Cheddar Chicken Chowder

Ingredients:
2 bacon slices
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup diced red bell pepper (optional)
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 1/2 cups fat-free, less sodium chicken broth
1 3/4 cups diced peeled red potato
2 1/4 cups frozen whole-kernel corn
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups 2% low-fat milk
3/4 cup (3oz) shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions:

1. Cook bacon until crisp. Remove from pan, crumble, set aside.
2. Add chicken, onion, bell pepper, and garlic to pan drippings. Saute for 5 minutes.
3. Add broth and potato, bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes or until potato is tender. Add corn and stir well.
4. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup, and level with a knife. Place flour into a bowl. Gradually add milk, whisking until blended. Add to the soup.
5. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer 15 minutes or until thick, stirring frequently.
6. Stir in cheddar cheese, salt, pepper. Top with the bacon.

Recipe via Mikaila