๐ Introduction
Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder is the ultimate cozy, creamy comfort meal that practically cooks itself. Tender shredded chicken, sweet corn, hearty potatoes, and flavorful aromatics come together in a rich, velvety broth thatโs warm, soothing, and unbelievably satisfying.
This โset it and forget itโ chowder is perfect for chilly evenings, meal prep, busy weekdays, or feeding a hungry crowd. Every bowl delivers creamy sweetness from the corn, savory depth from the chicken, and a hearty, comforting texture that tastes like home.
๐งฐ Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Ladle
- Small bowl for cornstarch slurry (optional for thickening)
๐ Ingredients
Chowder Base
- 1ยฝ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon gold recommended)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups frozen or fresh corn
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ยฝ teaspoon dried basil
- ยฝ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ยผ teaspoon black pepper
Creamy Finish
- 1ยฝ cups milk or half-and-half
- ยฝ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or green onions
- Extra corn
- Shredded cheddar
- Crushed turkey bacon on top (optional and compliant)
๐ฉโ๐ณ Directions
Step 1: Add everything to the slow cooker
Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add potatoes, onion, garlic, corn, bell pepper, celery, paprika, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
Pour chicken broth over the top.
Step 2: Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6โ7 hours or HIGH for 3โ4 hours until chicken is tender and potatoes are soft.
Step 3: Shred the chicken
Remove chicken breasts, shred with two forks, and return to the slow cooker.
Step 4: Add creaminess
In a small bowl, whisk milk (or half-and-half), heavy cream, and cornstarch together until smooth.
Pour into the soup and stir well.
Cook on HIGH for 20โ30 minutes until chowder thickens.
Step 5: Add cheese (optional)
Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle into bowls and garnish with green onions, parsley, extra cheese, or turkey bacon.
๐ฝ๏ธ Servings & Timing
- Serves: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6โ7 hours on LOW (or 3โ4 hours on HIGH)
- Total Time: ~6โ7 hours
๐ง Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate up to 4 days. โ๏ธ
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat; avoid boiling to keep milk from separating.
- Freeze without dairy for best texture โ add milk/cream after reheating.
- If thick, add extra broth or a splash of milk to loosen.
๐ฅ Variations
- Southwest Chicken Corn Chowder
Add cumin, chili powder, and diced green chilies. - Potato-Corn Chowder (no chicken)
Replace chicken with 2 extra potatoes + vegetable broth. - Extra Veggie Boost
Add zucchini, carrots, or spinach during the last 20 minutes. - Cheesy Comfort Version
Add more cheddar and top with turkey bacon. - Lighter Version
Use evaporated milk instead of cream for richness with fewer calories.
โ 10 FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes โ thighs add deeper flavor and stay tender. - Can I use canned corn?
Yes โ drain and add it directly. - Can I add bacon?
Use turkey bacon if you’d like a smoky topping. - How do I make it thicker?
Use extra cornstarch slurry or mash some potatoes in the pot. - Can I add cheese directly?
Yes โ add it after the dairy for a rich, cheesy chowder. - Will almond milk work?
It can, but choose unsweetened and be aware it wonโt be as creamy. - Can I prep this the night before?
Yes โ assemble everything except dairy; refrigerate overnight. - Can I cook noodles in this?
Not recommended โ theyโll get mushy. - Can I blend part of the chowder?
Yes โ blend 1โ2 cups to make it extra creamy. - Why did my soup curdle?
The heat was too high after adding dairy โ keep it gentle.
๐ Conclusion
Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder is the definition of simple comfort cooking โ creamy, hearty, and warm with tender chicken, naturally sweet corn, and soft potatoes in every spoonful. Itโs effortless to prepare, perfect for meal prep, and satisfying enough to stand alone as a full meal. Whether you’re feeding family or enjoying a cozy night in, this chowder brings maximum comfort with minimal work.

Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder โ A creamy, cozy, dump-and-go comfort soup for busy nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add potatoes, onion, garlic, corn, bell pepper, celery, paprika, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour chicken broth over the top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6โ7 hours or HIGH for 3โ4 hours until chicken is tender and potatoes are soft.
- Remove chicken breasts, shred with two forks, and return to the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk milk (or half-and-half), heavy cream, and cornstarch together until smooth.
- Pour into the soup and stir well.
- Cook on HIGH for 20โ30 minutes until chowder thickens.
- Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with green onions, parsley, extra cheese, or turkey bacon.
Notes
๐ง Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate up to 4 days. โ๏ธ Reheat on the stovetop over low heat; avoid boiling to keep milk from separating. Freeze without dairy for best texture โ add milk/cream after reheating. If thick, add extra broth or a splash of milk to loosen.๐ฅ Variations
Southwest Chicken Corn ChowderAdd cumin, chili powder, and diced green chilies. Potato-Corn Chowder (no chicken)
Replace chicken with 2 extra potatoes + vegetable broth. Extra Veggie Boost
Add zucchini, carrots, or spinach during the last 20 minutes. Cheesy Comfort Version
Add more cheddar and top with turkey bacon. Lighter Version
Use evaporated milk instead of cream for richness with fewer calories.
โ 10 FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?Yes โ thighs add deeper flavor and stay tender. Can I use canned corn?
Yes โ drain and add it directly. Can I add bacon?
Use turkey bacon if you’d like a smoky topping. How do I make it thicker?
Use extra cornstarch slurry or mash some potatoes in the pot. Can I add cheese directly?
Yes โ add it after the dairy for a rich, cheesy chowder. Will almond milk work?
It can, but choose unsweetened and be aware it wonโt be as creamy. Can I prep this the night before?
Yes โ assemble everything except dairy; refrigerate overnight. Can I cook noodles in this?
Not recommended โ theyโll get mushy. Can I blend part of the chowder?
Yes โ blend 1โ2 cups to make it extra creamy. Why did my soup curdle?
The heat was too high after adding dairy โ keep it gentle.