Savory Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe

Are you ready to warm up your dinner table? This Savory Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder recipe is perfect. Packed with flavor, it’s creamy, hearty, and simple to make. You’ll learn about essential ingredients, cooking tips, and fun variations to try. Whether you want a classic dish or something spicy, this chowder delivers comfort in every spoonful. Let’s dive in and make your next meal unforgettable!

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

To make this chowder, gather these key items:

– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

– 4 cups frozen sweet corn

– 1 medium onion, diced

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 medium potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes

– 3 cups chicken broth

– 1 cup whole milk

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

These ingredients create a creamy and rich flavor. The chicken adds protein, while the corn gives sweetness. The potatoes help thicken the chowder and make it hearty.

Recommended Cooking Products and Tools

For this recipe, you will need:

– A slow cooker

– A cutting board and knife

– A measuring cup

– A potato masher (optional)

– A ladle for serving

Using a slow cooker makes this dish easy and hands-off. A good knife helps with precise chopping. The potato masher can create a thicker texture, if desired.

Possible Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap some ingredients based on your taste or what you have at home:

– Use rotisserie chicken for ease.

– Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream for a lighter option.

– Try vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

– Use fresh corn when in season for a sweeter flavor.

These swaps will keep the chowder tasty while fitting your needs. Enjoy making it your own!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Slow Cooker

Start by greasing the inner pot of your slow cooker. Use a drizzle of olive oil for this. This step helps keep the chowder from sticking. It also makes clean-up easier later.

Layering the Ingredients

Now, let’s build your chowder. First, spread the diced onion and minced garlic at the bottom. This mix adds a nice base flavor. Next, layer the diced potatoes on top. Make sure they are evenly spread. This helps them cook through and become tender.

After that, add the shredded cooked chicken. Spread it evenly over the potatoes. Then, layer the frozen corn on top. The sweet corn will bring great flavor and color to your dish.

Cooking and Final Touches

Next, carefully pour the chicken broth over all the layers. This will help blend the flavors as it cooks. Add the dried thyme and smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Gently stir to combine without disturbing the layers too much.

Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking makes the flavors mix well and ensures the potatoes are tender.

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the whole milk and heavy cream. This will make your chowder creamy and rich. Let it cook on low for another 30 minutes.

As it nears the end, taste the chowder. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. If you want a thicker texture, gently mash some of the potatoes in the pot. This adds a nice creaminess.

Finally, ladle the warm chowder into bowls. Top each serving with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. This adds color and a fresh taste. Enjoy your hearty chowder!

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve the Best Flavor

To get the best flavor in your chowder, use fresh ingredients. Fresh onion and garlic add depth. For the broth, low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt. Adding smoked paprika gives a nice, rich taste. Don’t skip the thyme; it adds a herbal note that ties everything together. Layering the ingredients also helps. It allows the flavors to meld as they cook slowly. Taste your chowder before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.

Thickening Your Chowder: Options and Techniques

For a thicker chowder, you have a few options. First, you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher. This method gives a creamy texture while keeping some chunks. If you prefer, add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water. Stir it in about 30 minutes before serving. For a lighter option, you can use less cream or milk. Coconut cream is a great substitute. It adds richness without being too heavy.

Serving Suggestions and Garnishes

When serving your chowder, warm bowls keep it cozy. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley adds color and freshness. You might serve it with crusty bread or crackers for crunch. If you like a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce on top. For a fun twist, serve it in a bread bowl. This not only looks great, but it also adds extra flavor. Enjoy your chowder with family and friends for a perfect meal.

Variations

Spicy Chicken Corn Chowder

To spice up your chicken corn chowder, add some heat! You can use diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper. Start with half a teaspoon of crushed red pepper. Taste it and add more if you like. This will give your chowder a nice kick without overpowering the sweet corn. You can also add a dash of hot sauce before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Vegetarian Version of Corn Chowder

For a vegetarian twist, skip the chicken and replace it with hearty veggies. Try using diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also add a can of drained black beans for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This chowder remains creamy and delicious without any meat.

Dairy-Free Options

If you’re avoiding dairy, you have choices! Replace whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Coconut cream gives the chowder a rich texture while keeping it light. Make sure to check that the broth is also dairy-free. This way, you can enjoy a creamy chowder that’s kind to your tummy.

These variations let you enjoy this chowder in many ways, keeping it exciting every time!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers Properly

To keep your slow cooker chicken corn chowder fresh, start by letting it cool. Once cool, transfer it to airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to leave some space at the top because the chowder may expand when frozen. Label the containers with the date to track freshness.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to enjoy your chowder again, take it out of the fridge. Reheat it on the stove over medium heat. Stir it often to prevent sticking. If it seems too thick, add a splash of broth or milk. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Freezing and Thawing Tips

If you want to freeze the chowder, it will keep well for up to three months. Pour the cooled chowder into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned above. For best texture, avoid freezing with the cream already added. You can stir in the cream after reheating.

FAQs

How long can I keep Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder in the fridge?

You can store Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it.

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh corn instead of frozen corn. Fresh corn adds a nice crunch and sweet flavor. Just make sure to cut it off the cob and measure about 4 cups. You can add it in the same way as the frozen corn.

What are the best sides to serve with corn chowder?

Corn chowder pairs well with several sides. Here are some great options:

– Crusty bread or rolls

– A simple green salad

– Grilled cheese sandwiches

– Cornbread

These sides enhance the meal and make it more filling. Enjoy your chowder with any of these tasty choices!

You learned about the key ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder. We covered the best tools to use, ingredient swaps, and detailed cooking steps. Tips and tricks helped enhance flavor and texture, while variations let you customize the chowder. Lastly, I shared how to store leftovers and answered common questions.

Embrace this recipe for warm meals and good times. Enjoy cooking!