Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. This simple yet delicious dish brings together tender chicken, sweet corn, and hearty potatoes in a velvety broth. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or need a family-friendly weeknight meal, this chowder is perfect for warming you up all season long. Its set it and forget it nature makes it an ideal recipe for busy schedules while ensuring you enjoy rich flavors without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do all the work.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of chicken, corn, and cream creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone loves.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main course or serve alongside crusty bread for dipping.
- Family-Friendly: This chowder is sure to please picky eaters with its creamy texture and familiar ingredients.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers store well, making it easy to enjoy this comforting meal multiple times throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your tools to make the process seamless. Having everything ready will enhance your cooking experience and ensure you don’t miss a step.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Stirring spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow Cooker: This is essential for achieving that rich, slow-cooked flavor without constant monitoring.
- Cutting Board: A stable surface helps with safe chopping of vegetables and meats.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of diced ingredients, saving you time in preparation.
- Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results every time you make this chowder.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Base
- 3 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 5 small red, gold, or brown potatoes (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 8-ounce can diced green chiles
- 1 small white or yellow onion (diced)
For the Creamy Element
- 2 cans cream-style corn
- 2 cups heavy cream (may sub half & half for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For Garnishing
- 4-6 bacon strips (diced and cooked till crispy)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly chopped parsley
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by placing the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Add in the chicken broth, diced potatoes, green chiles, diced onion, and cream-style corn. Stir well to combine all ingredients before covering.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook for 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the chicken cooks until tender.
Step 3: Shred Chicken
After 4 hours, uncover your slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot. This makes it easier to mix everything together.
Step 4: Add Cream and Seasoning
Stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, crispy bacon pieces, salt, and pepper according to your taste preference. Cover again and let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Once done cooking, garnish each bowl with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper before serving hot. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder
Serving your creamy slow cooker chicken corn chowder can elevate the dining experience and make it even more delightful. Here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping into the chowder.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the soup.
Topped with Extras
- Crispy Bacon Crumbles: Add extra crispy bacon on top for a savory crunch.
- Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of cheddar cheese adds creaminess and flavor.
Accompanied by Salads
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing balance the chowder’s richness.
- Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette complements the dish perfectly.
Garnished Creatively
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro for added freshness and color.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime adds a zesty kick that brightens the flavors.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder
To make sure your slow cooker chicken corn chowder turns out just right, follow these helpful tips.
- Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients for better flavor. Fresh vegetables and organic chicken can enhance taste.
- Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or half & half.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper; they can really bring out the flavors in your chowder.
- Cook Low and Slow: Allow at least 4 hours on low heat for tender chicken and well-blended flavors.
- Experiment with Spices: Consider adding spices like paprika or cayenne for an extra kick.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies such as carrots or bell peppers for more texture and nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder
Pairing sides with your slow cooker chicken corn chowder can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is a classic side that complements the chowder’s flavors well.
- Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits are perfect for soaking up the creamy soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your meal.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chowder.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A gooey grilled cheese makes an indulgent pairing with soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges add crunch and heartiness alongside your chowder.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making slow cooker chicken corn chowder, a few common mistakes can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some tips to ensure your chowder turns out delicious every time.
- Ignoring the Broth Quality: Using low-quality or high-sodium chicken broth can overpower the flavors. Always opt for low sodium broth for better taste control.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Remember, it only needs about four hours on low in the slow cooker.
- Skipping the Shredding Step: Leaving the chicken whole will result in a less flavorful chowder. Shred the chicken to allow it to absorb more of the savory broth.
- Not Adjusting Seasonings: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings at the end can leave your chowder bland. Be sure to season with salt and pepper right before serving for best flavor.
- Using Heavy Cream Unnecessarily: If you want a lighter option, consider substituting half and half for some or all of the heavy cream without sacrificing creaminess.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover chowder in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop: Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder so special?
This soup combines tender chicken, creamy corn, and rich flavors that create a comforting dish perfect for any occasion.
Can I customize my Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, or adjust spices according to your preference.
How do I ensure my chowder is thick enough?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry during the final cooking phase.
Is this recipe healthy?
With its nutritious ingredients and options for reducing cream, it can be a healthy comfort food choice while still satisfying cravings.
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works well and can even enhance texture when added directly without thawing.
Final Thoughts
Slow cooker chicken corn chowder is not just easy to make; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can tailor it with your favorite veggies or spices for a dish that suits your taste. This recipe is perfect for warming up during cooler seasons—give it a try!
Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder is the ultimate cozy meal that combines tender chicken, sweet corn, and hearty potatoes in a velvety broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this dish is easy to make—just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. The rich flavors meld together beautifully, creating a comforting bowl of goodness that the whole family will love. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, this chowder is sure to warm you up.
Ingredients
- 3 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 5 small red or gold potatoes (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 cans cream-style corn
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Diced cooked bacon for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Add chicken broth, diced potatoes, cream-style corn, and garlic powder. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken directly in the pot using two forks.
- Stir in heavy cream and seasonings to taste. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken.
- Serve hot, garnished with crispy bacon and fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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