Name: Chicken Corn Chowder: 6 Comforting Reasons to Love It
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 strips uncooked bacon cut into pieces; 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 medium yellow onion diced (about 1 cup); 1 red pepper diced (about 1 cup); 1 Tablespoon diced jalapeno seeds and ribs removed; 1 ½ Tablespoons minced garlic; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon table salt plus more as needed/to taste; ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper; ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon dry ground mustard; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup water or use another cup of chicken broth; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 lb Gold potatoes diced into 1” cubes; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or mix of breast and thighs raw; 2 ½ cups sweet corn fresh, frozen, or canned; Desired toppings such as corn chips, Fritos, crackers, scallions, additional jalapeno, cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese

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Chicken Corn Chowder is a creamy bacon delight that warms the soul. This comforting dish combines tender chicken, sweet corn, and smoky bacon, creating a rich and velvety texture that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family dinners, this chowder showcases the best of American cuisine. Let’s dive into making this delicious bowl of comfort!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Corn Chowder

This Chicken Corn Chowder is more than just a meal; it’s an experience filled with flavors and warmth. Here are six reasons why you’ll adore it:

Rich and creamy texture that feels indulgent without being heavy.
Quick to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
Features simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
Versatile enough to add your favorite vegetables or proteins.
Perfect for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day.
Comfort food at its best, satisfying all taste buds.

This chowder is not only a creamy chicken corn chowder but also a hearty chicken corn stew that fits into any American dinner setting.

Ingredients for Chicken Corn Chowder

Gather these items:

6 strips uncooked bacon cut into pieces
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion diced (about 1 cup)
1 red pepper diced (about 1 cup)
1 Tablespoon diced jalapeno seeds and ribs removed
1 ½ Tablespoons minced garlic
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon table salt plus more as needed/to taste
¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dry ground mustard
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup water or use another cup of chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 lb Gold potatoes diced into 1” cubes
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or mix of breast and thighs raw
2 ½ cups sweet corn fresh, frozen, or canned
Desired toppings such as corn chips, Fritos, crackers, scallions, additional jalapeno, cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese

How to Make Chicken Corn Chowder Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cook the bacon pieces in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the crispy bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Step 2: Add the butter to the bacon fat and melt completely. Stir in the diced onion, red pepper, and jalapeño, cooking until vegetables soften, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir constantly for 2 minutes to create a roux. Add the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and ground mustard, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly with the seasonings.
Step 4: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and water (or additional broth), whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until smooth.
Step 5: Add the diced potatoes and whole chicken breasts/thighs to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender and chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Step 6: Remove the chicken pieces to a cutting board and shred or dice into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the pot and add the sweet corn and most of the reserved bacon, stirring to combine. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until corn is heated through.
Step 7: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The chowder should have a rich, velvety consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
Step 8: Ladle into bowls and top with your choice of garnishes: remaining bacon pieces, corn chips, scallions, fresh jalapeño, cilantro, or shredded cheese. Serve hot.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Corn Chowder

Keep these in mind:

For a thicker chowder, let it simmer longer to reduce and concentrate flavors.
Use gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free chicken corn chowder.
Experiment with toppings; a sprinkle of cheese enhances flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Corn Chowder

Here are some delicious serving ideas:

Pair with crusty bread for a hearty meal.
Top with crispy bacon bits for extra crunch.
Serve in bread bowls for a fun twist.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Corn Chowder

After enjoying your chowder, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. This chowder is perfect for meal prep, saving you time during busy weeknights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Corn Chowder

What’s the secret to perfect Chicken Corn Chowder?

The secret lies in the roux and quality ingredients. Using fresh corn and high-quality chicken broth enhances the flavor, making the chowder rich and satisfying. Learn more about using quality ingredients.

Can I make Chicken Corn Chowder ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make a big batch ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge, and it will develop even more flavor overnight.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Corn Chowder?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overcook the chicken and add the corn at the end to maintain its sweetness and texture.

Variations of Chicken Corn Chowder You Can Try

Here are some fun variations to consider:

Make a spicy chicken corn chowder by adding diced green chilies.
For a hearty twist, include diced carrots and celery.
Try a chicken corn chowder with cream for richness.
Opt for a gluten-free chicken corn chowder using cornstarch as a thickener.