Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Cook bacon and rosemary
- Cook the bacon with the minced rosemary in a Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy, 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally as the fat renders and the bits turn golden. Remove the crispy bacon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons drippings in the pot.
Caramelize onions and garlic
- Sauté the onion in the drippings over medium-low heat until caramelized, 10-12 minutes, stirring and scraping the browned bits as the onion softens and turns deep golden. Add the minced garlic and cook 2 minutes, until fragrant.
Build the broth
- Add the chicken broth and onion powder and bring to a boil, 3-5 minutes, until you see steady bubbling across the surface.
Cook the pierogis
- Add the frozen mini pierogis and cook according to package directions, typically 4-5 minutes, until they float and the centers are hot.
Make it creamy
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cubed cream cheese until melted, 2-3 minutes, until the broth looks smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the heavy cream and the shredded chicken, 1-2 minutes, until everything is evenly combined and steaming.
Simmer and season
- Simmer the soup gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the chicken is warmed through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with the crispy rosemary bacon and chives, then serve while hot and creamy.
Notes
Pro tip: caramelize the onions slowly on medium-low so they turn truly golden before adding garlic, which deepens the soup’s flavor. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days; reheat gently over low heat to avoid breaking the cream base. Freezing isn’t recommended because cream cheese soups can separate after thawing. For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream (the texture will be slightly less rich).
