Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

The Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder is a perfect balance of creamy goodness and hearty flavors. With tender chicken, sweet corn, and soft potatoes, every spoonful is a comforting embrace. The rich broth, thickened with a buttery roux, creates the perfect consistency for dipping crusty bread or pairing with a side salad.

This dish is ideal for any busy day, requiring minimal prep and a slow cooker to work its magic. It’s versatile, too – you can even adjust the thickness or add extra vegetables to suit your tastes. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, this chowder will be the star of the meal.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

• 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 large potato, peeled and diced

• 1 teaspoon thyme

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Place the chicken breasts, corn, chicken broth, onion, garlic, and potato into the slow cooker.

2. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and potatoes are tender.

3. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.

4. In a small pan, melt butter over medium heat and stir in the flour to make a roux. Cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly.

5. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream to the roux, whisking until smooth. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker.

6. Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, along with the thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the chowder thickens.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-7 hours | Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 330 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Introduction: A Hearty Classic with a Modern Twist

Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder is the epitome of comfort food. This rich and creamy dish brings together the earthy flavors of chicken and sweet corn, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Whether it’s a chilly autumn evening, a cozy family dinner, or a laid-back weekend meal, this chowder promises to satisfy your hunger and warm your soul. By utilizing the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe takes the stress out of meal preparation while delivering a flavorful, wholesome dish that requires minimal hands-on time.

The beauty of this chowder lies in its simplicity. You can easily prepare it ahead of time and let the slow cooker do its magic. The flavors meld beautifully over hours, transforming a handful of basic ingredients into a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. If you’re looking for a way to nourish your body and soul, look no further than this recipe!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a bowl of chowder. The combination of creamy broth, tender chicken, and the sweetness of corn creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that everyone can enjoy. Here are a few reasons why this Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder stands out:

1. Ease of Preparation: With just a few simple ingredients, you can set everything in the slow cooker and walk away. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to develop slowly and deeply, making this a truly hassle-free recipe.

2. Minimal Cleanup: One-pot meals are always a winner when it comes to clean-up time. Since this chowder is made in a slow cooker, you only need to clean the pot afterward, saving you from the hassle of washing multiple pots and pans.

3. Versatile and Customizable: While this recipe calls for chicken, corn, and potatoes, you can easily make it your own. Add in other vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for a boost of nutrition and color. You can also adjust the creaminess to your liking, adding more cream for a richer flavor or using less for a lighter version.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep: If you’re looking for a meal that can last through the week, this chicken corn chowder is ideal for meal prepping. It stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, and you can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Simply reheat and enjoy.

5. Comforting and Filling: This chowder is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. The chicken provides lean protein, while the corn adds natural sweetness and texture. The addition of potatoes helps to thicken the broth and make the soup more filling, so it’s not just a snack – it’s a satisfying meal.

The Health Benefits of Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

While it’s easy to think of comfort food as a guilty pleasure, this Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder is surprisingly nutritious. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it can be a healthy addition to your diet when made with care. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key health benefits:

• Chicken for Protein: Chicken is a lean source of protein, essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body maintenance. Protein is also important for boosting your metabolism and promoting satiety, making this chowder a great option for those looking to stay fuller for longer.

• Corn for Fiber and Antioxidants: Corn is not only delicious, but it’s also rich in fiber, which is vital for digestive health. Additionally, corn contains antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which help to protect your eyes from oxidative damage. It’s also a good source of several B-vitamins, including thiamine and folate.

• Potatoes for Vitamin C and Potassium: Potatoes are often underestimated, but they’re packed with vitamins and minerals. One medium-sized potato contains a surprising amount of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts your immune system. Potatoes are also high in potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure and maintain proper cell function.

• Heavy Cream and Milk for Calcium: The addition of heavy cream and milk adds a creamy texture to the chowder, but it also provides calcium – a mineral necessary for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. If you’re looking to make the recipe lighter, you can always substitute with a lower-fat option, like half-and-half or almond milk.

Tips for Perfecting Your Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

Though this recipe is straightforward, there are a few tips to ensure that your Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder turns out perfectly every time:

1. Use Chicken Breasts or Thighs: While chicken breasts are lean and cook up tender in the slow cooker, chicken thighs offer a bit more flavor due to their higher fat content. Either option will work, but using thighs may result in a richer, more flavorful chowder.

2. Shred the Chicken After Cooking: Once the chicken has finished cooking in the slow cooker, remove it and shred it using two forks. This not only enhances the texture of the soup but also ensures that every spoonful is filled with juicy chicken.

3. Add Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor: While the recipe calls for thyme and paprika, don’t be afraid to experiment with other herbs and spices. Fresh parsley, rosemary, or bay leaves can add an extra layer of flavor, and a dash of cayenne pepper will kick up the heat if you enjoy spicy food.

4. Adjust the Creaminess to Your Liking: If you prefer a lighter chowder, feel free to reduce the amount of heavy cream or replace it with milk or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk. You can even skip the cream altogether for a lighter version of the recipe.

5. Perfect Consistency: If you find that the chowder is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it up by making a simple slurry with a bit of flour or cornstarch and water. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup and make it thicker.

Serving Suggestions: How to Pair This Dish

This chowder is a stand-alone meal, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides to complete the meal. Here are a few ideas:

• Crusty Bread or Rolls: A warm, freshly baked loaf of bread or dinner rolls is perfect for dipping into the creamy chowder. A baguette or sourdough would be ideal.

• Salad: A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a simple vinaigrette provides a nice balance to the rich chowder.

• Roasted Vegetables: If you want to add more vegetables to your meal, roasted veggies such as carrots, brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes would be a great addition.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder is the ultimate comfort food that combines ease, flavor, and health benefits. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal, meal prep for the week ahead, or a hearty dish to serve during the colder months, this chowder is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s comforting, filling, and easily customizable, so you can adjust it to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.

With minimal prep time, one-pot cooking, and a deliciously creamy texture, this dish is perfect for anyone who enjoys delicious, stress-free meals. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let the flavors develop into a savory chowder that will warm your heart and fill your belly!