Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder – A creamy, cozy, dump-and-go comfort soup for busy nights

Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder – A creamy, cozy, dump-and-go comfort soup for busy nights

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 that’s warm, soothing, and unbelievably satisfying. This “set it and forget it” 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.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Servings: 4 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Chowder Base

1½ 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
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Creamy Finish

1½ cups milk or half-and-half
½ 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

Equipment

Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
Cutting board & knife
Measuring cups & spoons
Ladle
Small bowl for cornstarch slurry (optional for thickening)

Method

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 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 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 20–30 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.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate up to 4 days. ❄️

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat; avoid boiling to keep milk from separating.

Freeze without dairy for best texture — add milk/cream after reheating.

If thick, add extra broth or a splash of milk to loosen.

🥄 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.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes — thighs add deeper flavor and stay tender.

Can I use canned corn?
Yes — 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 — add it after the dairy for a rich, cheesy chowder.

Will almond milk work?
It can, but choose unsweetened and be aware it won’t be as creamy.

Can I prep this the night before?
Yes — assemble everything except dairy; refrigerate overnight.

Can I cook noodles in this?
Not recommended — they’ll get mushy.

Can I blend part of the chowder?
Yes — blend 1–2 cups to make it extra creamy.

Why did my soup curdle?
The heat was too high after adding dairy — keep it gentle.

🏁 Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder is the definition of simple comfort cooking — creamy, hearty, and warm with tender chicken, naturally sweet corn, and soft potatoes in every spoonful. It’s 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.