Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder is a delightful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This creamy, hearty chowder combines tender chicken, sweet corn, and hearty potatoes, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s ideal for busy weekdays or chillier evenings when you crave something warm and satisfying.
Why We Love This Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe
This recipe is not just easy but also incredibly satisfying. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time. Beyond its convenience, the classic combination of chicken and corn is both nutritious and filling, making it a go-to recipe for busy families and meal preppers. Plus, the comfort of a homemade chowder just can’t be beaten!
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder
To create your delectable crockpot chicken corn chowder, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 cups sweet corn (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, diced
- 2-3 potatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: thyme or parsley for garnish
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder Directions
Making your crockpot chicken corn chowder is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Start by preparing your slow cooker. First, place the chicken breasts at the bottom. This ensures they get the tender treatment they deserve while cooking. Next, layer in your diced onion, minced garlic, and diced potatoes. This mix will form the backbone of your chowder, adding both flavor and substance.
Once you have your base, sprinkle the sweet corn on top. Whether you choose fresh corn or frozen, this will lend a delightful sweetness to your chowder. Now, pour in the chicken broth, which will be the broth that combines all the flavors into one creamy, delicious dish. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. If you love the aromatic flavors of herbs, you can add thyme or parsley at this stage for an extra layer of flavor.
With everything in your slow cooker, cover it up and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the chicken to cook thoroughly and become tender, making it easy to shred. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, take the chicken out and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir in the heavy cream. This will add a rich, velvety texture to your chowder. Let it heat through for those last 30 minutes, allowing all the flavors to mingle. When you’re ready to serve, ladle it out warm and garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder
Serving your crockpot chicken corn chowder is a delightful experience. It’s best enjoyed fresh, while it’s still warm and comforting. You can serve it in individual bowls and garnish each serving with some fresh thyme or parsley for that touch of elegance. Consider offering crusty bread on the side for dipping – it’s perfect for soaking up that creamy chowder.
If you want to elevate the meal further, you can serve it with a light green salad to balance the richness of the chowder. Another fun idea is to add a sprinkle of cheese on top, like shredded cheddar, which melts beautifully into the warm dish.
This chowder also pairs wonderfully with crackers or breadsticks. Whether you are hosting family or just enjoying a quiet night in, this chowder makes for an inviting and fulfilling meal.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder
To ensure your chowder turns out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips to keep in mind. First, don’t rush the cooking process. The slow cooker works its magic best when it has enough time to meld the flavors. Be patient, especially if you’re cooking on low heat.
If you’re cooking for a crowd or want leftovers, consider doubling the recipe. It freezes well, making it a convenient option for future meals. Just be sure to leave out the heavy cream if you plan to freeze it; you can always add it when reheating for a fresher taste.
When selecting your chicken, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease of shredding. You can also use thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings based on your palate. Some may prefer a bit more garlic or a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick. Taste as you go, and make it your own!
How to Store Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder
Storing your crockpot chicken corn chowder is easy and straightforward. Once it has cooled to room temperature, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it.
To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. When freezing, be sure to leave some space at the top, as liquids expand when frozen. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring in the heavy cream just before serving.
Variation of Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder
While this recipe is delightful as is, feel free to experiment with variations to suit your taste. For instance, you can add bell peppers or carrots for a pop of color and additional nutrition. If you enjoy a bit of heat, try incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Switching up the protein can also be fun. For a twist, you can substitute the chicken with turkey or even shrimp for a seafood rendition. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, simply leave out the chicken and add in beans or additional veggies like zucchini.
For a variation that adds a bit of tanginess, consider mixing in some lime juice just before serving. This will brighten the flavors and give your chowder a fresh twist that’s perfect for warmer weather. There are endless possibilities, so don’t hesitate to be creative!
FAQ
What is Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder?
Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder is a comforting dish made with chicken breasts, sweet corn, and potatoes, slow-cooked to create a creamy, delicious soup.
How long can I keep Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder in the fridge?
Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days when kept in an airtight container.
Can I freeze Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to allow it to cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works perfectly in this chowder and saves you the hassle of cutting fresh corn off the cob.
How do I make my chowder thicker?
If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can mash some of the potatoes before adding the cream or whisk in a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.
Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast Boneless and skinless preferred.
- 2 cups sweet corn Can use fresh or frozen.
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream Add near the end of cooking.
- 1 onion, diced
- 2-3 potatoes, diced Use more for thicker chowder.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: thyme or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare your slow cooker by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom.
- Layer in the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced potatoes on top of the chicken.
- Sprinkle the sweet corn over the top.
- Pour in the chicken broth and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Optional: add thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the crockpot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and let it heat for the last 30 minutes.
Serving
- Ladle out warm chowder into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
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