This Chicken Corn Chowder recipe is a delightful blend of chicken, potatoes, and sweet corn simmered in a rich and flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings, this chowder is garnished with crispy bacon and fresh green onions, making it a comforting dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken or cooking from scratch, this recipe is versatile enough to suit any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices, bacon, and chicken creates a deeply satisfying taste.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip this up without hassle.
- Comforting Meal: This chowder is perfect for chilly days when you need something warm and hearty.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or toppings.
- Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this creamy soup that’s packed with flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best Chicken Corn Chowder, you’ll need some essential tools that streamline the cooking process and enhance your experience in the kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Ideal for making larger quantities of chowder while allowing ample space for ingredients to combine.
- Sharp knife: Ensures easy chopping of vegetables and chicken, which speeds up preparation time.
Ingredients
This Chicken Corn Chowder recipe has chicken, potatoes, and corn in the most flavorful broth! It’s garnished with bacon and green onions and is loaded with flavor!
Ingredients:
– 5 strips bacon (drippings reserved)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon hot sauce
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 small yellow onion (diced)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1-2 jalapeno peppers (diced)
– 3/4 cup red bell pepper (diced)
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1/3 cup flour
– 2 cups half and half
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 lb. boneless/skinless chicken breast (or 2 cups leftover/rotisserie chicken)
– Salt/Pepper
– 1 lb. Yukon gold potatoes (diced)
– 1 (15 oz.) can sweet kernel corn (drained)
– 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded; optional)
– 1/3 cup green onions (diced)
– ½ teaspoon EACH: salt, oregano, paprika, mustard powder, chili powder, cumin
– 1 pinch cayenne pepper
How to Make Chicken Corn Chowder
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Cook the bacon in a large soup pot slowly over low heat. Cut the bacon in half for easier cooking. Once cooked, set aside and chop once cooled.
Step 2: Prepare the Broth Mixture
While the bacon cooks:
Combine the chicken broth, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings in a measuring cup.
Set aside your mixture for later use.
Measure out remaining ingredients before starting. Don’t cut potatoes until ready to use.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Leave about two tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pot. Add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until softened for about three minutes. Then:
Add butter, jalapeno peppers, bell peppers, and minced garlic.
Continue to soften the mixture for another three minutes.
Step 4: Thicken the Base
Add flour to the pot:
Cook for about two minutes until it begins to brown slightly.
Step 5: Combine Liquids
Gradually add the chicken broth mixture from step two into the pot:
Stir continuously while adding in small splashes.
Follow by adding half and half in the same manner.
Toss in a bay leaf. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer.
Step 6: Cook Chicken
Cut the chicken breast in half lengthwise. Season both sides with salt and pepper before adding it to your chowder:
Let it bubble gently uncovered until cooked through (about 15–20 minutes).
Remove from pot when done; let rest before dicing.
Step 7: Cook Potatoes
Add diced Yukon gold potatoes into your chowder:
Simmer uncovered until fork-tender; this should take around another 20–25 minutes.
Step 8: Finish Up
Dice your cooked chicken breast and add it back into your chowder along with drained corn:
Heat through for one to two minutes then reduce heat to low.
Step 9: Add Cheese
If desired, gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted:
Remove bay leaf before serving.
Garnish with chopped bacon pieces and sliced green onions. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Corn Chowder! Serve alongside Cheddar Bay Biscuits for an extra treat!
How to Serve Chicken Corn Chowder
Serving Chicken Corn Chowder is a delightful experience, as it allows for a variety of garnishes and accompaniments to enhance its rich flavors. Here are some tasty suggestions to elevate your chowder experience.
Garnish Options
- Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
- Crispy Bacon Bits: Add crumbled bacon for extra crunch and smoky flavor.
- Shredded Cheese: Top with shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy finish that melts beautifully.
Accompaniments
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- Cornbread: Pair with sweet cornbread for a comforting texture contrast.
