This chicken corn chowder is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, sweet corn kernels, and smoky bacon in a creamy, velvety broth. There’s something magical about the slow cooker transforming simple ingredients into a hearty, soul-warming soup that fills your home with irresistible aromas throughout the day.
I first started making chicken corn chowder during those chilly autumn weekends when my family would return from apple picking. We’d walk through the door with rosy cheeks and a hunger that only something hearty and warming could satisfy. This recipe became our special tradition a bowl of creamy comfort that marked the beginning of cozy season in our home.
This recipe offers two wonderful benefits: it’s incredibly hands-off (your slow cooker does most of the work!) and it’s endlessly customizable to suit your family’s taste preferences. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich corn chowder that tastes like it’s been simmering all day on grandma’s stove because it has! My secret? Adding cream cheese at the end for an extra touch of creaminess that makes this soup truly unforgettable.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
This chicken corn chowder features an incredible blend of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and warming spices. The combination of sweet corn kernels, hearty potatoes, and aromatic vegetables creates the perfect base, while cream cheese and heavy cream add luxurious richness. I always use smoked paprika for deeper flavor. You’ll find all measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make chicken corn chowder
This crockpot chicken corn chowder comes together with minimal hands-on effort. Simply prep your vegetables and chicken, add everything except the dairy to your slow cooker, then let it work its magic for 6 hours. The final step of stirring in the cream components transforms it into something truly spectacular! If you love easy slow cooker meals, you might also enjoy my Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole for another family-friendly dinner option.
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the diced chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside on paper towels to drain, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
- In the same skillet with bacon fat, brown the chicken pieces in batches for about 2-3 minutes per batch (they don’t need to be fully cooked). Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add the diced potatoes, onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, corn, dried thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), remaining salt, black pepper, and bay leaves to the slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken broth over all ingredients and stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in cream cheese and heavy cream into the slow cooker. Then add the cornstarch slurry and stir well to combine.
- Cover and continue cooking on HIGH for 20-30 minutes until chowder thickens.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, green onions, fresh parsley, and shredded cheddar cheese as desired.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This chicken corn chowder
Getting the Perfect Consistency
For the best chicken corn chowder texture, cut your potatoes into even, bite-sized chunks so they cook uniformly. I recommend red potatoes since they hold their shape beautifully during the long cooking process.
Flavor Boosters
My Secret Trick: I always sauté the bacon, onions, and celery before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra step may take a few minutes, but it develops a depth of flavor that makes all the difference in the final chowder.
Dairy Timing
Never add dairy products at the beginning of slow cooking. I always stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream during the final 30 minutes to prevent curdling while still allowing enough time for the flavors to meld together.
Thickening Tips
If your chicken corn chowder isn’t thick enough after adding the cream, the cornstarch slurry is your best friend. Mix it thoroughly with cold water before adding to ensure no lumps form in your beautiful soup.
Fun Variations for chicken corn chowder
Spicy Southwest Version
Transform this classic into a southwestern feast by adding a diced jalapeño, a can of diced green chiles, and substituting half the chicken with browned chorizo. My brother-in-law requests this version every time he visits, especially during football season when we need hearty game day soups.
Seafood Twist
For a delicious coastal variation, replace the chicken with a pound of shrimp or chunks of firm white fish (add during the last 30 minutes of cooking). I discovered this variation during a beach vacation when we wanted to incorporate the day’s fresh catch into our dinner.
Vegetarian Option
Create a meat-free version by omitting the chicken and bacon, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and adding extra vegetables like zucchini and carrots. For protein, add a can of drained white beans. This nutritious vegetable corn chowder is perfect for Meatless Mondays!
Fall Harvest Variation
In autumn, I love adding a cup of diced butternut squash and a teaspoon of fresh thyme. The squash adds beautiful color and a subtle sweetness that complements the corn perfectly.
What to Serve With chicken corn chowder
A bowl of this chicken corn chowder pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. My family loves it with a crusty artisan bread for dipping into the creamy broth sourdough or a rustic French baguette works wonderfully.
For a lighter meal, serve with a crisp green salad dressed simply with vinaigrette. The fresh, bright flavors balance the richness of the chowder perfectly.
When entertaining, I often set up a toppings bar with extra crispy bacon, sliced green onions, various shredded cheeses, and oyster crackers. This interactive element is always a hit, especially when serving this hearty corn chowder at casual gatherings.
For another delicious slow cooker main dish that goes well with similar sides, try my Crockpot Marry Me Chicken for your next dinner party!
How to Store chicken corn chowder
Refrigerator Storage
This chicken corn chowder can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making it even more delicious the next day! I often make a double batch specifically for leftovers.
Freezer Instructions
For longer storage, cool the chowder completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of headspace. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just remember to omit the potatoes if you know you’ll be freezing portions, as they can become mealy when thawed.
Reheating Tips
When reheating your chicken corn chowder, do so gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If it seems too thick after storage, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency. I like adding a fresh sprinkle of herbs and a little more cheese when serving reheated portions to brighten the flavors.
Nutritional Benefits
This chicken corn chowder provides an excellent balance of protein from the chicken and bacon, while the corn contributes beneficial fiber and essential nutrients like folate and vitamin C. The combination of vegetables adds vitamins and antioxidants, making this hearty soup both satisfying and nourishing. I love that it’s a complete meal in one bowl!
FAQs
Can I make this chicken corn chowder in an Instant Pot instead?
Yes! Sauté the bacon, onions, and celery first, then add remaining ingredients (except dairy). Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a 10-minute natural release. Stir in dairy components after pressure cooking.
Can I use frozen corn in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works perfectly in chicken corn chowder and often has even better flavor than canned. No need to thaw first just add it directly to your slow cooker.
My chowder isn’t thick enough. What should I do?
Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cold water, then stir this slurry into the simmering chowder. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes to thicken properly.
Can I make this chicken corn chowder ahead for a party?
Definitely! Prepare it 1-2 days ahead and refrigerate. The flavors actually improve overnight. Reheat gently on low in your slow cooker, adding dairy just before serving.
Conclusion
This creamy slow cooker chicken corn chowder is more than just a meal it’s a bowl of comfort that brings people together around the table. The combination of tender chicken, sweet corn, and smoky bacon creates layers of flavor that develop beautifully during the long, slow cooking process. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this chowder is sure to become a requested favorite. For another hearty slow cooker option that’s perfect for busy weeknights, check out my Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe.