Is there anything more comforting than a big bowl of creamy Chicken Corn Chowder on a chilly day? Seriously, I don’t think so! That velvety texture, the sweet bursts of corn, and the savory chicken…it’s like a hug in a bowl. I remember one particularly blustery winter afternoon, I whipped up a batch of this, and it just completely warmed me from the inside out. This isn’t just any soup; it’s *Chicken Corn Chowder*, and it’s about to become your new favorite comfort food, trust me!
My version is packed with flavor, ridiculously easy to make, and totally customizable. You can throw in whatever veggies you have lurking in the fridge. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser – even the picky eaters in my family slurp this one down without complaint!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Corn Chowder
Okay, so why should you even bother making *this* Chicken Corn Chowder? Let me tell you! It’s:
Quick and Easy Chicken Corn Chowder
Seriously, weeknight dinners don’t get much easier than this. Minimal chopping, simple steps…you’ll have a pot of deliciousness bubbling away in no time!
Flavorful and Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder
That salty bacon, sweet corn, and tender chicken create a symphony of flavors that’ll make you say “Wow!” every time. The creaminess just takes it over the top!
Customizable Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe
Want it spicier? Add more jalapeno! Got some extra veggies? Toss ’em in! This recipe is your blank canvas – make it your own!
The Best Ingredients for Chicken Corn Chowder
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You’ll need bacon, butter, onion, red pepper, jalapeno (if you like a kick!), garlic, flour, spices (salt, pepper, smoked paprika, mustard), chicken broth, milk, cream, potatoes, chicken, and corn. I know, it sounds like a lot, but don’t worry; it all comes together beautifully!
What You Need for Chicken Corn Chowder
Wanna take this chowder from good to *amazing*? It’s all about choosing the right stuff! Here’s the lowdown:
Bacon
Thick-cut bacon is the way to go, folks! It gives you that extra smoky flavor and holds up better in the soup. Trust me on this one!
Chicken
Chicken breast is leaner, but sometimes I’m feeling chicken thighs for that extra richness. Both work great, so it’s totally up to you!
Corn
Fresh corn is awesome when it’s in season. Frozen works like a charm, too! Canned corn is fine in a pinch, but it can be a little softer.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Chicken Corn Chowder
Okay, so maybe you’re missing an ingredient or have some dietary needs? No sweat! Here are a few easy swaps:
Dairy-Free Chicken Corn Chowder
Coconut milk is your best friend here! It adds a subtle sweetness and makes the chowder super creamy. You can also find dairy-free cream alternatives.
Vegetarian Chicken Corn Chowder
Easy peasy! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the chicken and bacon. You could even add some beans for extra protein!
How to Make Chicken Corn Chowder: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be slurping down delicious Chicken Corn Chowder in no time!
Preparing the Base for Chicken Corn Chowder
First, you’ll want to cook your bacon in a big pot or Dutch oven until it’s nice and crispy. Remove it, but leave a *little* of that bacon grease in the pot – trust me, it adds so much flavor! Then, melt some butter in there and toss in your diced onion, red pepper, and jalapeno. Cook ’em until they’re soft, about 5 minutes or so. Finally, add your garlic and cook until you can really smell it – about 30 seconds. Careful not to burn it!
Building the Chicken Corn Chowder Flavor
Now, sprinkle in your flour and stir it around until it’s all soaked up by the veggies. Cook it for another 30 seconds to toast the flour – this helps thicken the chowder. Next, stir in your spices: salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and mustard. Mmm, smells good already, right? Slowly whisk in your chicken broth until everything’s combined and smooth. No lumps allowed!
Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables in Chicken Corn Chowder
This is where the magic happens! Add your water (or more chicken broth), milk, cream, potatoes, chicken, and corn to the pot. Bring it all to a boil, then turn it down to a simmer. Let it bubble away until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through – usually about 15-20 minutes. Make sure your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to be safe!
Finishing Touches for Perfect Chicken Corn Chowder
Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Then, grab your immersion blender and puree about half of the soup right in the pot. This makes it extra creamy! If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer some of the soup to a regular blender, but be super careful – hot soup can splatter! Finally, stir the shredded chicken and bacon back into the pot. Taste it and add more salt and pepper if you need to. And that’s it! Serve it up with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Essential Equipment for Making Chicken Corn Chowder
Okay, before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got the right tools! You’ll need a good Dutch oven or a large pot, a cutting board and sharp knives (duh!), and an immersion blender. That last one’s key for the creamy texture! Don’t have one? No worries, I’ll give you a workaround!
