Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for any occasion. This chowder combines tender chicken, sweet corn, and creamy potatoes in a delicious broth that warms the soul. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply need a cozy meal on a chilly evening, this recipe is sure to impress. With minimal prep time and easy cooking, you’ll have a flavorful chowder ready to enjoy in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Convenient Preparation: Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker for an effortless meal.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of chicken, corn, and spices creates a delightful depth of flavor.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your taste.
• Family-Friendly: This chowder is a hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with wholesome veggies and lean protein, this chowder is not just tasty but also healthy.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder requires some essential kitchen tools to make the process smooth and efficient. Below are the items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl or jar

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld together beautifully over time.
• Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing your ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Ensures clean cuts of vegetables and chicken for even cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help you accurately measure ingredients for consistent results.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chowder Base

• 1½ pounds boneless/skinless chicken breasts (frozen or thawed)
• 2½ cups corn (can be fresh (cut off the cob), frozen, or canned (drained))
• 1 medium sweet or yellow onion (2 dice, about 1 cup)
• 2 ribs celery (2 dice, about 1 cup)
• 5-6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed (or 1 Tablespoon minced garlic)

For the Seasoning & Creaminess

• 4 Tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted)
• 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes (or red skinned potatoes (can use up to 1½ pounds))
• 1½ teaspoons kosher or fine grind sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Thickening & Enrichment

• 4 cups chicken broth (divided in recipe)
• 4-6 Tablespoons all purpose flour
• ½ cup heavy cream

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

1. Dice the onions and celery into uniform pieces.
2. Peel and smash the garlic cloves.
3. Cut the potatoes into 2-3 inch pieces; leaving the skin on if using Yukon gold or red-skinned potatoes.

Step 2: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

1. Add all prepared ingredients to your slow cooker except for one cup of chicken broth that you will reserve for later.
2. Pour in three cups of chicken broth.

Step 3: Create a Flour Slurry

1. In a mixing bowl or small jar, mix 4 Tablespoons of flour with ½ cup of reserved chicken broth until smooth.
2. Ensure there are no lumps; shaking in a jar works well!

Step 4: Cook the Chowder

1. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
2. Set it to high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours until the chicken is shreddable and potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Thicken and Serve

1. If you’d like a thicker chowder, combine remaining flour with reserved broth until smooth.
2. Stir this mixture along with heavy cream into the slow cooker.
3. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

Serving Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder is a delightful experience. It can be enjoyed as a hearty meal or paired with various sides for an elevated dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the chowder and soaking up those delicious flavors.
• Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness of garlic bread complements the creamy texture of the chowder beautifully.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Chives: Adding a sprinkle of fresh chives enhances the visual appeal and adds a mild onion flavor.
• Parsley Garnish: Fresh parsley brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.

Add Crunchy Toppings

• Tortilla Chips: Crushed tortilla chips lend a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy chowder.
• Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons provide texture and can be flavored to suit your taste.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

Making the best Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder is simple with a few helpful tips. These suggestions will enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables yield better flavor than frozen or canned options.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Adjust cooking time based on your slow cooker’s settings to ensure tender chicken and potatoes.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker chowder, mix in additional flour slurry toward the end of cooking.
• Season to Taste: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving; sometimes, a bit more salt or pepper can make all the difference.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like thyme or smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
• Let it Rest Before Serving: Allowing the chowder to sit for 10-15 minutes enhances the flavors as they meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

Pairing side dishes with Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options.

1. Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens provides freshness and balances the richness of the chowder.
2. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are a classic pairing that complements the corn flavor in the chowder.
3. Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition to your meal.
4. Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned roasted potatoes offer a crispy exterior and fluffy interior that pairs well with soup.
5. Cheesy Biscuits: Flaky biscuits loaded with cheese are perfect for dipping and add a savory touch.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a sweet counterpoint to the savory chowder, enhancing your dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to steer clear of.

• Boldly skip the flour slurry: Neglecting to create a flour slurry can result in a watery chowder. Always mix the flour with a little broth before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Boldly overcook the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can lead to dry meat. Make sure to check for doneness when the chicken reaches 200-210℉/93-99℃.
• Boldly forget to season: Under-seasoning can make your chowder bland. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
• Boldly ignore potato size: Cutting potatoes too small may cause them to disintegrate. Aim for larger chunks for a better texture.
• Boldly leave out the cream: Skipping cream will result in a less creamy chowder. Add it toward the end for that rich flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

• Freeze in portion-sized containers or freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chowder in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Pour into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high in one-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder.

What can I substitute for chicken?

You can use turkey or even beef if you prefer. Adjust cooking times as needed based on the meat chosen.

Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder dairy-free?

Yes! Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative for a creamy texture without dairy.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder?

Cooking on high takes about 3-4 hours, while low cooking will take approximately 6-7 hours.

Can I add vegetables to my Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken your chowder safely.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder is a delightful dish that’s both easy and customizable. You can personalize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices. This chowder is perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings—give it a try!