If you are craving a comforting, velvety soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with tender chicken, sweet corn, and rich, creamy broth, this chowder is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that come together in just 30 minutes. It’s simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, offering a hearty meal that’s perfect for any day when you want something cozy and delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual lunch, this chowder will quickly become one of your go-to recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to a truly tasty chowder lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: butter lends richness, onion and red pepper create a colorful, flavorful base, and the cream-style corn delivers sweetness and smoothness that complement the tender chicken perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds a luscious richness that forms the base flavor for sautéing.
- 1 white or yellow onion, finely chopped: Provides sweetness and savory depth when cooked down.
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped: Introduces vibrant color and a subtle sweet crunch.
- ¼ cup thinly sliced celery: Offers a mild, refreshing crunch for balance.
- 2 (14 oz) cans cream-style corn (do not drain): Essential for that creamy, sweet texture and body in the chowder.
- 1 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed: The hearty protein that makes this chowder filling and flavorful.
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk: Gives the chowder its velvety creaminess without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon chicken base, bouillon cube, or granules: Boosts the savory notes for a rich, well-rounded taste.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to keep the flavors lively.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting the butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once melted and shimmering, toss in the finely chopped onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook them gently for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their fragrant aroma. This foundational step brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies, creating a savory base that will carry the entire chowder.
Step 2: Combine and Heat Through
Next, stir in the cream-style corn along with the cooked chicken, evaporated milk, chicken bouillon, and black pepper. Mix everything well and let the chowder heat through for about 5 to 10 minutes so all the flavors meld together beautifully. Keep the heat moderate—just warm it enough without letting it boil, to keep the creamy texture perfectly smooth and indulgent.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your chowder experience, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a bright, herbal touch. A light dusting of smoked paprika can add a subtle smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet corn. For a bit of crunch, toasted corn kernels or crispy bacon bits make fantastic toppings that bring delightful texture contrasts.
Side Dishes
This chowder stands beautifully on its own as a full meal, but pairing it with a side of crusty, warm bread or buttery garlic rolls makes it even more comforting. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the chowder with some crispness and acidity, while roasted vegetables can provide a hearty complement for a more filling dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chowder in charming bread bowls for an inviting rustic touch that’s fun and practical. Alternatively, ladle the chowder into small mason jars or colorful bowls for a casual, approachable presentation perfect for gatherings. Adding a swirl of sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top adds an extra creaminess and an attractive swirl that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from this Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, giving you plenty of chances to enjoy those cozy flavors again without any hassle.
Freezing
This chowder freezes well, making it a perfect recipe for meal prep. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the cream-style corn may change slightly after thawing, but the flavor remains just as delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chowder on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid high heat to preserve the creamy consistency and prevent curdling. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned cream-style corn?
Absolutely! Fresh corn kernels can be used, but you will need to add some cream or milk to achieve the same creamy consistency since fresh corn does not have that naturally creamy texture. Blending a portion of the corn before adding it to the pot can also help replicate the smoothness of cream-style corn.
What type of chicken is best for this chowder?
Cooked chicken breast or thigh meat both work wonderfully. Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful shortcut, but freshly cooked chicken adds great texture and freshness to your chowder.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing and reheating?
Yes, this Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe freezes well. Just remember to cool it completely before freezing and reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture without breaking or curdling.
Can I make this chowder vegan or vegetarian?
You can easily adapt it by replacing the chicken with hearty vegetables or plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas and using a vegetable broth and non-dairy milk substitute. However, the flavor profile will change slightly without the chicken and chicken base.
How can I thicken the chowder if it feels too thin?
If your chowder is thinner than you’d like, whisk together a small amount of cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the soup while warming. This will thicken it up beautifully without affecting the taste.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe enough when you’re looking for a soul-soothing, easy-to-make meal. The combination of creamy sweetness and tender chicken is simply unbeatable. Give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your home, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a heartfelt homemade dish.
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Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder is a comforting and hearty soup that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It combines tender chicken, sweet creamed corn, and sautéed vegetables in a creamy broth made with evaporated milk and chicken bouillon, delivering a rich and flavorful chowder that’s easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 white or yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- ¼ cup thinly sliced celery
Dairy & Protein
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
Other Ingredients
- 2 (14 oz) cans cream-style corn (do not drain)
- 1 teaspoon chicken base, bouillon cube, or granules
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large soup pot or saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender.
- Combine Ingredients and Heat Through: Stir in the cream-style corn (do not drain), shredded or cubed cooked chicken, evaporated milk, chicken bouillon, and black pepper. Continue heating the mixture for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat if necessary to prevent boiling, allowing the chowder to warm gently and blend flavors.
Notes
- Do not let the chowder boil, as boiling can curdle the evaporated milk.
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the seasoning by adding more black pepper or chicken bouillon if desired.
- For a thicker chowder, you can add a small amount of flour or cornstarch dissolved in water before heating through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
