This creamy chicken corn chowder is pure comfort in a bowl. There’s something about the combination of shredded chicken, sweet corn, and crispy bacon that just warms the heart. It’s a dish that makes you feel at home, whether you are sitting down for a weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a cozy gathering. Every scoop of this chowder promises to bring smiles, making it a perfect choice for family meals.
The key components of this chowder highlight its deliciousness. Imagine tender, juicy chicken that falls apart effortlessly, sweet, plump corn kernels that burst with flavor, and the richness of crumbled bacon adding smokiness to each bite. With hearty diced potatoes, aromatic onions, and a creamy finish, this dish balances texture and taste beautifully. The heavy cream gives it that sought-after creaminess, creating a comforting experience that enchants the palate.
Making this chowder is surprisingly simple. Start by cooking bacon until it’s wonderfully crispy, letting those flavorful drippings set the stage for sautéing onions. Next, add the diced potatoes and corn, combining them with chicken broth to create a nourishing base. Bring everything to a boil, then let it simmer until the potatoes soften. For a twist, you can blend a portion of the chowder for added creaminess. In the end, stir in the heavy cream and shredded chicken, season with salt and pepper, and you’re ready to serve.
This chowder is fantastic for chilly nights when you need something warm and filling. It’s also a crowd-pleaser for potlucks or family reunions. Its rich flavors and comforting nature make it an easy go-to option, whether you’re feeding a small group or a hungry crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder Bacon
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in under an hour, saving you time in the kitchen.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and requires no special skills.
- Comfort Food: The creamy texture and hearty ingredients make each bite feel like a warm hug.
- Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein and vitamins from the chicken and corn, it’s a satisfying meal.
Chicken Tips
Choosing the right chicken is key to making the best chowder. Shredded chicken works well, but consider using rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. It adds a depth of flavor and saves you from cooking chicken from scratch. Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly and tender enough to shred easily. If using fresh chicken, season with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance the overall flavor of your chowder.
Options for Substitutions
- Use turkey instead of chicken for a tasty variation.
- Swap out fresh corn for frozen corn if it’s not in season.
- Instead of bacon, try pancetta or turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- If you prefer a lighter chowder, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can be added for an extra flavor boost.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common mistake is overcooking the bacon. Make sure it’s crispy, but not burnt, as it can turn bitter. Also, be careful not to add the heavy cream too early; it’s best to stir it in at the end to ensure it stays creamy and doesn’t curdle. When adding your potatoes, cut them into uniformly sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Finally, always taste your chowder before serving; sometimes, a touch more salt or pepper can elevate the flavors significantly.
What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder Bacon?
This chowder pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping, a light salad for a refreshing crunch, or even cornbread for additional comfort. A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the chowder, while homemade biscuits or garlic bread can soak up every luscious drop. Feel free to explore your favorites!
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Freeze: This chowder can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Reheat: For stovetop reheating, warm it gently over low heat, stirring often. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 6 servings
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1,400 – 1,600
- Protein: 120 – 140 grams
- Fat: 90 – 100 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50 – 60 grams
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 4 ears corn (kernels cut)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked, crumbled)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 potatoes (diced)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Begin by cooking the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot for extra flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Add the diced onion to the hot drippings and sauté for about 4 minutes. Cook until the onion is soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Broth
Now, it’s time to add the diced potatoes and corn into the pot, along with the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for around 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Blend for Creaminess
If you prefer a creamier texture, blend a portion of the chowder using an immersion blender or by transferring it to a traditional blender. You can decide how smooth you want it.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Chicken
Return the blended chowder to the pot (if applicable) and stir in the heavy cream and shredded chicken. Mix thoroughly and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes to combine everything nicely.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Scoop the chowder into bowls, top with the crumbled bacon, and enjoy while warm!
In conclusion, this creamy chicken corn chowder with bacon is a feast for the senses. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it’s a recipe you’re sure to return to again and again. I encourage you to try this delicious chowder and share your thoughts or modifications in the comments. Explore more recipes that delight and satisfy your culinary cravings!
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Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This creamy chicken corn chowder is pure comfort in a bowl, featuring shredded chicken, sweet corn, and crispy bacon.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 4 ears corn (kernels cut)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked, crumbled)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 potatoes (diced)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add the diced onion to the hot drippings and sauté for about 4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Mix in the diced potatoes and corn with the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
- Blend a portion of the chowder for a creamier texture, if desired.
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded chicken, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then scoop into bowls and top with crumbled bacon.
Notes
For a quicker option, consider using rotisserie chicken. This chowder pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
