Chicken corn chowder is a warm hug in a bowl, combining sweet corn and tender chicken in a creamy, dreamy base. The moment you take a spoonful, the flavors dance on your palate, making every bite feel like a cozy evening at home.
Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as this chowder simmers on the stove. It’s perfect for chilly nights or when you want to impress family and friends with minimal effort. Trust me; this dish will quickly become a beloved staple in your meal rotation.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken corn chowder is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
- Its rich flavor profile will delight your taste buds with each creamy bite
- The beautiful golden color adds visual appeal to any table setting, leaving guests reaching for seconds
- It’s versatile enough to enjoy on its own or pair with crusty bread for a heartier meal
One memorable evening, my Aunt Sally whipped up this chicken corn chowder during a family gathering, and it was an instant hit. Everyone raved about it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for 3-4 breasts; adjust according to how many you’re feeding or your family’s love of chicken.
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Fresh Corn: Nothing beats sweet, juicy corn; fresh is best, but frozen kernels work in a pinch.
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Onions: Use yellow onions for sweetness; they’ll caramelize beautifully when sautéed.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings an aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
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Potatoes: Russets work great here; they break down nicely and add heartiness to the chowder.
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Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of your chowder.
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Cream: Heavy cream adds richness; half-and-half can be used if you’re looking to cut calories without sacrificing flavor.
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Thyme: Fresh thyme enhances the flavor beautifully; dried thyme can be used if that’s what you have.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sauté the Aromatics: Start by heating some oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking them until they’re fragrant and translucent—about 3-4 minutes.
Add the Chicken and Broth: Toss in your chicken breasts along with the chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer while you chop those potatoes.
Add Potatoes and Corn: Stir in diced potatoes and fresh corn. Let it simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender—this usually takes around 15 minutes.
Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper into the pot. Stir well until everything is combined and heated through.
Shred Chicken and Serve!: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot once cooked through (about 20 minutes). Shred them using two forks before returning them to the chowder. Serve hot with crusty bread!
With these steps, you’re not just making chicken corn chowder; you’re creating memories with every spoonful! Enjoy this delightful dish that brings warmth to both body and soul.
You Must Know
- This chicken corn chowder is not only creamy and dreamy but also packs a flavor punch
- The blend of sweet corn and tender chicken creates a cozy hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly nights
- Don’t forget to add some crispy bacon bits for that extra crunch!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing your onions and garlic before adding the chicken. This layering builds flavors that dance together beautifully, making your chowder irresistible.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or even go vegetarian with beans. Add some spice with jalapeños or experiment with fresh herbs to create your unique version.
Storing & Reheating
Store your chicken corn chowder in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance flavor, use homemade chicken stock instead of water; it makes a world of difference
- If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works wonders and saves you effort
- Always taste as you go; adjusting seasoning can transform your chowder into something extraordinary
Cooking this chicken corn chowder always reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen, where laughter blended with aromas of comfort food, creating memories that still warm my heart today.
FAQ
Can I freeze chicken corn chowder?
Yes, freezing works well; just leave out any dairy until reheating.
What can I use instead of chicken?
Try turkey or chickpeas to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
How do I thicken my chowder?
Use cornstarch mixed with cold water or add more potatoes for a thicker consistency.
Chicken Corn Chowder
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Chicken corn chowder is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken and sweet corn in a creamy base. This dish warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings. With minimal effort, you can impress your family and friends with this delightful chowder that quickly becomes a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh corn (or frozen kernels)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large russet potatoes, diced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant (3-4 minutes).
- Add chicken breasts and chicken broth; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in diced potatoes and corn; simmer until potatoes are fork-tender (around 15 minutes).
- Pour in heavy cream and add thyme, salt, and pepper; stir until combined and heated through.
- Remove cooked chicken, shred it using two forks, then return to the pot. Serve hot with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
