Cheddar Chicken Chowder

I really, really love soups, and especially chowder, so when I saw Eating, Etc's delish-looking photo of this chowder, I knew I had to make it soon.  We had this for dinner a few nights ago, with homemade bread.  I realize it's August, but it's not too hot over here.... plus, we have newly-installed AC this summer.  :) 

We had a friend over for dinner when we ate this, and he said a few times that he really liked this chowder.  I love these blue dishes- we picked up a few at Cost Plus World Market a few weeks ago when we were in the States.  See them here.  Because it's so expensive to ship things, and I was worried about breakage, I only bought 2 bowls, 2 dinner plates and 2 salad plates.  Sadly, one dinner plate and one salad plate did not make it through the shipping process- they arrived in pieces.  The broken pieces are too pretty to throw away though.  :)  Maybe if I get crafty I can do something with the pieces.  Hmmmm...

Cheddar Chicken Chowder
from Eating, Etc.

5 slices bacon, for garnish
2-3 Tablespoons bacon fat
2 large chicken breast halves, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup red or green bell pepper, diced
2 fresh garlic cloves, minced
5 cups chicken broth
2 cups red potatoes, diced (I left the peeling on)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup cheddar cheese (I used extra-sharp)
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp ground black pepper, or to taste

1) Fry bacon in large soup pot until crisp. Remove from pot, cool, and crumble. Set aside.

2) Discard all but 2-3T bacon fat. In the same pot, over medium to medium-high heat, sauté chicken, onion, bell pepper, and garlic for about 5 minutes.

3) Add chicken broth and potatoes and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer about 15-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

4) Place flour in a medium bowl and gradually add milk, whisking constantly until combined. Add to soup and cook over medium heat about 10-15 minutes or until thick, stirring often.

5) Reduce heat and stir in cheese, salt & pepper.

6) Serve immediately, garnishing with crumbled bacon, and more cheese if desired.

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