Chicken Corn Chowder is the comfort food, perfect for cozy nights or hearty meals with its creamy, velvety texture, sweet corn, tender chicken, and a variety of flavorful seasonings.
What Is Chicken Corn Chowder?
Chicken Corn Chowder is a creamy soup made with a base of chicken, corn, potatoes, and a combination of herbs and spices. It’s often thickened with a roux or cream to create a rich, hearty consistency. This chowder can be served as a meal in itself or as a comforting appetizer. The combination of protein from the chicken, sweetness from the corn, and earthiness from the potatoes and seasonings make it an irresistible dish for any occasion.
Ingredients for Chicken Corn Chowder
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients that make this soup so delicious:
- Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken.
- Corn: Fresh corn kernels are ideal, but frozen corn can be used as well.
- Potatoes: Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold, which hold their shape and don’t break down easily in the soup.
- Broth: A combination of chicken broth and a splash of milk creates the perfect consistency. For extra creaminess, use heavy cream or half-and-half.
- Aromatics: Onion, garlic, and celery are essential for building depth of flavor.
- Seasonings: Thyme, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika or cayenne pepper bring out the natural sweetness of the corn and add a slight kick.
- Butter and Flour: These ingredients are used for making the roux to thicken the soup.
- Optional Add-ins: Crumbled bacon, fresh parsley, or cheese (like cheddar) can be added for extra flavor.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Corn Chowder
- Use Fresh Corn: If you’re making this chowder in the summer when fresh corn is abundant, opt for fresh corn off the cob for the best flavor.
- Adjust the Thickness: If your chowder is too thick, simply add more milk or broth to thin it out. Conversely, if you prefer a thicker soup, use less liquid or mash more potatoes.
- Season Gradually: Taste the chowder as you go, adding more salt, pepper, and herbs until you reach the perfect flavor.
- Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling the soup, as this can cause the milk to curdle. Simmer gently for the best results.
Variations of Chicken Corn Chowder
- Spicy Chicken Corn Chowder: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat.
- Chicken and Bacon Chowder: Crumble crispy bacon into the soup for a smoky, salty flavor boost.
- Vegan or Vegetarian Corn Chowder: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra veggies like carrots or bell peppers.
- Cheesy Chicken Corn Chowder: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy, cheesy version of this chowder.
How to Serve Chicken Corn Chowder
Chicken Corn Chowder is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for how to serve it:
- With Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty baguette or soft dinner rolls for dipping.
- Salads: A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the chowder.
- Toppings: Garnish with fresh herbs, grated cheese, or crumbled bacon for added texture and flavor.
How to Store Chicken Corn Chowder
Chicken Corn Chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating. For longer storage, you can freeze the chowder for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding extra liquid if needed.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen corn in this recipe?
Yes, frozen corn is a great substitute for fresh corn. Just add it to the soup along with the other ingredients.
Can I make this chowder ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen and improve after sitting for a few hours or overnight. Store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option. Just shred the chicken and add it to the soup in place of freshly cooked chicken.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To give your Chicken Corn Chowder a spicy twist, you can add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper.
Can I use half-and-half instead of milk or cream?
Yes, half-and-half can be used for a creamy texture without being as heavy as heavy cream. It’s a great middle ground.
Chicken Corn Chowder
Chicken Corn Chowder is the comfort food, perfect for cozy nights or hearty meals with its creamy, velvety texture, sweet corn, tender chicken, and a variety of flavorful seasonings.
Ingredients
- 6 strips uncooked bacon, cut into pieces
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 tbsp diced jalapeno, seeds and ribs removed
- 1 ½ tbsp minced garlic
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp table salt (or to taste)
- ¾ tsp ground black pepper
- ¾ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dry ground mustard
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water (or extra chicken broth)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb Gold potatoes, diced
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (or a mix of breast and thighs)
- 2 ½ cups sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Optional toppings: corn chips, scallions, cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, jalapenos
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Drain all but about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease.
- Sauté Veggies: Add butter to the pot with the bacon grease and melt. Add onion, red pepper, and jalapeno; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Make the Base: Sprinkle flour over the veggies, stir to combine, and cook for 30 seconds. Add salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and ground mustard. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Add Liquids & Potatoes: Stir in water, milk, cream, potatoes, chicken, and corn. Bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are tender and chicken is cooked.
- Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it, shred or dice, and set aside.
- Blend & Finish: Use an immersion blender to puree half the soup for a creamy texture. Return the chicken to the pot, stir in the reserved bacon, and adjust seasonings to taste.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve warm with your favorite toppings like corn chips, green onions, or shredded cheese!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 696Total Fat: 42gSaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 161mgSodium: 1346mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 4gSugar: 10gProtein: 38g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
This Chicken Corn Chowder recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or impress your guests with a cozy meal, this chowder is sure to please. Enjoy making it your own with different variations and toppings!
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