If you are craving a bowl of comfort that wraps you in warmth with every spoonful, this Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a luscious, hearty, and satisfying chowder, bursting with tender shredded chicken, sweet corn, tender potatoes, and a rich creamy base that feels like a hug in a bowl. This dish is easy to whip up any day of the week, perfect for cozy dinners or when you want to impress friends with a homemade classic. The combination of flavors and textures will quickly make this chowder a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is straightforward yet essential, building layers of flavor, creaminess, and texture that define this chowder’s irresistible charm.
- Olive oil: Provides a subtle fruity base and helps sauté the veggies perfectly.
- Butter: Adds richness and deepens the overall flavor of the chowder.
- Medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a savory foundation to the soup.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses aromatic warmth and depth.
- Medium carrots, diced: Bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery stalks, diced: Add crunch and a mild herbal note that balances the flavors.
- Cooked shredded chicken: The hearty protein making this chowder satisfying and filling.
- Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned): Bursting with sweet juiciness that livens up every spoonful.
- Chicken broth: The savory liquid foundation enriching the taste.
- Milk: Provides creaminess and a subtle sweetness.
- Heavy cream: Brings luscious richness for that velvety texture.
- Potatoes, peeled and diced: Add body and a comforting starchiness.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- Dried thyme: Offers a timeless earthy herbal aroma.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky depth that elevates the dish.
- All-purpose flour (optional): Helps thicken the chowder for a perfect consistency.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh herbal kick and beautiful color when garnishing.
- Cooked crumbled bacon or shredded cheese (optional): Toppings to add extra indulgence.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat, then toss in diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cooking these together for about 5 to 6 minutes softens the vegetables and unlocks their natural sweetness, creating a luscious base that will infuse the chowder with flavor.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour
Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. If you want your chowder thicker, sprinkle in the flour now and stir thoroughly to coat the veggies, which will help create a silky, satisfying texture.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps from the flour. This step blends all the flavors together, forming a rich broth. Add diced potatoes, corn, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat to let the chowder gently simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The potatoes soften and absorb the aromatic broth, making the chowder hearty and full-bodied.
Step 5: Finish with Chicken, Milk, and Cream
Stir in cooked shredded chicken, milk, and heavy cream, then continue simmering for another 5 to 10 minutes. This final addition transforms the soup into a luxuriously creamy delight, warming every corner of the pan with richness and flavor.
Step 6: Adjust and Serve
Taste the chowder and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Your Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe is now ready to serve hot, garnished as you like for that extra pop of freshness and indulgence.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a light herbal note that complements the creamy base beautifully. For a savory crunch, top bowls with crumbled cooked bacon—its smoky flavor harmonizes perfectly with the paprika in the chowder. Alternatively, a handful of shredded cheese melts invitingly on top for added richness.
Side Dishes
This chowder is a meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm, buttery biscuits that soak up every last drop. A crisp green salad balances the richness of the chowder, adding fresh texture and brightness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic touch, serve the chowder in bread bowls that guests can tear into as they savor the soup. You can also ladle it over baked potatoes for a double-comfort meal or present it in individual mason jars for a charming, casual dinner party setup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your fresh bowl, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. The chowder will stay delicious and creamy for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
Creamy soups can be tricky to freeze due to dairy, but this recipe freezes well when you separate the cream component. Freeze the chowder (without the milk and cream) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and stir in milk and cream when reheating.
Reheating
Gently warm the chowder on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and maintain its creamy texture. If the chowder seems too thick after reheating, simply add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up to your liking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn for the chowder?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works wonderfully, adding sweetness and texture just like fresh corn does. Just make sure not to thaw it fully beforehand to prevent the chowder from becoming watery.
Is there a way to make this chowder dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter for olive oil and replace milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or your favorite plant-based milk. This keeps the soup creamy while making it suitable for dairy-free diets.
How can I make this chowder thicker?
To thicken your Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe, mash a few of the cooked potatoes in the pot before adding the chicken. Using the optional flour during the vegetable sauté step also helps create a nice, thick consistency.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Definitely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe—it saves time and adds wonderful flavor. Just shred the meat and add it in the final steps as instructed.
What type of potatoes works best?
Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent choice because they hold their shape well while providing a creamy texture. Russets work too but tend to break down more, which can help thicken the chowder as well.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of well-made chowder, and this Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe truly hits all the right notes. Rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for bringing people together on chilly evenings or whenever you need a little extra warmth. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved favorite in your kitchen just like I have.
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Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder is a hearty and comforting American soup made with shredded chicken, sweet corn, and tender potatoes simmered in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines fresh vegetables with savory herbs and optional toppings like bacon or cheese for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
Seasonings & Thickener
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Garnish (Optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Cooked crumbled bacon or shredded cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Flour (Optional): Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables if using, and stir well to coat. This will help thicken the chowder.
- Add Broth and Vegetables: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine. Add the diced potatoes, corn kernels, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the chowder for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Finish with Dairy and Chicken: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken, milk, and heavy cream. Continue to simmer for another 5–10 minutes until the chowder is heated through and has a creamy consistency.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley and optional toppings like crumbled bacon or shredded cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- For a thicker chowder, mash a few of the potatoes directly in the pot before adding the chicken.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add great flavor.
- To make this chowder dairy-free, substitute coconut milk for milk and cream, and use olive oil instead of butter.
- Omit or replace flour with a gluten-free alternative to make this chowder gluten-free.
