Did you know that a slow cooker can turn a busy day into a gourmet dining experience with minimal effort? Imagine this: the hearty aroma of a rich, creamy soup wafting through your home while you focus on everything else life throws your way. It's not just a fantasy—it can be your cozy reality! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder, a comforting bowl of goodness that feels like a warm hug in chilly weather.
This dish is perfect for those who love a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Not only is it incredibly easy to whip up (just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do the magic), but it’s also a trusty crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together around the dinner table. With tender chicken, creamy corn, and a hint of spice, this chowder delivers mouthwatering flavors that linger long after your last spoonful.
Are you ready to discover how to create this easy and delicious meal? Let’s dive into the recipe ahead!
Why is Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder a Must-Try?
Comforting and heartwarming, this chowder brings coziness to any mealtime. Effortless preparation allows you to simply toss in the ingredients and let the slow cooker work its magic. Rich flavors from creamy corn and tender chicken make every spoonful delightful. Perfectly versatile, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for a satisfying meal. If you’re looking for easy weeknight dinners that impress, this recipe is your answer. For more delicious and quick dishes, check out my Chicken Caesar Wraps to complement your meal planning.
Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder Ingredients
This creamy chowder is simple yet satisfying!
For the Soup Base
- Chicken Breasts – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness and juiciness.
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth – Provides the flavorful foundation; opt for low sodium to keep it heart-healthy.
- Potatoes (Red/Gold/Brown) – Adds heartiness; cut into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
For Flavor
- Diced Green Chiles – Imparts a mild heat and zest; substitute with jalapeños for extra spice.
- Onion (White/Yellow) – Enhances the overall flavor profile; dice finely for quicker cooking.
- Garlic Powder – Delivers a depth of flavor; fresh minced garlic can also elevate your soup.
For Creaminess
- Cream-Style Corn – Contributes sweetness and thickness; two cans create the perfect creamy texture without extra thickeners.
- Heavy Cream – Adds richness; substitute with half & half for a lighter option if desired.
For Garnish and Crunch
- Bacon Strips – Adds a delicious smokiness and crunch; pre-cooked bacon bits are a fantastic time-saver!
- Fresh Parsley – For garnishing; adds vibrant color and fresh flavor to your bowl.
Seasonings
- Salt & Pepper – Essential to adjust seasoning to taste; don’t forget to add them for maximum flavor!
Enjoy creating this delightful Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder that’s bound to warm hearts and tummies alike!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder
Step 1
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, pour in the low sodium chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Add the cubed potatoes, diced green chiles, diced onion, and two cans of cream-style corn on top. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, allowing the flavors to mingle beautifully as you prepare to create your delicious Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder.
Step 2
Once everything is combined, cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for about 4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender, and the flavors will develop, creating a rich and creamy chowder. Resist the temptation to lift the lid, as this can let heat escape and prolong cooking time. Perfectly cooked chicken will be easily shreddable once the time is up.
Step 3
After about 4 hours, uncover the slow cooker and check the doneness of the chicken. If it’s no longer pink, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Mixing it back into the broth enhances the chowder, making every spoonful delightful. As you shred, the remaining ingredients should also begin to soften and combine into a wholesome, inviting texture.
Step 4
Next, stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, and the crispy bacon strips to add that smoky flavor component. Season with salt and pepper to taste; remember, a pinch goes a long way in this Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder. Cover the slow cooker again and allow it to cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes on low heat. This helps everything meld together beautifully while ensuring the chowder becomes extra creamy.
Step 5
Once the final time is up, give your chowder one last gentle stir and check for seasoning, adjusting if necessary. Serve the Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for added color and flavor. Pair it with crusty French bread for the ultimate cozy meal experience!
What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder?
There's nothing quite like a cozy bowl of chowder to cradle your soul, and pairing it with the right sides takes the meal to a new level.
- Crusty French Bread: This classic pairing complements the creamy texture perfectly and is perfect for dipping! The chewy crust and soft interior make each bite satisfying.
- Simple Garden Salad: A fresh, crisp salad balances the warmth of the chowder with light greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. It’s a refreshing contrast that brightens the meal.
- Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: The earthy flavors and slight crunch of roasted asparagus bring an elegant touch to your chowder experience while adding a nutritious element to your plate.
- Honey Butter Cornbread: Soft and sweet cornbread enhances the flavor of corn in the chowder while providing a delightful texture. The honey butter adds a melt-in-your-mouth quality that’s irresistible.
- Garlic Breadsticks: These delightful, buttery, and garlicky breadsticks can be a fun addition, ideal for mopping up every last bit of that creamy chowder.
- Fruity Iced Tea: A chilled glass of fruity iced tea pairs wonderfully with your chowder, offering a sweet and refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp brings a sweet and comforting end to your meal, harmonizing the flavors with its cinnamon and crumbly topping.
How to Store and Freeze Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let the chowder cool completely before sealing to maintain its creamy texture.
