Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe

Are you ready for a warm, cozy meal that’s perfect for chilly days? Let me tell you, this creamy chicken corn chowder is exactly what you need! It’s so creamy, flavorful, and comforting – the perfect dish to fill you up and make you smile.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and every time, it’s a hit. It’s super easy to throw together and packed with delicious ingredients like chicken, corn, and a rich creamy base. Trust me, you’re going to love it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Filling: This creamy chicken corn chowder is hearty and filling, making it the perfect comfort food for any season.
• Quick and Easy: In just under an hour, you can make a delicious and creamy soup without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch of this chowder to enjoy throughout the week. It holds up well in the fridge and can easily be reheated for quick meals.
• Kid-Friendly: With its creamy texture and familiar flavors, this chowder is a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Cold Days: There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of chowder to keep you cozy when the weather is chilly.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: About 45 minutes

Servings:

This recipe makes 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner or to have leftovers for the week. If you need more, you can easily double the recipe.

Difficulty:

This recipe is easy enough for beginners but tasty enough to impress your guests. It’s a great option for anyone looking to make something quick and satisfying.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this creamy chicken corn chowder, make sure you have the following tools ready:

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A large pot is perfect for cooking the soup and allowing all the ingredients to blend together nicely.
• Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping your vegetables and chicken.
• Wooden Spoon or Ladle: Stirring and serving the soup with a wooden spoon ensures the chowder stays creamy and smooth.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring out the ingredients.
• Can Opener: You’ll need this to open the cans of cream-style corn and evaporated milk.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious chowder:

• Butter: The base for sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the soup.
• Onion: Finely chopped to bring a mild sweetness and depth of flavor to the chowder.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds color and sweetness, balancing the flavors of the soup.
• Celery: Thinly sliced for a bit of crunch and freshness in the chowder.
• Cream-Style Corn: The star ingredient of this soup, providing a creamy texture and sweet flavor.
• Cooked Chicken: Shredded or cubed, this adds protein and makes the soup hearty.
• Evaporated Milk: Adds the creaminess that makes this chowder so comforting.
• Chicken Base (Bouillon Cube or Granules): Gives the soup a rich, savory chicken flavor.
• Black Pepper: To taste, adding a mild kick to the chowder.

Variations for Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder

• Add Bacon: For extra flavor, try adding crispy bacon bits to the chowder. The smoky taste pairs wonderfully with the creamy base.
• Use Fresh Corn: If you have fresh corn available, it will add a sweet and fresh flavor to the chowder.
• Add Cheese: Stir in shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess and flavor.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to spice things up.
• Use Different Veggies: Add some diced carrots or potatoes for extra texture and flavor.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and sliced celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This step builds the base flavor of the chowder.

2. Add the Chicken and Corn

Once the vegetables are tender, add the cooked chicken (shredded or cubed) and cream-style corn (do not drain). Stir everything together to combine. The chicken and corn bring the hearty and sweet elements to the soup, which are key for a well-balanced chowder.

3. Pour in the Evaporated Milk

Next, pour in the evaporated milk and stir until everything is well combined. The evaporated milk helps create that smooth and creamy texture that makes this chowder so comforting.

4. Season the Chowder

Add chicken base, black pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer, such as garlic powder or thyme. Stir to dissolve the chicken base. Taste the chowder and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more pepper or salt to your preference.

5. Simmer to Thicken

Bring the chowder to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t come to a full boil, as that could cause the cream to separate.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder

This creamy chicken corn chowder is perfect on its own, but it can be made even better with some simple accompaniments. Here are a few ideas for serving:

• With Crusty Bread: A thick slice of toasted sourdough or a warm baguette is perfect for dipping into the chowder. The bread helps soak up all the creamy goodness.
• With Crackers: Serve with buttery crackers or oyster crackers on the side for a little crunch with each bite.
• In a Bread Bowl: For a fun presentation, serve your chowder in an edible bread bowl. This adds to the comfort factor and makes for an impressive presentation.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley, chives, or thyme on top of the chowder for a burst of freshness and a pop of color.
• Cheese Topping: If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or parmesan over the top of the chowder for an extra layer of flavor.

Garnish Ideas

For a beautiful finish, you can garnish your chowder with:

• Crispy Bacon Bits: For a smoky, crispy contrast to the creamy soup.
• Chopped Green Onions: Add a bit of freshness and color to the top.
• A Dollop of Sour Cream: If you want an extra creamy touch, a small spoonful of sour cream on top works wonders.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A few cracks of fresh black pepper on top to enhance the flavor.

Storing Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder

• In the Refrigerator: Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra milk or water to loosen it up if needed.
• In the Freezer: If you want to freeze the soup, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, defrost it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Make sure to sauté the onions, bell peppers, and celery just until they are tender, not too long, as they can lose their texture and flavor if overcooked.
• Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover chicken, whether it’s from a rotisserie chicken or previously cooked chicken breasts. Shred or cube it before adding to the soup.
• Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker chowder, allow it to simmer longer. If it’s too thick, you can always add a splash of chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to experiment by adding diced potatoes, carrots, or corn kernels for a heartier soup.
• Use Full-Fat Evaporated Milk: For the richest, creamiest texture, use full-fat evaporated milk. Skim or low-fat milk can be substituted, but the soup will be less creamy.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320 kcal
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fat	14g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	480mg
Cholesterol	60mg

Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder FAQs

Can I use frozen corn instead of cream-style corn?

Yes, you can use frozen or fresh corn kernels, but the texture of the soup will be slightly different without the cream-style corn. You may need to add a little more milk or cream to achieve the same creamy texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add diced carrots, potatoes, or even some spinach or kale for added nutrition.

Conclusion

This creamy chicken corn chowder is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that’s sure to satisfy your hunger and warm you up on cold days. With simple ingredients, a rich and creamy texture, and plenty of flavor, it’s a recipe that will become a family favorite. Whether served with crusty bread or crackers, it’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!