Warm up with this creamy chicken corn chowder recipe—packed with tender chicken, sweet corn, and hearty potatoes.
📌 Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slow Cooker Variation
- Tips for the Best Chicken Corn Chowder
- Serving Suggestions
- Storage and Reheating
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Watch How It’s Made
🔑 Key Takeaways
- A hearty and creamy soup perfect for chilly days.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Versatile—can be adapted for slow cookers.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
1. Introduction
Chicken corn chowder is a comforting soup that combines tender chicken, sweet corn, and creamy broth. It’s a favorite for many during colder months and offers flexibility in preparation methods, including stovetop and slow cooker options.(Slow Cooker Gourmet)
2. Ingredients
To make this chicken corn chowder recipe, you’ll need everyday ingredients that come together to create a creamy, savory bowl of comfort.
🛒 Basic Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked chicken (shredded or diced) | 2 cups | Rotisserie chicken works great |
| Sweet corn (canned, fresh, or frozen) | 2 cups | Drain if canned, thaw if frozen |
| Yukon gold or russet potatoes | 2 cups, diced | Adds heartiness |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped | Yellow or white |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced | Fresh or jarred |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups | Low-sodium preferred |
| Milk or half-and-half | 1 cup | Use cream for a richer texture |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons | For sautéing |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons | To thicken the chowder |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Adjust as needed |
🌶️ Optional Add-ins
- Cooked bacon – adds a smoky crunch
- Cheddar cheese – for an extra creamy flavor
- Green chilies or jalapeños – for a spicy kick
- Carrots or celery – for more veggie content
💡 Want to go low-carb? Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this chicken corn chowder recipe is simple and fast. You’ll have a hearty, creamy soup ready in under an hour.
🍳 Stove-Top Method
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes).
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Season
Stir in diced potatoes and corn. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Pour in Broth
Add 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Chowder
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons flour with a few tablespoons of cold broth or water to make a slurry. Stir it into the pot and simmer another 5 minutes, stirring often.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Milk
Stir in 2 cups of cooked chicken and 1 cup of milk or half-and-half. Let it simmer for 5–10 more minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
Step 6: Taste and Serve
Adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with optional garnishes like chopped bacon, cheddar, or fresh herbs.
4. Slow Cooker Variation
Prefer a set-it-and-forget-it method? This slow cooker chicken corn chowder recipe is just as rich and flavorful, with less hands-on time.
🐢 How to Make It in the Crock Pot
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Add the following to your slow cooker:
- 2 cups cooked chicken
- 2 cups corn
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Season with salt and pepper
Step 2: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on:
- Low for 6–7 hours
- Or High for 3–4 hours
Cook until potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 3: Add Creamy Ingredients
In the last 30 minutes, stir in:
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- Optional: 2 tablespoons flour (mix with cold milk to thicken)
Let it warm through and thicken slightly.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Top with crispy bacon, chopped scallions, or grated cheese for extra flavor.
5. Tips for the Best Chicken Corn Chowder
To make this chicken corn chowder recipe extra delicious, follow these expert tips that enhance flavor, texture, and presentation.
🧂 1. Season Gradually
Season the soup in layers — when sautéing, simmering, and finishing — to build a well-balanced flavor.
🧀 2. Add Cheese Last
If you’re adding cheddar or Monterey Jack, stir it in at the end of cooking and let it melt gently. This keeps the soup creamy and smooth.
🥓 3. Use Bacon Grease for Extra Flavor
Sauté your onion and garlic in bacon grease instead of butter for a smoky, savory upgrade.
🥣 4. Mash Some Potatoes
For a thicker texture, mash a few cooked potato chunks directly in the pot. This creates a natural thickener without added flour.
🥶 5. Don’t Boil the Dairy
When adding milk or cream, lower the heat. Boiling dairy can cause it to curdle and change the consistency.
🌽 6. Use Fire-Roasted Corn
For a smoky twist, substitute regular corn with fire-roasted corn (available canned or frozen).
6. Serving Suggestions
This chicken corn chowder is rich and filling, but the right sides and toppings can make your meal even more satisfying.
🍞 Perfect Pairings
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Crusty Bread | Great for dipping and soaking up broth |
| Garlic Bread | Adds a flavorful crunch |
| Side Salad | Lightens the meal with greens and vinaigrette |
| Biscuits | Soft and buttery, perfect with chowder |
| Cornbread | Complements the sweet corn in the soup |
🧀 Toppings to Try
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
- Crumbled bacon
- Chopped green onions or chives
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
- A dash of hot sauce for spice lovers
🔄 Hosting a group? Serve in bread bowls for a fun, rustic twist.
7. Storage and Reheating
This chicken corn chowder recipe is perfect for leftovers. It stores well and reheats beautifully for quick lunches or easy dinners.
🧊 How to Store
- Refrigerator:
Store chowder in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 3–4 days. - Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2 months. However, if the chowder contains dairy, expect some separation when reheating.
✅ Tip: Freeze in individual portions for easy grab-and-go meals.
🔁 How to Reheat
- Stovetop:
Warm slowly over medium-low heat, stirring often. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. - Microwave:
Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely. Stir every 60 seconds until hot. - From Frozen:
Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat using one of the above methods.
⚠️ Avoid boiling when reheating dairy-based chowder — it may curdle.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions about this chicken corn chowder recipe — along with simple, clear answers.
❓ Can I use raw chicken?
Yes. If using raw chicken, add it in step 1 of the stovetop method or with the broth in the slow cooker version. Make sure it’s fully cooked (165°F internal temperature) before serving.
🥣 How do I make it thicker?
- Use a flour or cornstarch slurry.
- Mash some potatoes in the pot.
- Simmer uncovered to reduce liquid.
🧈 Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Replace milk or cream with unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Choose neutral-flavored options for best results.
🌽 Can I use canned corn?
Absolutely. Just drain it first. You can also use frozen or fresh corn off the cob — whichever you have on hand.
🧊 Does it freeze well?
It does, but creamy soups may separate. Stir well when reheating. For best results, freeze before adding dairy and stir in the cream after reheating.
🐓 What’s the best chicken to use?
- Rotisserie chicken for convenience
- Leftover grilled or roasted chicken
- Poached chicken breasts for a lean option
🥵 How can I make it spicy?
- Add diced jalapeños or green chilies
- Stir in hot sauce
- Sprinkle in cayenne pepper to taste
9. Watch How It’s Made
For a visual guide to preparing this delicious chicken corn chowder recipe, check out the following video:
