When you’re craving something creamy, cozy, and full of simple flavors that feel like home, Chicken Corn Chowder is the answer. This recipe is rich, thick, and bursting with the sweetness of corn, tender chicken, and a touch of smoky bacon. It’s the perfect bowl of comfort for chilly nights or lazy weekends when you want something satisfying but easy.
The first time I made this, it was purely by accident — I had leftover chicken and some corn in the fridge, so I tossed them together with milk, potatoes, and a little butter. The result was magic. My kitchen smelled incredible, and the first spoonful was pure comfort. Since then, it’s earned a regular spot alongside my Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder and Chicken Pot Pie Stew.
Chicken Corn Chowder
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pot.
- Add butter, then sauté onion, carrots, and celery in the pot for 4–5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth and combined.
- Add milk, shredded chicken, corn, and diced potatoes. Season with thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and chowder thickens.
- Stir in half the bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and garnish with remaining bacon, parsley, and cheddar cheese if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Chicken Corn Chowder
This recipe has all the cozy richness of classic chowder with a lighter, wholesome twist. It’s made with simple ingredients, comes together in one pot, and tastes like something you’d get at a country café. Creamy but not heavy, sweet but savory, it’s the kind of dish everyone comes back for seconds of.
If you enjoy creamy comfort meals like my Pioneer Woman Loaded Potato Soup or Creamy Beef Noodle Bake, this chowder is right up your alley.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chowder:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Crumbled bacon
- Chopped parsley or green onions
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
If you love layering textures and flavors like this, try my Tuscan White Bean Soup — another hearty favorite that’s both healthy and delicious.
How to Make Chicken Corn Chowder
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add butter to the pot along with onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Base
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any brown bits.
Step 4: Add Chicken, Corn & Potatoes
Add milk, chicken, corn, and potatoes. Season with thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the chowder thickens.
If you love thick, creamy textures like this, you’ll also enjoy my Mexican Street Corn Soup, which has that same cozy creaminess with a hint of spice.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Stir in half of the crispy bacon for flavor, then ladle the chowder into bowls. Garnish with remaining bacon, parsley, and shredded cheese if desired.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Corn Chowder
Use Fresh Corn: When it’s in season, it makes the soup extra sweet and flavorful.
Don’t Rush the Simmer: It allows the potatoes to soften and the broth to thicken naturally.
Add Extra Creaminess: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.
Leftover Chicken Works Perfectly: Rotisserie or roasted chicken both add great flavor.
For an easy make-ahead combo, pair this with my Christmas Bread Recipe — it’s ideal for soaking up every creamy bite.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze before adding milk for up to 2 months; add dairy when reheating.
Reheating: Warm over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Add milk or broth if it thickens too much.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Southwest Chowder: Add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili powder.
- Creamy Cheddar Corn Chowder: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar before serving.
- Herb-Infused Version: Add rosemary and sage for a deeper aroma.
- Seafood Twist: Replace chicken with shrimp or crab for a coastal spin.
If you enjoy trying flavor variations, my Philly Cheesesteak Bowl shows how small swaps can turn comfort classics into something new.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this in the slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients except milk and flour. Cook on LOW for 6 hours, then stir in milk mixed with flour and cook 30 more minutes.
2. Can I use canned cream corn?
Absolutely — it adds natural sweetness and creaminess.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter and substitute milk with coconut milk or almond milk.
4. Can I thicken it more?
Mash some of the potatoes in the pot or stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
The Final Bite: Creamy, Sweet & Satisfying
This Chicken Corn Chowder is everything you want in a bowl — creamy, hearty, and full of layers of comforting flavor. Each spoonful combines tender chicken, sweet corn, and buttery broth for the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out.
Serve it with a side of my Christmas Bread Recipe or a simple salad, and you’ve got dinner perfection that feels homemade and cozy every single time.
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