Best Creamy Chicken and Corn Chowder Recipe – Quick & Delicious

Name: Best Creamy Chicken and Corn Chowder Recipe – Quick & Delicious
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded; 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned); 3 medium potatoes, diced; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons flour; 2 tablespoons butter; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional, for garnish); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish); Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Hi I'm Benjamin

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on January 25, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s something deeply satisfying about a warm bowl of creamy chicken and corn chowder. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a rainy day, this dish brings rich flavors, comforting textures, and wholesome ingredients together in every spoonful. The combination of tender shredded chicken, sweet corn, soft potatoes, and a velvety broth makes this chowder one of the ultimate comfort foods.

This chowder is not only easy to make, but it also packs a depth of flavor that makes it a staple in home kitchens. It’s hearty enough for a full meal yet versatile enough to be served as a starter or side dish. With a creamy consistency, layers of savory goodness, and optional smoky bacon topping, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

In this article, we’ll dive into what makes this chowder special, expert tips for perfecting it, creative variations, serving suggestions, and answers to common questions.

Why Creamy Chicken and Corn Chowder Is a Must-Try Dish

1. A Perfect Balance of Creaminess and Heartiness

Unlike lighter soups, chowder is meant to be rich, thick, and satisfying. The combination of heavy cream, tender chicken, sweet corn, and starchy potatoes creates a silky-smooth texture with a hearty consistency that makes it a full, wholesome meal.

2. Comfort Food at Its Best

This dish is pure comfort food—it’s warm, creamy, and deeply flavorful. It’s the perfect meal to cozy up with on a cold night, whether you’re enjoying it on your own, with family, or serving guests.

3. Easy to Make and Full of Flavor

This chowder doesn’t require complicated cooking techniques or hours in the kitchen. With a few simple steps, you can create a rich and flavorful chowder that tastes like it simmered all day. The key is layering flavors properly, starting with sautéed aromatics, rich broth, and a creamy finish.

4. Highly Versatile and Customizable

One of the best things about this chowder is its versatility. You can tweak the recipe to suit your dietary preferences, spice tolerance, or available ingredients. Whether you want a smoky, spicy, cheesy, or seafood-infused version, this dish adapts beautifully to different flavors.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

This chowder stores and reheats well, making it great for meal prepping. Leftovers can be easily frozen or stored in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.

Ingredients:

For the Chowder:

1 pound chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded
2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
3 medium potatoes, diced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
2 tablespoons butter

Optional Garnishes:

4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped

Seasoning:

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Prepare the Ingredients:
- Dice potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion into small pieces.
- Mince garlic and set everything aside.
Cook the Bacon (Optional):
- Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add butter to the pot (or use the bacon fat if preferred).
- Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
Simmer the Soup:
- Pour in chicken broth and add potatoes.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Add Chicken and Corn:
- Stir in shredded chicken and corn and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Thicken the Chowder:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour and heavy cream until smooth.
- Slowly pour into the chowder, stirring continuously.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
Season and Serve:
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with bacon, cheddar cheese, parsley, or green onions.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings):

Calories: 350
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 780mg

Expert Tips for the Best Chicken and Corn Chowder

1. Use the Right Type of Potatoes

Not all potatoes hold up well in soups. Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes work best because they have a creamy texture when cooked while still holding their shape.

2. Sauté Your Aromatics for More Depth

Instead of just adding vegetables directly to the broth, sautéing onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in butter or bacon fat helps bring out deeper, richer flavors in the chowder.

3. Choose the Right Chicken for Maximum Flavor

While chicken breasts work well, boneless, skinless chicken thighs add extra richness due to their higher fat content. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, it’s a great shortcut for convenience and extra flavor.

4. Don’t Skip the Thickening Step

A thick, creamy chowder relies on the right thickening technique. The best method is to whisk flour into heavy cream before adding it to the chowder. This ensures a smooth, lump-free consistency.

5. Let It Simmer for the Best Flavor

While this chowder comes together quickly, letting it simmer for an extra 10 minutes allows all the flavors to blend beautifully, resulting in a deeper, more cohesive taste.

6. Add Cheese for Extra Richness

If you love extra creaminess, stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese before serving. This creates a luxurious, cheesy texture that takes the chowder to another level.

7. Don’t Forget the Garnishes

Garnishing adds an extra layer of texture and freshness. Some great toppings include:

Crispy bacon crumbles for a smoky crunch
Fresh parsley or green onions for brightness
Shredded cheese for extra richness
A drizzle of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Creative Variations of Chicken and Corn Chowder

1. Spicy Southwest Chicken Chowder

Add black beans, diced jalapeños, and a dash of cumin for a Tex-Mex twist.
Stir in some smoked paprika and lime juice for an extra kick.

2. Smoky Bacon & Cheddar Chowder

Cook bacon in the pot first and use the rendered fat to sauté the vegetables.
Stir in extra cheddar cheese for a richer, cheesier version.

3. Seafood Corn Chowder

Swap the chicken for shrimp, crab, or scallops for a seafood-inspired chowder.
Add Old Bay seasoning for extra depth.

4. Dairy-Free or Vegan Version

Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

5. Lemon Herb Chicken Chowder

Add fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, fresh twist.
Stir in chopped dill or thyme to enhance the herbal notes.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken and Corn Chowder

1. Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread

A thick slice of buttery, toasted bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of this rich chowder.

2. Light Green Salad

A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette balances the richness of the chowder.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Oven-roasted zucchini, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add an extra layer of texture and nutrients.

4. Buttery Biscuits

Serve warm, flaky biscuits on the side for an even more comforting meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken works perfectly and saves time.

2. Can I Freeze This Chowder?

Yes, but the texture may change slightly due to the dairy. To freeze, let the chowder cool completely, store it in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

3. Can I Make This Chowder in a Slow Cooker?

Yes! Add all ingredients except the cream, flour, and garnishes to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, then stir in the cream mixture during the last 30 minutes.

4. How Long Do Leftovers Last?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

5. What’s the Best Substitute for Heavy Cream?

You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.

Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Try This Chowder

Creamy Chicken and Corn Chowder is one of those timeless comfort foods that’s both easy to make and deeply satisfying. With rich, layered flavors, a velvety texture, and endless customization options, this chowder is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights in.

Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or a starter, this creamy, hearty soup is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, follow these expert tips, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!