Pro Tips for Making This Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder
Making this creamy chicken corn chowder is a delightful journey, and with a few of my tried-and-true tips, yours will turn out perfect every time.
- Prep Ahead for Ease: To make weeknights even smoother, I love prepping the vegetables, like dicing the potatoes, onion, celery, and carrots, the night before. Store them in airtight containers, and come cooking time, all you have to do is toss them into the slow cooker. This little step makes a huge difference!
- The Power of Quality Broth: For the richest flavor in your chicken corn chowder, always opt for a good quality chicken broth. It truly makes the base of the chowder sing, adding depth that can’t be replicated.
- My Secret Trick: When adding the milk, heavy cream, and cream cheese to finish the chowder, I always recommend letting the cream cheese soften to room temperature first. This ensures it melts beautifully and incorporates smoothly, creating that wonderfully velvety texture without any lumps.
- A Little Something Extra: Don’t forget those fresh herbs at the end! A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brightens the flavor but also adds a lovely pop of color to your creamy chicken corn chowder, making it even more inviting.
Fun Variations for Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder
One of the greatest joys of cooking is making a recipe truly your own, and this creamy chicken corn chowder is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ways to add your personal touch.
Spice it Up
If you, like my friend Sarah, love a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings in your slow cooker. Or, for a smoky heat, a dash of chipotle powder works wonders. It adds a lovely warmth without overpowering the creamy chicken corn chowder.
Add Some Greens
For a boost of color and nutrients, consider stirring in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The greens will wilt perfectly into the hot chowder, adding a touch of freshness.
Cheesy Delights
While shredded cheddar cheese is a fantastic topping, you could experiment with other cheeses too! A smoky gouda or even a touch of pepper jack would lend a delightful new dimension to this comforting chicken corn chowder. My cousin always asks for extra cheese!
What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder
This creamy chicken corn chowder is so hearty and satisfying on its own, but a few simple accompaniments can make it an even more delightful meal. I love to think of what would complete the experience, just like my grandma used to do for her amazing Sunday dinners.
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Dice the onion, celery, and carrots. Peel and dice the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Mince the garlic.
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add the diced potatoes, onion, celery, and carrots over the chicken. Sprinkle with minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaves. Ensure all ingredients are submerged as much as possible.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded, and the potatoes are tender.
- Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Shred the chicken using two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Discard the bay leaves.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and milk until no lumps remain, creating a smooth slurry.
- Stir the flour and milk slurry into the chowder in the slow cooker. Add the heavy cream, softened cream cheese cubes, and corn. Stir gently until the cream cheese begins to melt and combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and continue to cook on HIGH for another 30 minutes, or until the chowder has thickened to your desired consistency and is heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure cream cheese fully melts.
- Ladle the creamy chicken corn chowder into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, crumbled bacon, and/or shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.
Notes
A warm, crusty baguette or some homemade cornbread is absolutely perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy broth. It’s a simple pairing, but oh so comforting! My mom always makes her famous buttermilk biscuits, and they’re divine with this chowder. For a little freshness, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a lovely contrast to the richness of the chicken corn chowder. And for a truly quick serving idea, a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a few more crumbles of bacon adds both flavor and visual appeal in seconds.
How to Store Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder
Knowing how to properly store leftovers is key to enjoying your delicious creamy chicken corn chowder for days to come! It’s all about preserving that wonderful flavor and creamy texture.
Fridge Storage
Once your chicken corn chowder has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This is my go-to for quick lunches throughout the week!
Freezer Tips
Yes, you can freeze chicken corn chowder! For best results, allow it to cool, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating Methods
Gently reheat the chowder on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. If it seems a little thick, you can add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency. My personal tip? A fresh sprinkle of cooked bacon and parsley after reheating makes it taste just as fresh as the first time!
Nutritional Benefits
This creamy chicken corn chowder offers a wonderful blend of comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients. With lean chicken breasts providing quality protein and an array of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and corn, it’s a bowl full of goodness. It’s a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, embodying my approach to food – combining indulgence with simple, wholesome ingredients to create a truly rewarding meal.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works wonderfully in this creamy chicken corn chowder. There’s no need to thaw it beforehand; just add it directly to the slow cooker as instructed in the recipe. It’s a convenient option that delivers great flavor.
Faq 2
What if my chowder is too thin?
If your creamy chicken corn chowder is thinner than you’d like, you can create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into the simmering chowder and cook for a few more minutes until it thickens.
Faq 3
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
While the creaminess is a hallmark of this chicken corn chowder, you can experiment with dairy-free alternatives like unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free cream cheese. The texture and flavor might vary slightly, but it can still be a delicious option.
Faq 4
How can I add more vegetables to the chowder?
Feel free to get creative with adding more vegetables to your chicken corn chowder! Peas, green beans, or even diced bell peppers would be delightful additions. Simply add them during the last hour or so of cooking to ensure they are tender but not overcooked.
Conclusion
There you have it, my dear friends – a recipe for creamy chicken corn chowder that’s more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to create warmth, comfort, and cherished memories in your own kitchen. This slow cooker wonder is a testament to how effortless joy can be when we embrace simple, heartfelt cooking. I truly hope you’ll gather your loved ones around a steaming bowl of this delightful chicken corn chowder and savor every spoonful. Happy cooking, and remember, every homemade dish is a story waiting to be told!