Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 (48 fluid ounce) can chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons garlic and herb seasoning blend
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 1 potato, cubed
• 2 (6.5 ounce) cans chopped clams
• 1/2 pound roasted chicken thigh meat, diced
• 1/4 cup butter, cubed
• 1 cup coarsely shredded smoked cheddar cheese (optional)