Creamy Corn and Chicken Chowder is a warm, comforting soup that brings together tender chicken, sweet corn, hearty potatoes, and aromatic vegetables in a rich, creamy broth. This dish is the perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors, making it an ideal meal for cool evenings or cozy family dinners.

With its thick, velvety texture and wholesome ingredients, it offers satisfaction in every spoonful. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a comforting homemade meal, this chowder delivers a delightful depth of flavor and nourishing goodness. It’s simple to prepare, versatile, and always comforting—just the way a hearty chowder should be.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines the richness of a creamy soup with fresh, vibrant flavors from sweet corn and tender chicken. The combination feels homey yet elevated, making it perfect for everyday meals and special gatherings.

The flavors develop beautifully as the chowder simmers, creating a dish that tastes even better with time. It’s incredibly satisfying but still light enough to enjoy year-round. Plus, it uses basic ingredients that come together quickly, making it both convenient and deeply comforting.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This chowder is a must-try because it offers hearty comfort without being overly heavy. It’s a complete meal in one bowl, filled with protein, vegetables, and a creamy broth that warms you instantly.

The sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with savory chicken and herbs, creating a flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults. It’s also very adaptable—you can make it thicker, lighter, spicier, or even dairy-free. If you want a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, this chowder deserves a place in your kitchen.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: Approximately 360 calories per serving
Course: Soup, Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Chowder

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 cups diced potatoes (gold or russet)
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Sauté vegetables until softened.
2. Add flour to create a roux.
3. Pour in chicken broth and simmer with potatoes.
4. Add corn, chicken, and seasonings.
5. Stir in cream and simmer until thickened.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

• Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
• Add garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Create the Roux

• Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and mix well.
• Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Potatoes

• Slowly add chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
• Drop in the bay leaf and thyme.
• Add diced potatoes and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Cook for 10–12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Corn

• Add shredded chicken and corn kernels.
• Stir well and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cream and Final Seasoning

• Lower the heat and pour in the cream.
• Stir until the chowder becomes rich and smooth.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Remove the bay leaf and stir in parsley before serving.

How to Serve

Serve the chowder hot in deep bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pair it with crusty bread, garlic toast, or soft dinner rolls for a complete meal. A side salad or roasted vegetables also complement the creaminess beautifully. For a special touch, top each bowl with crispy bacon bits or extra corn kernels.

Recipe Tips

• For extra creaminess, mash a small portion of the cooked potatoes into the chowder.
• Rotisserie chicken works perfectly as a time-saver.
• Add a splash of white wine while sautéing vegetables for depth.
• Do not boil after adding cream to prevent curdling.
• Add paprika or smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.

Variations

Spicy Chowder

Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.

Bacon Corn Chowder

Add 4 slices cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky twist.

Dairy-Free Version

Use coconut milk instead of cream and olive oil instead of butter.

Vegetable Corn Chowder

Omit chicken and add extra potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Cheesy Chowder

Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar at the end for a richer flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Storage

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.

Freezing

• Cream soups do not freeze well due to separation.
• If freezing, freeze the chowder without cream for up to 2 months.
• Add cream only after thawing and reheating.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Can I use canned corn?

Yes, drain well before adding.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

Yes, simmer diced raw chicken in the broth until fully cooked before continuing.

How can I thicken the chowder more?

Mash a few pieces of potato or add a cornstarch slurry.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day.

Conclusion

Creamy Corn and Chicken Chowder is the perfect blend of comfort, warmth, and nourishment. With its velvety texture, sweet corn kernels, tender chicken, and fragrant herbs, it’s a dish that brings joy to any table. Easy to prepare, wonderfully versatile, and ideal for all seasons, this chowder is a recipe worth keeping in your rotation. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or served to guests, it delivers heartiness and flavor in every spoonful. Enjoy the rich comfort of homemade chowder—simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.