If you’re craving a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Chicken & Corn Chowder Recipe is exactly what you need. The creamy texture, the subtle kick from green chiles, and the cozy blend of tender chicken with sweet corn create a harmony of flavors that’s truly irresistible. Easy to prepare yet packed with hearty, wholesome ingredients, this chowder quickly becomes a family favorite that you’ll want to make time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the heart of this Chicken & Corn Chowder Recipe, each adding a unique layer of flavor and body. From the rotisserie chicken that brings rich, savory notes to the creamed corn offering silky sweetness, these essentials unite to create a dish bursting with texture and color.
- Rotisserie chicken: Provides perfectly cooked, juicy meat with minimal effort for full flavor.
- Onion flakes: Adds a gentle, savory base without the fuss of chopping fresh onions.
- Garlic powder: Brings a mellow garlic aroma that complements the other spices.
- Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy depth to the chowder’s flavor profile.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Chicken base or bouillon: Intensifies the savory chicken taste and enriches the broth.
- Water: Helps create the perfect soup consistency while letting other flavors shine.
- Half-and-half: Offers creamy richness without overwhelming heaviness.
- Creamed corn: Seamlessly thickens the chowder while contributing natural sweetness and silkiness.
- Frozen corn kernels: Give texture contrast with bursts of sweet crunch.
- Green chiles: Bring a subtle, smoky heat that lifts the entire dish.
- Pepper jack cheese: Melts into a luscious finish with a mild spicy kick to tie it all together.
How to Make Chicken & Corn Chowder Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by removing the skin from your rotisserie chicken and discard it to keep the chowder light yet flavorful. Then carefully pick the meat off the bones and chop it into bite-sized pieces, saving the tender chicken to be the star of the chowder.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Place your chopped chicken into a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, and add the onion flakes, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, chicken base, and water. Stir everything together well to let the spices and broth mingle with the chicken right from the start.
Step 3: Simmer the Chowder
Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer and let it gently bubble for about 20 minutes. This step allows the flavors to fully meld, and the broth to develop a deep, rich character.
Step 4: Add Creaminess and Corn
After simmering, stir in the half-and-half, creamed corn, frozen corn kernels, green chiles, and shredded pepper jack cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts completely and the chowder transforms into a luscious, creamy delight.
How to Serve Chicken & Corn Chowder Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your bowl of Chicken & Corn Chowder Recipe with fresh garnishes takes it from great to unforgettable. Consider a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions for freshness, or add a dollop of sour cream to enhance the creamy texture. Crumbled crispy bacon or a few crunchy tortilla strips also add exciting texture and flavor contrasts.
Side Dishes
This chowder pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every last drop. A light, crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness, making your meal feel well-rounded and completely satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chowder in mini bread bowls for an adorable and edible container. Alternatively, ladle the chowder into small, warm bowls and top each with a sprinkle of cheese and chilies for a festive presentation that’s perfect for entertaining or cozy family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken & Corn Chowder Recipe tastes fantastic as leftovers! Allow it to cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, preserving all that creamy goodness and flavor depth.
Freezing
If you want to save some for even later, this chowder freezes well. Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the corn might slightly change, but the flavor will remain delicious.
Reheating
Reheat your chowder gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or half-and-half can help restore its creamy consistency if it thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned and frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh corn kernels add wonderful sweetness and texture, especially when in season. Just shave the kernels off the cob and adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they remain tender.
What can I substitute for half-and-half?
You can use whole milk or a mixture of milk and cream if that’s what you have on hand. Keep in mind that the chowder might be slightly less rich but still delicious.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Chicken & Corn Chowder Recipe has a gentle warmth thanks to the green chiles and pepper jack cheese, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the amount of chiles or omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I make this chowder vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like potatoes or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken base. The creamed corn and seasonings will still deliver fantastic taste.
How thick will the chowder be?
The chowder is creamy and moderately thick, thanks to the combination of creamed corn, half-and-half, and shredded cheese. If you like it thinner, simply add more water or broth when cooking or reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken & Corn Chowder Recipe is a true winner when it comes to comfort food that’s easy, flavorful, and satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for that cozy bowl again and again, especially when you need a quick dinner that feels homemade and special. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a heartwarming meal that everyone will love!
Print
Chicken & Corn Chowder Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken & Corn Chowder is a creamy, comforting soup packed with tender rotisserie chicken, sweet corn, and a blend of savory spices. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines easy-to-find ingredients with simple stovetop cooking to deliver a rich, flavorful chowder that serves eight.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 rotisserie chicken
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 Tbsp onion flakes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 Tbsp chicken base or bouillon
Liquids
- 1½ cups water
- 3 cups half-and-half
Vegetables
- 1 (15-oz) can creamed corn
- ½ cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 (4-oz) can green chiles
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove the skin from the rotisserie chicken and discard it. Then carefully remove all the meat from the bones and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bones afterwards.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chopped chicken into a large Dutch oven. Add onion flakes, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, chicken base, water, half-and-half, creamed corn, frozen corn kernels, and green chiles. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Cook the Chowder: Place the Dutch oven over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the chowder to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese and Serve: After simmering, stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese until it melts completely, giving the chowder a creamy, spicy finish. Serve warm.
Notes
- Using a rotisserie chicken simplifies preparation and adds rich flavor.
- Adjust the spice levels by adding more or less cumin and green chiles according to taste.
- For a thicker chowder, reduce some of the half-and-half or simmer longer.
- This chowder freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute half-and-half with coconut milk and omit cheese.
