Chicken Corn Chowder is a go-to recipe that delivers comfort and flavor in every spoonful. This creamy chowder, filled with tender chicken, sweet corn, and savory vegetables, is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Corn Chowder
Chicken Corn Chowder isn’t just another soup; it’s a luscious, hearty meal that brings together the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Here’s why it stands out:
- Creamy Texture: Made with milk or cream, the chowder has a velvety, rich base that coats your palate beautifully.
- Savory & Sweet Notes: The sweetness of corn balances the savory flavors of chicken and bacon, creating a perfect harmony.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Let’s dive into the recipe details!
Ingredients for Chicken Corn Chowder
To make the best Chicken Corn Chowder, you’ll need a few pantry staples and some fresh ingredients:
Essential Ingredients:
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for a tender and juicy bite.
- Corn: Fresh corn is ideal, but canned or frozen corn works well, especially in off-seasons.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory element that complements the sweetness of the corn.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or russet potatoes give the chowder heartiness and texture.
- Vegetables: Onion, celery, and carrots create a flavorful base.
- Garlic: Essential for adding a deep, aromatic flavor.
- Chicken Broth: The base liquid that binds all the flavors together.
- Cream: Heavy cream or half-and-half for that signature creamy texture.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, thyme, and bay leaves add a herbaceous touch.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Corn Chowder
- Thickening the Chowder: For a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes in the pot or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water).
- Enhancing Flavor: A splash of hot sauce or a dash of smoked paprika can elevate the flavor profile.
- Creaminess without Heavy Cream: Substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use whole milk for a lighter option.
- Make It Ahead: Chicken Corn Chowder tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead and reheat.
Recipe Variations
- Southwest Twist: Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of chili powder, and top with avocado slices and tortilla strips for a southwestern flair.
- Seafood Option: Replace chicken with shrimp or lump crab meat for a delicious seafood chowder.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and bacon, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for more substance.
- Slow Cooker Method: Combine all ingredients (except cream and bacon) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in cream before serving.
How to Serve Chicken Corn Chowder
- Bread Bowl: Serve in a crusty sourdough bread bowl for a rustic presentation.
- With a Side of Bread: Pair with warm, crusty bread or homemade cornbread to soak up the rich chowder.
- Toppings Galore: Crumble extra bacon, shredded cheese, green onions, or fresh herbs for added texture and flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerating:
Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the texture if needed.
Freezing:
Chicken Corn Chowder can be frozen, but note that the cream and potatoes may change in texture slightly. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and stir well.
Recipe FAQs
Can I Make Chicken Corn Chowder Gluten-Free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your ingredients, especially the chicken broth, to ensure there are no hidden gluten additives.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
You can use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or even a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, although the texture will be less creamy.
How Do I Thicken the Chowder Without Potatoes?
A roux (made by whisking equal parts butter and flour) or a cornstarch slurry are great alternatives for thickening.
Is There a Way to Make It Spicy?
Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Chicken Corn Chowder
Chicken Corn Chowder is a go-to recipe that delivers comfort and flavor in every spoonful. This creamy chowder, filled with tender chicken, sweet corn, and savory vegetables, is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless breast or a mix of thighs for extra flavor
- Bacon: 6 strips, chopped for that smoky goodness
- Veggies: Red bell pepper, yellow onion, a touch of jalapeño (seeds removed!), and minced garlic
- Potatoes: 1 lb of Gold potatoes, diced (no need to peel!)
- Corn: 2 ½ cups, fresh, frozen, or canned
- Flavors & Spices: Smoked paprika, ground mustard, salt, black pepper
- Richness: Whole milk, heavy cream, and a good amount of chicken broth
- Extras: Butter, all-purpose flour, and a splash of water
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Heat up your pot and cook chopped bacon until crispy. Scoop it out and let it rest on a paper towel, leaving about 2 tablespoons of that flavorful bacon grease in the pot.
- Sauté the Veggies: Melt butter in the pot with the bacon drippings. Toss in diced onion, red pepper, and jalapeño, cooking until soft and fragrant. Add minced garlic and give it another 30 seconds.
- Thicken It Up: Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir well. Let it cook for another 30 seconds to eliminate any raw flour taste.
- Season & Simmer: Stir in salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dry mustard. Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking to combine, then add water, milk, cream, potatoes, raw chicken, and corn.
- Cook the Soup: Bring everything to a gentle boil and cook until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is fully cooked. Once done, pull out the chicken, shred or dice it, and set aside.
- Blend for Creaminess: Use an immersion blender to puree about half the soup (for a smooth yet chunky texture). No immersion blender? Use a regular blender for small batches, but be careful!
- Final Touches: Stir the shredded chicken back into the pot, add the crispy bacon (or use it as a topping for crunch!), and adjust seasonings to taste. More salt? More pepper? Go for it!
- Serve & Enjoy: Ladle your chowder into bowls, and load it up with toppings like shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, or crunchy corn chips.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 386Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 112mgSodium 426mgCarbohydrates 38gFiber 3gSugar 5gProtein 24g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Corn Chowder is one of those meals that warms your soul and satisfies your hunger. With its hearty ingredients and creamy base, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize to your liking. Give this recipe a try, and let me know your favorite variations or any unique spins you put on it!
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