- Salad: A light mixed green salad can balance the richness of the chowder.
Serving Style
- In Individual Bowls: Present in individual bowls for a cozy, personal touch.
- Family-Style Pot: Serve directly from the pot on the table for a casual gathering.
How to Perfect Chicken Corn Chowder
Perfecting your Chicken Corn Chowder can take this dish from great to extraordinary. Here are some tips to consider.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will boost the flavor profile significantly.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, or spices to match your preference.
- Cook Chicken Gently: Ensure you cook chicken slowly to keep it tender and juicy; avoid boiling vigorously.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the chowder to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld all flavors together.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Corn Chowder
Pairing side dishes with Chicken Corn Chowder can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options.
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread complements the chowder’s creamy texture perfectly.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing adds freshness and crunch alongside the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a hearty and healthy contrast.
- Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes topped with butter create a filling addition to the meal.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A gooey grilled cheese is always a hit when dipped into chowder.
- Corn Muffins: Sweet corn muffins echo the corn in the chowder for a delightful pairing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chicken Corn Chowder can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes may hinder your results. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid.
- Using the wrong chicken – Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or leftover rotisserie chicken for the best texture and flavor.
- Skipping the bacon drippings – The bacon drippings add essential flavor; don’t skip this step when cooking your onions and vegetables.
- Not measuring liquids accurately – Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the right consistency; use a liquid measuring cup for precision.
- Overcooking the chicken – Cook the chicken gently to prevent it from becoming tough; check for doneness around 15-20 minutes.
- Forgetting to remove the bay leaf – Always remember to take out the bay leaf before serving to avoid an unpleasant bite.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Chicken Corn Chowder
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- This chowder can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chicken Corn Chowder
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring between each one until hot.
- Stovetop – Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Chicken Corn Chowder that may help you perfect your dish.
What can I substitute for chicken broth in Chicken Corn Chowder?
You can use vegetable broth or homemade stock as a substitute for chicken broth. Both will provide great flavor.
Can I make Chicken Corn Chowder ahead of time?
Yes, this chowder can be made ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
How do I thicken Chicken Corn Chowder?
If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can add more flour or mash some of the potatoes before adding them back into the soup.
Is Chicken Corn Chowder healthy?
While it is rich and creamy, you can make it healthier by using low-fat dairy options and reducing bacon or cheese amounts.
Can I customize my Chicken Corn Chowder?
Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like carrots or celery, adjust spices, or even use turkey instead of chicken for variety.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Corn Chowder is a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various ingredients, making it suitable for any occasion. Try this delicious chowder today and enjoy every bite!
Chicken Corn Chowder
Chicken Corn Chowder is a heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken, sweet corn, and creamy potatoes in a rich broth. This delightful soup is garnished with crispy bacon and fresh green onions, making it an ideal comfort food for chilly nights or family gatherings. Whether you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken or cooking from scratch, this versatile recipe is easy to prepare and sure to please both kids and adults alike. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with crusty bread for a satisfying feast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 5 strips bacon
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb. boneless/skinless chicken breast
- 1 lb. Yukon gold potatoes, diced
- 1 (15 oz.) can sweet kernel corn, drained
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 jalapeno peppers, diced
- Salt
- Pepper
- Oregano
- Paprika
- Mustard powder
- Chili powder
- Cumin
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large soup pot over low heat until crispy; set aside.
- In the same pot with some bacon drippings left behind, sauté onion for about three minutes until softened.
- Add butter and diced peppers; sauté for another three minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook for two minutes until lightly browned.
- Gradually add chicken broth and half-and-half while stirring continuously; include a bay leaf.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; add to the pot and simmer uncovered for about 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove chicken, dice it after resting, then return to the chowder along with the potatoes and corn.
- Simmer until potatoes are fork-tender (20–25 minutes).
- Stir in cheese if desired; garnish with bacon bits and green onions before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
