This Cream of Chicken Soup with Turkey Bacon is a rich, velvety comfort soup made with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, creamy broth, and smoky turkey bacon for depth of flavor—without pork or alcohol. It’s a cozy, satisfying one-pot meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, chilly evenings, or whenever you crave a warm and nourishing bowl of homemade soup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it delivers classic creamy chicken soup flavor with a modern, lighter twist by using turkey bacon instead of pork. The combination of tender chicken thighs, sautéed mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and a creamy broth creates a balanced soup that feels indulgent yet approachable. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, customizable, and ideal for meal prep. Plus, it’s a comforting dish that works beautifully as a main course or paired with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Cream of Chicken Soup with Turkey Bacon

Creamy chicken soup has long been a staple in comfort food cooking, and for good reason. It’s warm, soothing, and deeply satisfying, especially on cold days or when you need a nourishing homemade meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. This Cream of Chicken Soup with Turkey Bacon builds on that timeless tradition while offering a modern, pork-free alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

What makes this soup stand out is its perfect balance of richness and heartiness. Instead of heavy reliance on processed ingredients, this recipe uses simple, wholesome components like chicken broth, tender cooked chicken thighs, fresh garlic, and mushrooms to create layers of savory flavor. The addition of turkey bacon adds a subtle smoky note that mimics traditional bacon without using pork, making this soup suitable for a wider range of dietary preferences.

The creamy texture of this soup is one of its most appealing features. A combination of dairy-free coconut milk (or almond milk) and heavy cream creates a luxurious mouthfeel while keeping the soup from feeling overly heavy. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a creamy soup that still feels balanced and comforting rather than overly rich.

Mushrooms play an important role in this recipe, adding depth and umami that enhance the chicken and broth. Shiitake mushrooms, in particular, bring an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy base and smoky turkey bacon. Each spoonful delivers a comforting mix of textures and flavors that feels thoughtfully composed.

This soup is also incredibly practical. It’s a one-pot recipe that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It reheats beautifully, which means it’s ideal for meal prep, lunches, or make-ahead dinners.

Another reason this recipe shines is its versatility. You can easily adjust the thickness, add extra vegetables like carrots or spinach, or swap the dairy options to suit your preferences. It works equally well as a cozy dinner, a starter for a larger meal, or a comforting lunch paired with bread or crackers.

For families, this soup is a win. The flavors are mild yet satisfying, making it appealing to both adults and kids. It’s filling without being overwhelming, and the creamy broth helps make vegetables and chicken especially enjoyable for picky eaters.

From a seasonal standpoint, this soup fits perfectly into fall and winter menus but is light enough to enjoy year-round. Whether you’re serving it during a quiet evening at home or as part of a casual gathering, it’s a dish that always feels appropriate and comforting.

Health-wise, this recipe offers a great balance of protein, fats, and vegetables. Using turkey bacon keeps the soup lighter than traditional versions, while still delivering that comforting smoky flavor many people crave in creamy soups.

If you’re searching for a cozy, homemade soup that’s easy to prepare, deeply flavorful, and aligned with pork-free cooking, this Cream of Chicken Soup with Turkey Bacon is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Servings & Time

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

Soup Base

• 6 slices turkey bacon or beef bacon, chopped

• 2 tablespoons butter, divided

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3.5 oz shiitake mushrooms, sliced

• 1/3 cup water or chicken broth (alcohol-free)

Creamy Broth

• 1/2 cup coconut milk or almond milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 3 cups chicken broth

Add-ins

• 4 ribs celery, chopped

• 4 pieces deboned, skinless chicken thighs, cooked and chopped

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• Cooked turkey bacon or beef bacon pieces

Instructions

1. In a large soup pot over medium heat, cook turkey bacon or beef bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.

2. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the pot, then sauté garlic until fragrant and lightly golden.

3. Add mushrooms and cook until softened and lightly browned.

4. Pour in water or chicken broth and simmer until liquid is reduced by half.

5. Stir in coconut milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth until well combined.

6. Add celery and cooked chicken, then simmer gently until heated through.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Garnish with fresh parsley and reserved turkey bacon before serving.

Tips

Ingredient Substitutions

• Use all chicken broth instead of coconut milk for a lighter soup

• Swap shiitake mushrooms for button or cremini mushrooms

• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience

Make-Ahead

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days

• Reheat gently over low heat to prevent curdling

Serving Variations

• Serve with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or crackers

• Add cooked rice or pasta for a heartier meal

Avoid Mistakes

• Don’t boil once cream is added—gentle simmer only

• Season gradually to avoid oversalting