This Chicken Corn Chowder is a warm and creamy soup that’s perfect for chilly days. It combines tender chicken, sweet corn, and potatoes, all in a rich broth that feels like a hug in a bowl!
I love how easy it is to make. Just toss everything in one pot and let it simmer! Plus, it’s so tasty you might need to hide it from the family—trust me, you’ll want extra bowls. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: This adds a wonderful, smoky flavor to the chowder. If you want a healthier option, turkey bacon or even diced smoked sausage can work well as substitutes.
Chicken: I prefer using rotisserie chicken for convenience, but any cooked chicken will do. You can also use canned chicken in a pinch.
Corn: Fresh corn is delicious, but frozen corn is just as good and saves time! You can also use canned corn—just drain it first.
Potatoes: I love using russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, but sweet potatoes could add a nice twist too. Just keep in mind they will change the flavor a bit.
Heavy Cream: To lighten it up, you can use half-and-half or even a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk for a different flavor.
How Do I Make the Creamy Base Without Lumps?
Creating the roux properly is essential in keeping your chowder smooth. Here’s how to do it:
- Cook flour with butter and bacon drippings on medium heat. This will take 1-2 minutes; it will help eliminate raw flour taste.
- When adding chicken broth, do it gradually while whisking. This helps break up any lumps.
- Keep stirring as it comes to a boil, which will help thicken the chowder evenly.
By following these tips, you’ll get a velvety, smooth chowder that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking! 😊
Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chowder:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Corn Chowder will take about 15 minutes to prep and approximately 30 minutes to cook, giving you a total time of about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. This will give your chowder a rich flavor. Once crispy, remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels, but keep the bacon drippings in the pot for extra flavor.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the butter to the pot with the bacon drippings. Once the butter is melted, sauté the chopped onion, diced celery, and red bell pepper until they are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. The smell will be amazing!
3. Make the Roux:
Stir in the flour and cook it for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This process creates a roux, which helps thicken your chowder. It’s important to keep stirring to avoid lumps!
4. Add the Broth:
Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring. This helps to keep the mixture smooth. Be patient, and stir until there are no lumps left.
5. Simmer with Potatoes:
Add your diced potatoes and dried thyme to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
6. Combine Chicken and Corn:
Add the corn kernels and the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir everything together until combined. The chowder is starting to come together nicely!
7. Add Cream:
Pour in the heavy cream and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Make sure not to let it boil after adding the cream to prevent curdling. Your chowder should start to look creamy and delicious!
8. Season to Taste:
Now it’s time to season your chowder! Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’d like a little heat. Taste it and adjust any seasonings as needed.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the chowder into bowls, and don’t forget to top it with those crispy bacon pieces and a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley. It’s time to dig in!
10. Accompany with Bread:
Serve hot with some crusty bread or rolls on the side. Enjoy your comforting, creamy Chicken Corn Chowder!
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen corn is a great time-saver and works wonderfully in this chowder. Just add it directly to the pot without thawing.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No problem! You can use vegetable broth or even water if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful that using water might result in a slightly less flavorful chowder, so consider adding some extra seasonings if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chowder in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra chicken broth or cream for a smoother consistency.
Can I Make This Chowder Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious!
