The Most Amazing Chicken Corn Chowder

The Most Amazing Chicken Corn Chowder is absolutely full of flavor and texture. This corn chowder recipe is sure to become a new favorite. This crowd-pleasing soup is perfect for entertaining on any cool fall or summer night.

chicken corn chowder

Immersion Blender for Perfect Texture: Using an immersion blender to puree half of the soup creates a beautifully creamy texture while still leaving chunks of potatoes and corn for a hearty, satisfying bite. This technique gives the chowder a smooth consistency without losing the comforting, chunky elements that make chowder so special.

chicken corn chowder

Bacon Adds Depth of Flavor: The bacon not only adds a crispy texture but infuses the soup with a rich, smoky flavor, elevating the chowder to a whole new level of deliciousness. This savory ingredient balances perfectly with the sweetness of the corn and the creaminess of the milk and heavy cream.

FAQs

  1. What is Chicken Corn Chowder?

    • Chicken Corn Chowder is a creamy and hearty soup made with tender chicken, sweet corn, crispy bacon, vegetables, and spices. It's a comforting dish that's perfect for colder weather.

  2. How do you make Chicken Corn Chowder from scratch?

    • To make Chicken Corn Chowder from scratch, cook bacon, sauté vegetables, add seasonings, and blend the soup for a creamy texture. Then, add chicken, corn, and broth, simmer, and enjoy!

  3. Can I use frozen corn in Chicken Corn Chowder?

    • Yes, you can use frozen corn in this recipe. There's no need to thaw it before adding it to the soup.

  4. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast?

    • Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just add it to the soup after it's simmered to warm through.

  5. What kind of potatoes are best for Chicken Corn Chowder?

    • Gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture. They hold up well when cooked in soups and add a nice richness to the chowder.

  6. How do I thicken Chicken Corn Chowder?

    • The flour in the recipe helps thicken the soup, while pureeing half of the soup with an immersion blender creates a creamy texture.

  7. Can I make Chicken Corn Chowder without cream?

    • If you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce or omit the cream and use additional milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk.

  8. How long does Chicken Corn Chowder take to cook?

    • The total cook time for this recipe is about 55-60 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

  9. Can I freeze Chicken Corn Chowder?

    • Yes, you can freeze Chicken Corn Chowder. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

  10. How do you store leftover Chicken Corn Chowder?

    • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat.

  11. Can I make Chicken Corn Chowder in a slow cooker?

    • Yes, you can make Chicken Corn Chowder in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients (except the bacon and cream) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Add the bacon and cream at the end of cooking.

  12. What can I serve with Chicken Corn Chowder?

    • This chowder pairs well with crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad. For a heartier meal, you can serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich or air-fried fries.

  13. Is Chicken Corn Chowder spicy?

    • This recipe has a mild spice from the jalapeño and cayenne pepper. You can adjust the heat level by reducing or omitting the cayenne and jalapeño if you prefer a milder flavor.

  14. What can I use instead of bacon in Chicken Corn Chowder?

    • If you prefer a bacon substitute, you can use turkey bacon, smoked sausage, or even leave it out for a vegetarian version.

  15. How can I make Chicken Corn Chowder healthier?

    • To make the chowder healthier, you can use less butter and cream, opt for low-fat milk, or add more vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrients.

Make it

The Most Amazing Chicken Corn Chowder

This Chicken Corn Chowder is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. The combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and sweet corn is enhanced with the smoky heat of paprika and cayenne pepper, making this soup an ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a cozy meal, this chowder will keep you coming back for more!

Ingredients:

  • 6 strips of uncooked bacon, cut into pieces

  • 3 tablespoons butter

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 1 tablespoon diced jalapeño (seeds and ribs removed)

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)

  • Ground black pepper (to taste)

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 4 cups chicken broth

  • 1 ½ cups whole milk

  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream

  • 1 lb Gold potatoes, diced into 1” cubes

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast

  • 2 ½ cups sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned; if frozen, no need to thaw; if canned, drain before using)

  • Fresh cilantro for garnishing (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Bacon:

    • Place bacon pieces in a large pot or Dutch oven. Turn the heat to medium and cook until the bacon is crisp. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

  2. Prepare the Base:

    • Drain all but about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease from the pot. Add butter to the pot with the remaining bacon grease, cooking until the butter is melted.

  3. Sauté Vegetables:

    • Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Stir occasionally and cook until softened (about 5 minutes).

    • Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

  4. Add Flour and Seasonings:

    • Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir until it’s fully absorbed. Cook for another 30 seconds to lightly toast the flour.

    • Stir in salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and minced ginger.

  5. Add Liquids and Potatoes:

    • Slowly whisk in chicken broth until fully combined.

    • Add water, milk, cream, potatoes, chicken breast, and corn. Bring the mixture to a boil. Let it cook until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through.

  6. Shred the Chicken:

    • Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate. Shred or dice the chicken, then set it aside and keep warm (cover with foil).

  7. Blend the Soup:

    • Use an immersion blender to puree approximately half of the soup (if you don’t have an immersion blender, see note below).

  8. Final Touches:

    • After pureeing, return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the reserved bacon. For extra crispness, you can serve the soup topped with bacon crumbles.

    • Taste-test the soup, adding more salt or pepper as needed.

  9. Serve and Enjoy:

    • Serve the chowder warm, garnished with fresh cilantro (optional). Enjoy the hearty, delicious flavors!

Notes:

  • If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer half of the soup to a blender and puree it in batches. Be sure to allow it to cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering.

Cooking Time:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes

  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: 460 kcal

  • Protein: 30g

  • Fat: 28g

    • Saturated Fat: 13g

  • Carbohydrates: 33g

    • Fiber: 4g

    • Sugars: 6g

  • Cholesterol: 80mg

  • Sodium: 950mg

  • Potassium: 850mg

Enjoy this comforting Chicken Corn Chowder that will warm you up and satisfy your taste buds with its creamy texture and delicious flavor. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in!