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Chicken and Pierogi Soup Recipe

4.4 from 107 reviews

This hearty Chicken Soup combines crispy bacon, fresh herbs, vegetables, and tender chicken thighs stewed in rich broth with creamy cheddar and tender mini potato pierogies for a comforting, flavorful meal. It’s a delightful twist on classic chicken soup with added textures and creaminess.

Ingredients

Scale

Meats and Dairy

  • 6 slices thick cut bacon, chopped
  • 2 chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
  • 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 6 carrots, chopped
  • 4 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 3 cups chopped kale

Pantry Items & Spices

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups chicken or bone broth
  • 28 fresh or frozen mini potato pierogies (1 package)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the fresh rosemary during the last minute of cooking for infused flavor. Remove the bacon and drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.
  2. Sauté Vegetables and Herbs: To the pot, add olive oil, chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and thyme. Season with cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and vegetables soften.
  3. Create the Base and Simmer Chicken: Stir in the butter and flour to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute. Add the chicken or bone broth and chicken pieces. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. The soup can be kept simmering on low heat for 4-6 hours to deepen flavors if desired.
  4. Finish the Soup: Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot along with kale, cream or milk, and grated cheddar cheese. Bring back to a gentle boil. Stir in the mini potato pierogies and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pierogies float to the surface. Adjust soup thickness by adding more broth if needed.
  5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy rosemary bacon and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if available. Serve warm, ideally with crusty bread on the side for a comforting, satisfying meal.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute cream/milk and cheddar with plant-based alternatives.
  • Using bone broth adds extra depth of flavor and nutrients.
  • The soup can be simmered longer (up to 6 hours) for richer flavor and more tender chicken.
  • Leftovers reheat well and the pierogies may absorb more broth over time, so add extra broth when reheating if needed.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice when serving for a bright, fresh finish if desired.

Keywords: chicken soup, bacon soup, creamy chicken soup, potato pierogies, hearty soup, comfort food