Tips for the Best Chicken Corn Chowder
Want to take your Chicken Corn Chowder to the next level? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years. First, don’t overcook those potatoes! Nobody likes mushy potatoes in their chowder. Also, taste as you go and adjust that seasoning! And if you can, use fresh corn—it makes a HUGE difference!
Chicken Corn Chowder Variations
Okay, so you’ve made the basic Chicken Corn Chowder…now what? Let’s get creative! This recipe is just begging for you to put your own spin on it! Think different spices, herbs, veggies…the possibilities are endless!
Spicy Chicken Corn Chowder
Want to kick things up a notch? Easy! Add more jalapeno, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. A dash of your favorite hot sauce works wonders too! Just be careful, a little goes a long way!
Hearty Chicken Corn Chowder
Feeling like you want something a little more…substantial? Throw in some diced carrots and celery along with the onions and peppers. Other veggies like zucchini or green beans would be delicious too!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Corn Chowder
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Chicken Corn Chowder… now what do you serve with it? I’m a big fan of crusty bread for dipping, or maybe some crackers for crunch. A simple side salad is always a good idea too. Honestly, it’s pretty great all on its own!
Storing and Reheating Your Chicken Corn Chowder
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Chicken Corn Chowder is just as good (maybe even better!) the next day. Let it cool down a bit, then pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Or, if you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to thaw it completely before reheating! You can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave – just be sure to cover it so it doesn’t splatter everywhere!
Chicken Corn Chowder FAQs
Got questions about making the *perfect* Chicken Corn Chowder? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked:
Can I make Chicken Corn Chowder ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I think it tastes even better the next day. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for 3-4 days, easy!
Can I freeze Chicken Corn Chowder?
Yep! It freezes really well. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. You might notice a little separation when you reheat it, but just stir it up, and it’ll be good as new!
How do I make Chicken Corn Chowder thicker?
Easy peasy! You can either add a little more flour to the soup while it’s cooking (make sure to mix it with a little cold water first to avoid lumps!). Or, you can puree a little more of the soup with your immersion blender. That’ll thicken it right up!
Nutritional Information for Chicken Corn Chowder
Okay, let’s talk nutrition! Now, I gotta be upfront with you: this is just an estimate. The exact nutritional info for *your* Chicken Corn Chowder will depend on the specific ingredients you use. Different brands of bacon, different types of chicken broth…it all adds up! So, take this with a grain of salt, okay?
I’m not gonna pretend to be a nutritionist, but I figure it’s good to have a general idea, right? Just remember that this is not a precise measure and can vary *a lot* depending on what you throw in your pot. Happy cooking!
Enjoy Your Homemade Chicken Corn Chowder!
And there you have it! Your very own pot of creamy, dreamy Chicken Corn Chowder! I really hope you give this recipe a try – I just know you’re gonna love it! If you do, please leave a comment and rating below, and don’t forget to share it with your friends on social media! Happy slurping!
Print
Disgustingly Good Chicken Corn Chowder in Just 1 Hour
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy and flavorful Chicken Corn Chowder with bacon, vegetables, and tender chicken.
Ingredients
- 6 strips uncooked bacon, cut into pieces
- 3 Tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter
- 1 (140 g) medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 (140 g) red pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 Tablespoon diced jalapeno, seeds and ribs removed
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon table salt, plus more as needed/to taste
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard
- 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (236 ml) water or chicken broth
- 1 cup (236 ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (236 ml) heavy cream
- 1 lb Gold potatoes, diced into 1 inch cubes
- 1 lb (453 g) boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, raw
- 2 1/2 cups (275 g) sweet corn, fresh, frozen, or canned
- Desired toppings
Instructions
- Place bacon pieces in a large pot or Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat until crisp. Remove to a paper towel lined plate.
- Drain all but 2 Tablespoons of bacon grease from the pot.
- Add butter to the pot and cook until melted.
- Add diced onion, red pepper, and jalapeno. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir until absorbed. Cook another 30 seconds to toast the flour.
- Stir in salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and ground mustard.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth until combined.
- Add water, milk, cream, potatoes, chicken breast, and corn. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken to a plate and shred or dice. Set aside and keep warm.
- Use an immersion blender to puree approximately half of the soup.
- Return chicken and bacon to the pot. Stir.
- Taste-test the soup, adding more salt/pepper as needed.
- Serve warm with desired toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste.
- For a spicier chowder, add more jalapeno or a dash of hot sauce.
- Topping suggestions: corn chips, Fritos, crackers, scallions/green onions, additional jalapeno, cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg