Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

Creamy slow cooker chicken corn chowder is a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. This hearty soup is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or cozy nights in. The best part? You can set it and forget it! Just let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy your day. With tender chicken, sweet corn, and crispy bacon, this chowder is sure to become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Convenient Cooking: Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it simmer while you go about your day.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of chicken, cream, and spices creates a deliciously creamy texture that warms you from the inside out.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize this chowder with your favorite vegetables or spices for a unique twist.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe appeals to both kids and adults, making it a great option for family dinners.
• Hearty Meal: With protein from chicken and fiber from corn and potatoes, this chowder is satisfying and nourishing.

Tools and Preparation

To make this slow cooker chicken corn chowder, you’ll need a few essential tools that will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Measuring Cups
• Mixing Spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: The star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking while developing deep flavors over hours.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping ingredients quick and easy, ensuring even pieces for better cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements help maintain the right balance of flavors in your chowder.

Ingredients

Chicken

• 3 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts

Broth & Vegetables

• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 5 small red, gold, or brown potatoes (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 8-ounce can diced green chiles
• 1 small white or yellow onion (diced)
• 2 cans cream-style corn

Cream & Seasonings

• 2 cups heavy cream (may sub half & half for a lighter version)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4-6 bacon strips (diced and cooked til crispy)
• salt and pepper to taste
• freshly chopped parsley

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How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Combine the following ingredients in your slow cooker:
1. Place the chicken breasts, chicken broth, potatoes, green chiles, onion, and cream-style corn.
2. Stir to mix everything well.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked:
1. Uncover the slow cooker.
2. Use two forks to shred the chicken within the pot.

Step 3: Add Cream and Seasonings

After shredding:
1. Stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, crispy bacon, salt, and pepper to taste.
2. Cook for another 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Step 4: Serve Hot

Garnish with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper before serving hot. Enjoy your creamy slow cooker chicken corn chowder!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

Serving creamy slow cooker chicken corn chowder is a delightful experience. This comforting soup can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette pairs perfectly with the chowder, perfect for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: The flavors of garlic bread complement the chowder’s creaminess wonderfully.

Topped with Extras

• Chopped Green Onions: Adding green onions gives a fresh crunch and enhances the flavor.
• Crispy Bacon Bits: Extra bacon on top adds a savory crunch to each spoonful.

As a Complete Meal

• Simple Side Salad: A light salad balances the richness of the chowder, offering freshness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables make for an excellent side dish that complements the soup’s flavors.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

Perfecting your slow cooker chicken corn chowder involves simple adjustments and tips. Here are some ways to enhance your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken broth elevate the flavor significantly.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste your chowder before serving; add salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
• Choose Cream Wisely: For a lighter version, substitute half and half for heavy cream without losing creaminess.
• Shred Chicken Well: Ensure you shred the chicken into small pieces for even distribution in every bowl.
• Let it Rest: Allow the chowder to sit for a few minutes after cooking. This lets flavors meld beautifully.
• Garnish Generously: Don’t skip garnishing with parsley or bacon; it adds visual appeal and extra flavor!

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Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

Pairing your slow cooker chicken corn chowder with delicious sides can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic side dishes to consider.

1. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a delightful contrast to the savory chowder.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing offers a refreshing bite alongside the rich soup.
3. Potato Wedges: Oven-baked potato wedges provide extra comfort and heartiness to your meal.
4. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of creamy chowder.
5. Macaroni and Cheese: For cheese lovers, this classic dish makes an indulgent pairing with the soup.
6. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrition and color to your plate without overpowering flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch for.

• Not prepping ingredients properly: Ensure that all vegetables and chicken are cut uniformly. This helps them cook evenly and enhances the final texture of the chowder.
• Overfilling the slow cooker: Filling the cooker too much can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts and avoid exceeding 2/3 of the pot’s capacity.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Adding salt and pepper at the end can elevate flavors significantly.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking on low for too long can make chicken dry. Follow the recipe closely for tender and juicy chicken.
• Using high sodium broth: Opting for low sodium chicken broth is crucial in keeping the dish balanced. This avoids overpowering flavors in your chowder.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

• Allow chowder to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer chowder to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chowder in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour chowder into a pot over medium heat. Stir frequently until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder thicker?

To thicken your chowder, you can mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry during the last few minutes of cooking.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by about an hour to ensure they are fully cooked.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

For a lighter version of this Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder, you may substitute half & half or even whole milk if preferred.

How do I customize my Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder?

Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. You can also spice it up with jalapeños or add different herbs like thyme or cilantro.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chowder is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and tastes even better after a day in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder is a comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Its creamy texture and savory flavors make it irresistible. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices, making it versatile enough for any palate. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!