Freezer: Freeze in labeled freezer-safe containers for up to 5 months. Leave space at the top to allow for expansion while freezing.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir well and add a splash of broth if needed for creaminess.
Leftovers: Enjoy as a comforting lunch or dinner; flavors often deepen after a day in the fridge!
Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your crockpot chicken corn chowder to match your taste preferences!
- Rotisserie Chicken: Swap out the raw chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor. It's a great way to use leftovers!
- Vegetarian Delight: For a plant-based twist, use vegetable broth and replace chicken with hearty beans or seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. This variation is equally comforting and nutritious.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or even chopped jalapeños to infuse some heat into your chowder. The gentle warmth beautifully contrasts the creamy sweetness of the corn.
- Herb Boost: Toss in some fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary during the last half-hour of cooking to enhance the flavor profile with aromatic notes and a fresh twist.
- Corn Variability: Experiment with different types of corn, such as frozen corn kernels or even corn on the cob, cut right off for a delightful crunch. This adds a fun texture to every spoonful!
- Cheesy Goodness: Stir in some shredded cheese like cheddar or pepper jack just before serving to give your chowder a gooey richness that will make it even more indulgent.
- Protein Power: Consider adding white beans or chickpeas for an extra source of protein while leaving the chicken out entirely. They absorb the flavors of the chowder nicely!
- Creamy & Light: If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or light coconut milk. This keeps the chowder creamy yet lower in calories.
Expert Tips for Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder
- Cook Time Check: Always ensure your chowder cooks for the full 4 hours on low; lifting the lid slows down the cooking process.
- Seasoning Balance: Taste before serving; if bland, add a pinch of salt and pepper but avoid too much broth to keep flavors vibrant.
- For Shredded Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker for an easier mix and enhanced flavor throughout the chowder.
- Thicker Consistency: Remember, the chowder thickens as it cooks, so resist adding extra liquid at the start; the creamy texture will develop nicely.
- Creative Variations: Feel free to add diced veggies like carrots or celery for more nutrition; these complement the Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder beautifully!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder in advance is a time-saving game changer, especially for busy weeknights! You can chop the vegetables, shred the chicken, and even combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker up to 24 hours in advance. To maintain quality, store the prepped ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to enjoy your chowder, simply add the mixture to your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 4 hours, then finish by stirring in the heavy cream and bacon for that creamy texture. This way, you can savor a delicious, homemade meal with minimal effort!
Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe FAQs
How do you make chicken and corn soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, low sodium chicken broth, cubed potatoes, diced green chiles, diced onion, and cream-style corn. Combine these ingredients in your slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 4 hours. Shred the chicken with two forks, add heavy cream and seasonings, and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes for a flavorful soup.
Can you put raw chicken in a crockpot soup?
Very much so! Raw chicken cooks perfectly in a crockpot, absorbing flavors while becoming tender. Just ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when cooked through. For this recipe, using boneless, skinless chicken breasts is ideal as they stay juicy and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
How to keep chicken moist in a crockpot?
To ensure your chicken remains moist, always cook it on low heat for the recommended time, which in this case is about 4 hours. Adding sufficient liquid, like low sodium chicken broth, helps keep the chicken submerged and tender. It's also helpful to avoid opening the lid frequently, as it allows valuable heat to escape.
Is it better to cook chicken on low or high in the crockpot?
Cooking chicken on low is best for achieving tender, juicy results in your crockpot chicken corn chowder. Low heat allows the chicken to cook evenly and thoroughly without drying out. It also provides more time for flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer soup.
How long does chicken soup take to cook in a slow cooker?
Typically, it takes about 4 hours on low to cook chicken soup in a slow cooker. This duration allows for the chicken to be perfectly tender and the flavors to develop. If you're using a higher setting, check after 2 to 2.5 hours, but low is the preferred method for the best results.
Can you put soup mix in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Adding soup mix to your slow cooker can enhance the flavor profile of your dish. Just remember to adjust your broth levels accordingly, as soup mixes can be salty. For this recipe, if you'd like, just season lightly before serving to taste!
Cozy Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder That Simmers While You Relax
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 3 potatoes Red/Gold/Brown, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can diced green chiles
- 1 onion White/Yellow, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cans cream-style corn
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 strips bacon cooked and chopped
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, pour in the low sodium chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Add the cubed potatoes, diced green chiles, diced onion, and two cans of cream-style corn on top. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for about 4 hours.
- After about 4 hours, uncover the slow cooker and check the doneness of the chicken. If it’s no longer pink, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the crockpot.
- Stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, and the crispy bacon strips. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover again and allow it to cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
- Once the final time is up, give your chowder one last gentle stir and check for seasoning, adjusting if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Always ensure your chowder cooks for the full 4 hours on low; lifting the lid slows down the cooking process.
- Taste before serving; if bland, add a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker.
- The chowder thickens as it cooks, so resist adding extra liquid at the start.
- Feel free to add diced veggies like carrots or celery for more nutrition.
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