Easy Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe
When the weather turns chilly or you’re simply craving a big bowl of comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like a creamy chicken corn chowder recipe. This dish is hearty, filling, and loaded with tender chicken, sweet corn, and velvety potatoes. The best part? It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve when friends or family come over.
Unlike some soups that leave you hungry an hour later, this chowder is a complete meal in itself. Every spoonful offers a mix of textures and flavors: juicy chicken, slightly crisp corn kernels, soft potatoes, and a creamy broth that ties it all together. It’s cozy, nourishing, and budget-friendly—what more could you ask for in a recipe?
Whether you’re new to cooking or already a seasoned home chef, this chicken corn chowder recipe is easy to master. Plus, I’ll share helpful tips, substitution ideas, and even storage instructions so you can make the most of your leftovers.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make a rich, creamy pot of chowder. The ingredients are simple, but together they create something seriously delicious.
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 medium Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned; see tips below)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but adds a lovely depth)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
To Finish
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives
- Shredded cheddar cheese for topping (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe
Cooking chowder doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s a breakdown that’s straightforward and foolproof.
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Before you turn on the stove, make life easier by chopping all your vegetables, dicing the chicken, and measuring your seasonings. This way, once the cooking starts, you won’t feel rushed.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat butter and olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside—about 5 minutes. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage because it will finish cooking in the broth.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Potatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the diced potatoes and thyme, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Stir in the Corn and Cream
Once the potatoes are soft, stir in the corn kernels. If you’re using fresh corn, scrape the cobs to release extra “milk” into the pot—it adds natural sweetness and creaminess. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.
Next, stir in the heavy cream and let the chowder heat through for another 5 minutes on low. Do not boil at this stage, as it can cause the cream to separate.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Before serving, taste your chowder and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the chowder into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread on the side for the ultimate comfort meal.
Tips for the Best Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe
Even though this dish is simple, a few small tricks can take it from good to outstanding.
- Use a mix of chicken breast and thighs. Breast meat is lean, while thighs add more flavor and tenderness. Using both creates the perfect balance.
- Don’t skip the sautéing step. Cooking the vegetables in butter and oil first builds a flavorful base for the entire chowder.
- Fresh corn adds extra sweetness. If corn is in season, cut it straight off the cob. Frozen corn works beautifully year-round, and canned corn is fine in a pinch.
- Smoked paprika is a secret weapon. It gives the chowder a subtle smoky depth without overwhelming the creamy flavors.
- For extra creaminess, blend part of the soup. Before adding the cream, scoop out 2 cups of chowder, blend until smooth, then return it to the pot. This creates a thick, velvety texture without needing flour.
Variations of Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe
The beauty of chowder is how adaptable it is. Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Spicy Chicken Corn Chowder: Add 1–2 diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables, or stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Southwestern Twist: Stir in a can of black beans, a handful of cilantro, and top with avocado slices.
- Healthier Version: Swap heavy cream for whole milk or half-and-half, and use olive oil instead of butter.
- Seafood Chowder: Replace the chicken with shrimp or crabmeat for a coastal spin.
- Vegetarian Option: Leave out the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add extra potatoes or a can of white beans for protein.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken broth: Vegetable broth or turkey stock works if that’s what you have.
- Potatoes: Sweet potatoes or cauliflower can step in for a twist.
- Heavy cream: Coconut milk makes a dairy-free alternative, though it will add a subtle coconut flavor.
- Bacon garnish: Turkey bacon or crispy pancetta are great swaps.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
One of the best parts about this chicken corn chowder recipe is how well it stores. In fact, the flavors deepen overnight.
- Refrigerator: Allow the chowder to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Chowder with cream can separate slightly when frozen, but if you don’t mind a little texture change, it will keep for up to 2 months. Freeze in single-serve portions for convenience.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Stir often and avoid boiling. If the chowder thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6 generous bowls
Why This Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe Works
This recipe shines because it strikes the perfect balance between creamy and hearty. The potatoes release just enough starch to thicken the broth naturally, the chicken adds protein to keep you full, and the corn gives bursts of sweetness in every bite. It’s also highly customizable—whether you want it spicy, smoky, or lighter on calories, you can tweak it without losing that comforting chowder feel.
Another reason it’s a keeper: it doesn’t require fancy ingredients or special equipment. Everything is cooked in one pot, making cleanup painless. For busy nights, that’s a lifesaver.
Conclusion
There’s something timeless about a bowl of chowder, and this chicken corn chowder recipe is proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something unforgettable. Every spoonful is packed with tender chicken, naturally sweet corn, and a creamy broth that feels indulgent but still nourishing. It’s the kind of meal that works for a quiet weeknight at home just as easily as it does for a family gathering when you want to serve something hearty and comforting.
Another reason this chicken corn chowder recipe is worth keeping in your regular rotation is its flexibility. You can make it richer with extra cream, lighter with milk, or give it a fun twist with spices, beans, or even seafood. It’s the kind of dish that adapts to whatever you have on hand, and it’s forgiving enough for even beginner cooks to get right the first time. Plus, it reheats beautifully, meaning lunch the next day is already taken care of.
At the end of the day, a good recipe doesn’t just fill your stomach—it creates a sense of comfort, nostalgia, and connection. This chicken corn chowder recipe checks all those boxes and more. So next time you want a bowl of cozy goodness, skip the canned soups and treat yourself to the homemade version. Once you try it, you’ll see why this chowder is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
