Creamy Chicken and Corn Chowder: A Hearty Bowl of Pure Comfort
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to chase away the chill and soothe the soul. This Creamy Chicken and Corn Chowder is precisely that – a rich and comforting masterpiece brimming with tender chicken, sweet corn, crispy bacon, earthy potatoes, fresh green onions, and a delightful whisper of jalapeño heat. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a hug in a bowl perfect for any occasion that calls for a truly satisfying dish.
Celebrating the Joy of Homemade Soup
Every year, when National Homemade Soup Day rolls around, my kitchen transforms into a sanctuary of bubbling pots and aromatic steam. It’s a culinary holiday I hold dear, mostly because it aligns perfectly with my lifelong passion for crafting and savoring robust, flavorful soups. To be honest, any food holiday usually captures my attention, unless it involves seafood or mushrooms – those are a hard pass for me! But soup? Soup is always a resounding yes!
My love affair with soup began long before I started this blog. Back in high school, I attended an applied technology college to explore a potential culinary career. It was more than just a learning experience; it was a daily, hands-on job making meals for the college cafeteria. One of my primary responsibilities was soup preparation, and through countless batches, I became incredibly adept at it. This period solidified my philosophy: soup should never be flimsy or merely brothy. It needs substance, texture, and flavor that truly satisfies. When I finish a bowl of soup, I want to feel nourished and content, not still searching for a snack.
The culinary program at the ATC was immersive, providing practical experience that felt more like working in a professional kitchen. This hands-on approach made learning enjoyable and incredibly effective. Among the many soups I mastered, my absolute favorite was a Chicken Mulligatawny Soup – a unique, creamy chicken soup featuring apples and curry. Its delightful sweet and savory notes were truly unforgettable. That experience taught me the versatility of soup and how a creative blend of ingredients can transform a simple dish into something extraordinary.
Why This Creamy Chicken and Corn Chowder is a Must-Try
While I encourage you to explore all the comforting soup recipes on my blog, let’s turn our attention to today’s star: this incredible Creamy Chicken and Corn Chowder. Cream-based soups are, without a doubt, my favorite category, and this chowder exemplifies comfort food at its finest. It delivers an indulgent texture and a symphony of flavors that will quickly make it a family favorite.
What makes this chowder so special? It’s the harmonious combination of robust ingredients: succulent chicken, crispy bacon bits, tender potatoes, sweet corn kernels, and a bright finish from green onions. But the real game-changer is the subtle warmth from a fresh jalapeño pepper. It adds just the right amount of kick to awaken your palate without overpowering the creamy goodness. If you’re a heat-seeker, feel free to increase the amount of jalapeño or leave some of the seeds in for an extra fiery punch!
And let’s talk about bacon. Honestly, anything with bacon instantly grabs my attention! In this recipe, the bacon isn’t just a topping; it’s an integral part of the flavor foundation. After rendering the bacon to a perfect crisp, I reserve a portion of the savory bacon fat to cook the chicken and sauté the vegetables. This simple step infuses every layer of the chowder with an unparalleled depth of smoky, rich flavor. Why use plain oil or butter when you have glorious bacon fat available? It’s a culinary hack that makes a world of difference!
This recipe yields a generous amount, making it ideal for feeding a hungry crowd or ensuring you have delicious leftovers for days. Get ready to fall in love with this incredible chowder. Enjoy every spoonful!
Average Rating: 4.41 from 5 ratings
Creamy Chicken and Corn Chowder
Created by Amber Brady
This Creamy Chicken and Corn Chowder is hearty and comforting with generous helpings of chicken, corn, bacon, green onions, potatoes and a slight kick of jalapeño.
Pin Recipe
Rate This Recipe
Save Recipe
Yields: 16 (1-cup) servings
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bacon
- ¼ cup bacon fat or butter
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed (about 2 or 3 breasts)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, (remove seeds for less heat, or keep them for more heat)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 tsp minced garlic, about 4 cloves
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3 russet potatoes, peeled, and diced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 16 oz bag frozen corn
- 2 cups (1 pint) half & half
- 3 or 4 green onions, sliced
- *Cornstarch slurry, if needed (1 Tbsp cornstarch + 1 Tbsp COLD water)
Equipment
- Santoku Knife
- Presto Electric Griddle
- Silicone Spatula Set
- 5-Quart Stockpot
Instructions
- Prepare the Bacon: Cook bacon slices in a large stockpot until they are wonderfully crisp. Carefully remove the bacon and set aside, reserving ¼ cup of the rendered bacon fat in the pot. Once cooled, crumble or chop the crispy bacon into small pieces.
- Cook Chicken and Vegetables: Using the reserved bacon fat (add butter if you need a little more, though the bacon usually provides plenty), add the cubed boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the pot. Cook until the chicken is almost fully cooked through. Next, add the diced red bell pepper, jalapeño pepper, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables with the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until they have softened and become fragrant.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked chicken and vegetables. Stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a flavorful roux that will thicken the chowder.
- Simmer and Develop Flavor: Slowly and gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the diced russet potatoes and bay leaves to the pot. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Finish with Cream and Corn: Stir in the frozen corn and the half & half. Continue to simmer for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chowder thickens to your desired creamy consistency. If you prefer an even thicker chowder, prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the boiling soup and cook for another minute or two until thickened.
- Final Touches and Serve: Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the crumbled bacon and sliced green onions. Taste the chowder and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, or more jalapeño) as needed. Serve this delightful Creamy Chicken and Corn Chowder hot and enjoy every comforting bite!
Notes
Nutrition Information (Estimation)
Serving: 1 cup | Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 501mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
Sharing this recipe with a link is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying/pasting and/or screenshots of full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Content and photographs are copyright protected.
Did you make this?
Don’t forget to leave a rating below and make sure to follow on Pinterest and Instagram for more!
Explore More Comforting Soup Recipes for Winter Warmth
If you, like me, find immense joy in a bowl of hearty soup, you’ll love this curated lineup of scrumptious soup recipes designed to keep you warm and satisfied throughout the colder months. Each recipe offers its unique flavor profile, promising a delicious adventure for your taste buds!
Thai Chicken Curry Coconut Soup // Eazy Peazy Mealz – A vibrant and aromatic soup with exotic flavors.
Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli // Tried and Tasty – Recreate a restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen.
Creamy Chicken and Corn Chowder // Dessert Now Dinner Later – Our very own rich and satisfying chowder.
Copycat Johnny Carino’s Italian Chili // Cupcake Diaries – A hearty chili with an Italian twist.
Smothered Chicken Burrito Soup // A Dash of Sanity – All the flavors of a burrito in a comforting soup.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup // Like Mother Like Daughter – A comforting classic, made even better with a creamy broth.
Slow Cooker Homemade Minestrone Soup // Life Made Sweeter – An easy and flavorful way to enjoy a classic Italian soup.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup // The Love Nerds – Bright and zesty, a lighter but still satisfying option.
Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup // One Sweet Appetite – Effortlessly delicious, packed with your favorite taco flavors.
New England Corn Chowder with Bacon // Sugar & Soul – Another fantastic corn chowder, celebrating regional flavors.
Italian Sausage Pizza Soup // Lemon Tree Dwelling – All the beloved tastes of pizza in a comforting soup form.