expert Tips for Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup
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Avoid Burning Vegetables: Sauté on medium heat and stir frequently to prevent the garlic and onions from burning, ensuring a sweeter flavor profile.
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Check Pierogie Cooking Times: Follow package instructions to avoid overcooking pierogies; they should be tender but not mushy to maintain texture in your Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste your broth before adding cream and cheese; you may need extra salt or pepper to enhance the soup’s rich flavors.
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Freezing Essentials: Cool the soup completely before transferring to airtight containers; this prevents ice crystals from forming and preserves texture when reheating.
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Explore Cheese Variety: Swap cheddar for smoked Gouda or fontina for a unique flavor twist that complements the bacon in your soup.
What to Serve with Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup with Rosemary Bacon
Warm up your dinner table with delightful accompaniments that will make this cozy soup even more inviting.
- Crusty Artisan Bread: This is essential for soaking up the creamy goodness of the soup. A fresh loaf adds a satisfying crunch and lovely texture.
- Garden Salad: A mix of crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup, balancing the meal beautifully.
- Garlic Toast: Flavorful and easy to prepare, these toasts offer a delightful crunch that complements the creaminess of the soup. Serve them warm for the best experience.
- Savory Cheese Platter: Pair with a selection of cheeses like smoked Gouda or aged cheddar to bring out the flavors in your creamy soup. Add some crackers for delightful variety!
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of seasonal roasted vegetables infuses the meal with extra nutrients and a hint of sweetness that harmonizes with the savory elements of the soup.
- Apple Crisp: For dessert, this makes a fitting conclusion. The warm spices and sweet-tart apples provide a lovely contrast to the creamy savory soup.
- Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, brings a refreshing lift and pairs wonderfully with the soup’s rich flavors.
- Homemade Pickles: Their tangy crunch offers a lovely flavor contrast that brightens each bite of the creamy pierogi chicken soup with rosemary bacon.
These delightful sides ensure that your meal is not only hearty but an experience to remember!
Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup with Rosemary Bacon Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! For the richest flavor in your Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup with Rosemary Bacon, choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They remain juicy during cooking and add a deeper flavor to the broth compared to chicken breasts. Look for thighs that are plump and have a bright color without any dark spots, which indicate age.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
You can store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let the soup cool completely before sealing to keep it fresh. When ready to reheat, just warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of broth to thin it out if it thickens too much.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze your Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup with Rosemary Bacon! Cool the soup fully, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
What if my bacon is soggy after cooking?
Very! If your bacon turns out soggy, chances are it wasn’t cooked at a high enough temperature or for long enough. For crispy bacon, ensure your pan is hot and don’t overcrowd the pieces. Cook until they’re golden brown and render out most of their fat. If it’s too late and the bacon is already soggy, you can try placing it under a broiler for a few minutes to crisp it up.
Are there any dietary substitutions I should consider?
Definitely! If you’re looking for lower fat content, you can substitute chicken thighs with breasts. Additionally, for a gluten-free option, replace mini potato pierogies with gluten-free dumplings. Lastly, if you have dairy allergies or want a vegan version, try using coconut cream and almond cheese substitutes for a creamy texture without the dairy.
Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup with Rosemary Bacon Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large, heavy pot, heat over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and sauté until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon and let it drain, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the pot. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Introduce the chicken thighs to the pot, cooking for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Pour in chicken broth, followed by fresh herbs. Simmer over medium-high heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove and shred the cooked chicken, then return it to the pot with mini potato pierogies. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.
- Serve the soup in bowls, topped with crispy bacon and chopped parsley.
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