Hearty & Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder: The Ultimate Comfort Soup
There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of homemade soup to satisfy a craving, and lately, my husband has been specifically dreaming of a rich Chicken Corn Chowder. Inspired by the immense popularity of two of my other beloved recipes, the Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup and the Buffalo Chicken Soup, I set out to create a chicken corn chowder that would capture all the heartiness and creaminess we adore, with a unique blend of flavors that makes it truly special. The result? A remarkably satisfying chowder that quickly became a household favorite!
This recipe yields a generous amount – a substantial 15 cups of soup! While that might sound like a lot, my husband famously declared it to be “more like 3-4 servings” for him, as he enthusiastically devoured it from a large serving bowl. His glowing review was all the confirmation I needed: this Chicken Corn Chowder is a definite hit. Each spoonful offers a luxurious blend of tender chicken, sweet corn, soft potatoes, crisp carrots, and savory celery, all swimming in a velvety, perfectly seasoned broth. The experience is elevated further with a delightful topping of fresh green onions and crispy bacon bits, adding layers of texture and flavor.
I found a single cup of this chowder to be incredibly filling, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying lunch or a comforting dinner. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad for a lighter meal, or with a crusty sandwich for something more substantial. What’s even better, for those mindful of their nutritional intake, this Chicken Corn Chowder is surprisingly light. At just 183 calories per cup, or a mere 6 Green, 4 Blue, or 4 Purple Weight Watchers SmartPoints, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that leaves room for a little treat afterward. To effortlessly track your WW PersonalPoints for this delicious recipe within the Weight Watchers app or website, simply click here!
Why This Chicken Corn Chowder Will Become Your Go-To Recipe
This isn’t just another soup; it’s a culinary embrace in a bowl. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making this Chicken Corn Chowder again and again:
- Unforgettable Creaminess: The meticulously prepared roux and the addition of fat-free half-and-half create a wonderfully smooth and rich texture that coats your palate without being overly heavy.
- Packed with Flavor and Texture: Every bite is a delightful combination of tender chicken, the natural sweetness of corn, the earthiness of potatoes, and the gentle crunch of carrots and celery. The hint of cayenne pepper adds a subtle warmth that elevates the entire dish.
- Wholesome and Hearty: Despite its creamy indulgence, this chowder is loaded with vegetables and lean protein, making it a wholesome and incredibly satisfying meal that will keep you full and content.
- Weight Watchers Friendly: Designed with wellness in mind, this recipe fits perfectly into a healthy eating plan, proving that comfort food doesn’t have to compromise your goals.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Its generous yield makes it an excellent candidate for batch cooking. Enjoy it throughout the week for quick and easy lunches or dinners, saving you time and effort.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether enjoyed on its own, paired with a crisp salad, or alongside a crusty artisan bread, this chowder adapts beautifully to various mealtime scenarios.
The Comfort and Joy of Homemade Soup
There’s a special magic that happens in the kitchen when a pot of homemade soup simmers gently on the stove. Beyond the delicious aromas that fill your home, making soup from scratch offers numerous benefits:
- Control Over Ingredients: You dictate what goes into your bowl, allowing you to choose fresh, high-quality ingredients and adjust seasonings to your preference. This is especially important for dietary needs or when aiming for a healthier option.
- A Hug in a Bowl: Soup is the quintessential comfort food. It warms you from the inside out, offering solace on a chilly day or a boost when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Economical and Sustainable: Making soup at home is often more cost-effective than buying pre-made options or dining out. It also provides an excellent way to use up leftover vegetables or proteins, reducing food waste.
- Family-Friendly: A large pot of chowder can feed a crowd, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It’s often a dish even picky eaters enjoy, especially with its inviting creamy texture and familiar flavors.
- The Joy of Creation: There’s immense satisfaction in preparing a nourishing meal for yourself and your loved ones. The simple act of cooking can be a relaxing and rewarding experience.
Tips for Crafting Your Perfect Chicken Corn Chowder
Achieving a restaurant-quality chowder at home is easier than you think with a few simple tips:
- Quality Chicken: Start with fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Boiling them in the broth ensures they absorb flavor and remain tender. For an even quicker option, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be shredded and added later.
- Potato Preparation: Russet potatoes are ideal for chowder as they break down slightly, adding to the soup’s creamy texture. You can peel them for a smoother finish or leave the skins on after a good scrub for added fiber and rustic appeal. Ensure they are uniformly cubed for even cooking.
- The Roux is Key: The butter and flour roux is fundamental to the chowder’s thickness and creamy consistency. Whisk the flour into melted butter gradually and continuously to avoid lumps. Then, slowly add the half-and-half, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and velvety. This step ensures a luxurious, lump-free base for your soup.
- Corn Selection: This recipe utilizes both canned whole kernel corn and creamed corn for a diverse corn flavor and texture. Drained canned corn adds plump kernels, while creamed corn contributes to the chowder’s natural sweetness and thickness. Frozen corn can also be used; simply thaw it before adding.
