Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

1 (16 oz.) pkg. Uncle Bens Long Grain and Wild Rice
3-14oz. cans chicken broth
1 small onion chopped
2-3 carrots, sliced
3-4 ribs celery, sliced
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
2 cups milk or half and half
1-2 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
4-6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Cook rice according to pkg. directions. In a large soup pot cook onions, celery, carrots in chicken broth until tender. In med. Saucepan, melt butter and add flour, stirring until a smooth paste is formed. Slowly add milk, stirring constantly until sauce is thickened. Add salt and pepper.

Add white sauce to broth and vegetables, stirring until smooth. Add chicken and rice. Cook until soup is hot, but not boiling. Add bacon just before serving.