Chicken Corn Chowder

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using raw chicken, start by cooking it. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces. If using rotisserie chicken, simply shred it and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a tablespoon of butter and sauté the diced onions, celery, and bell peppers over medium heat until they soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until aromatic.

3. Build the Soup Base

Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender but not falling apart. If you like a thicker chowder, you can mash some of the potatoes with the back of a spoon to help thicken the broth.

4. Add the Corn and Chicken

Once the potatoes are cooked through, add the corn (whether fresh, frozen, or canned) and the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir everything together and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the corn and chicken through.

5. Make it Creamy

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream or milk, depending on how creamy you want your chowder. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes. If you like a bit of spice, this is the time to add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.

6. Final Adjustments

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want a little more richness, add another splash of cream. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.

7. Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Serve with crusty bread for dipping or a light side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Chicken Corn Chowder:

• Chicken Options: If you’re in a hurry, using rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken will save you time without compromising flavor. Just shred it and add it to the soup toward the end.
• Potato Texture: If you prefer a creamier chowder, mash a few of the potatoes with the back of a spoon once they’re tender, or blend a small portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the cream.
• Corn Variety: Fresh corn on the cob gives a wonderful sweetness to the chowder, but frozen or canned corn will still work just fine. If using canned corn, be sure to drain and rinse it first.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a diced jalapeño to the soup for a kick of heat. You can adjust the spice level to suit your preference.
• Make Ahead: Chicken Corn Chowder is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

Serving Suggestions:

Chicken Corn Chowder is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a loaf of warm, crusty bread for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chowder.
• Cheese Biscuits: Soft, buttery cheese biscuits are the perfect accompaniment to this soup, adding a cheesy, fluffy bite to each spoonful of chowder.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Corn Chowder:

This Chicken Corn Chowder is the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. It’s a comforting bowl of goodness that’s not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. The chicken provides protein, the potatoes offer heartiness, and the corn adds a burst of sweetness—all wrapped in a creamy, flavorful broth.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy lunch, or a crowd-pleasing meal for a special occasion, Chicken Corn Chowder is sure to hit the spot. It’s the kind of dish that will have your family coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

So, the next time you’re craving comfort food, give this Chicken Corn Chowder recipe a try. It’s a bowl full of warmth and deliciousness that’s perfect for any time of year. Enjoy!