- Seasoning to Taste: The initial recipe provides a great starting point for salt, pepper, and cayenne. However, always taste and adjust seasonings at the end. Different broths and personal preferences mean the “perfect” seasoning is unique to you.
- Don’t Overcook Vegetables: While potatoes and carrots need to be tender, be careful not to overcook them to the point of mushiness. They should retain a slight bite, contributing to the chowder’s appealing texture.
- Embrace the Heat: The cayenne pepper adds a subtle, gentle kick that balances the creaminess beautifully. If you prefer more heat, don’t hesitate to add a pinch more, or even a dash of hot sauce when serving.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
This Chicken Corn Chowder is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for various occasions and easy to manage for leftovers.
Serving Ideas:
- Classic Pairing: Serve with warm, crusty bread, sourdough slices, or crunchy crackers for dipping.
- Light & Fresh: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chowder.
- Hearty Combo: Pair with a half-sandwich, such as a grilled cheese or a turkey club, for a substantial and satisfying meal.
- Garnish Galore: Beyond the suggested green onions and bacon, consider adding a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or even a few croutons for extra crunch.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:
- Refrigeration: Leftover chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the chowder seems too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or fat-free half-and-half to reach your desired consistency. Avoid boiling, which can cause the dairy to separate.
- Freezing: Cream-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen and thawed. While this chowder can be frozen, the texture might be slightly different upon reheating. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
- Meal Prep Gold: With its generous yield, this chowder is perfect for preparing on a Sunday and enjoying for lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Explore More Tasty & Hearty Soup Recipes!
If you’re a soup enthusiast like us, you’re in for a treat! This Chicken Corn Chowder is just one of many delightful soup recipes perfect for any season. If you enjoyed this creamy and hearty creation, be sure to check out these other favorites from my collection:
- Butternut Squash Soup: A silky-smooth, naturally sweet, and incredibly flavorful soup, perfect for autumn evenings.
- Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup: The inspiration for this chowder, this classic offers tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and a wonderfully creamy broth.
- Zuppa Toscana (Tuscan Soup): A rich and savory Italian-inspired soup featuring sausage, potatoes, and kale in a creamy broth.
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup: A comforting classic, bursting with tender broccoli florets and sharp cheddar cheese.
- Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup: A hearty and robust soup, ideal for a set-it-and-forget-it meal, packed with tender beef and wholesome barley.
- Italian Wedding Soup: Mini meatballs, pasta, and fresh greens mingle in a savory broth for a truly heartwarming experience.
- Cheeseburger Soup: All the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger transformed into a creamy, comforting soup.
- Spaghetti and Meatball Soup: A fun and flavorful twist on a family favorite, combining spaghetti and meatballs in a rich tomato broth.
- Buffalo Chicken Soup: Another inspiration for this recipe, this soup delivers all the spicy, tangy flavor of buffalo chicken wings in a comforting bowl.
- Chicken Tortilla Soup: A vibrant and zesty soup with tender chicken, black beans, corn, and crispy tortilla strips.
You can find even more delicious options in the soup section of my comprehensive recipe index!
Chicken Corn Chowder
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Ingredients
- 8 slices center cut bacon
- 2 cups water
- 4 cups reduced sodium fat free chicken broth
- 1 lb uncooked boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz Russet potatoes, cubed (you can peel or not peel as long as you scrub!)
- ¾ cup sliced carrots
- ¾ cup chopped celery
- ½ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 8 tablespoons 1 stick of light butter, (I use Land O’Lakes)
- 2 cups fat free half and half
- 2 (15 oz) each cans of corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can creamed corn
- 2 oz canned diced green chilies
- 2 scallions, sliced
Instructions
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Cook the bacon according to package directions until crisp. Remove the bacon slices to a stack of paper towels to dry. Chop or crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
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Bring the water and chicken broth to a boil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the chicken, potatoes, carrots and celery and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and simmer for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and easy to shred. Remove the cooked chicken breasts to a cutting board and shred or chop into small pieces. Replace the lid and continue to simmer the rest.
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Mix together the flour, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper in a bowl until combined. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour a spoonful at a time to smoothly combine with the butter. Pour the half and half in a little at a time, stirring continuously with a whisk to allow the roux to combine with the cream. Continue whisking and adding half and half until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Add the cooked chicken and the cream mixture into the soup pot and stir to combine. Add the canned and creamed corn and the diced chilies and stir. Bring the soup back to a simmer and simmer for 10 minutes or so to allow the soup to thicken and the flavors to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish each bowl of soup with sliced scallions and crumbled bacon when serving.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
183 calories, 20 g carbs, 7 g sugars, 6 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 12 g protein, 2 g fiber (from myfitnesspal.com)
MyWW SmartPoints per (1 cup) serving: (SP calculated using the recipe builder on weightwatchers.com)
Green: 6 SmartPoints/ Blue: 4 SmartPoints/ Purple: 4 SmartPoints
Weight Watchers Points Plus:
5 per (1 cup) serving (PP calculated using a Weight Watchers PointsPlus calculator and the nutrition info below)