Creamy Chicken Soup with Bacon and Ranch

Ingredients

• 1 onion (diced)
• 4 stalks celery (sliced)
• 3 large carrots (sliced)
• 3 potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup flour
• 3 cups milk
• 3 cups cooked chicken breasts, shredded
• 6 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 tsp dry ranch dressing mix (more or less)

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine onion, celery, carrots, potatoes, and garlic in a large pot with the chicken broth and salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

2. 2

   While vegetables are cooking, prepare the white sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour, then slowly add the milk while whisking briskly. Continue to cook and whisk till mixture comes to a boil. Cook for at least one minute to remove the raw flour taste. Stir constantly to prevent scorching.

3. 3

   Pour white sauce into the vegetable mixture. Stir in chicken, bacon, and cheese. Add ranch dressing mix to taste.

4. 4

   Heat through and serve. Garnish with grated cheese and bacon if desired