Cheesy Chicken Chowder

5 from 8 votes
15 Comments

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This cheesy chicken chowder has bite-sized pieces of chicken, diced potatoes, corn, and peppers in a cheesy broth, topped with cheese and crumbled bacon.

a bowl of chicken corn chowder topped with cheese, bacon, and chives
Featured with this Recipe:
  1. Ingredients in this Cheesy Chicken Chowder Recipe
  2. Chowder Additions and Substitutions
  3. What is Chowder?
  4. What Makes Cheesy Chicken Chowder Unique
  5. Comfort Food Appeal
  6. Rave Reviews
  7. Frequently Asked Questions
  8. Make it a Meal
  9. More of our Hearty Soups and Chowders
  10. Cheesy Chicken Chowder Recipe

This Cheesy Chicken Chowder is the kind of soup that makes you feel warm all over on chilly days. I don’t know about you, but when it is cold outside, there is nothing like a boiling pot of soup cooking over the stove; it makes the whole house feel cozy and smell amazing. And it’s a little on the lighter side, with no butter or heavy cream.

I love that this chowder had all the ingredients that my kids love, they devour this stuff. Of course we all like it the best with some saltine crackers crushed up on top. It really brings this soup up a level. But the best part of all, this chowder all cooks up in one pot! Less dishes is always a win in my book.

Ingredients in this Cheesy Chicken Chowder Recipe

This meal can be made all at once in a large pot or a Dutch oven and is the ultimate comfort food! Here’s all you need for the best chicken corn chowder:

  • Bacon – six sliced, cooked and chopped.
  • chicken breasts – two large chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces. You can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs.
  • Red bell pepper – one whole pepper, finely diced
  • Minced garlic – dice two cloves garlic, or pre-minced garlic for this chowder recipe
  • Chicken broth – four cups regular or low-sodium chicken broth
  • Potatoes – two large russet potatoes, peeled and diced. You can also try Yukon golds or other small gold potatoes.
  • frozen corn – one and a half cups of frozen corn kernels is my favorite for this recipe. However, canned corn works just fine too.
  • Flour – half a cup, all purpose flour
  • Milk – two cups, any kind of milk you like.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese – two cups sharp cheddar, Monterrey Jack, just about any kind of your favorite cheese.
  • Salt and pepper – to taste
meat and peppers cooking in a pot


Chowder Additions and Substitutions

You can really make this chowder to your own taste by adding ingredients you like best. Try swapping out some of the veggies and spices for these instead:

  • Green onions
  • Dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat
  • Jalapeño
  • Green pepper
  • Carrots
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Slice of avocado for garnish
  • Smoked paprika
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
a spoonful of chicken corn chowder

What is Chowder?

You’ve heard it used in regard to corn, clam, chicken and more, but how is chowder really any different from soup recipes? Don’t worry, we have it all figured out for you.

Basically, chowder is a thicker kind of soup and is generally cream-based. Soup can be all kinds of flavors, but the commonality among the “soup” distinction is the fact that is has a thinner broth. Chowder lends itself to a heartier, thicker base that actually has origins in the New England area. That’s why certain kinds of clam chowder have the distinction of being “New England Clam Chowder.”

Most chowders have a white sauce base, but if you’ve heard the distinction of a “Manhattan chowder” that’s because those chowders have a tomato base. Originally, chowder was more a fishermen’s stew, made with seafood. Today, however, there are all kinds of chowders, including vegetable, corn, potato, chicken and more.

What Makes Cheesy Chicken Chowder Unique

One unique aspect of chicken corn chowder is its combination of flavors and textures. The savory chicken combined with sweet corn, creamy cheesy broth, makes this a satisfying and comforting meal. What sets chicken corn chowder apart from other chowders is the addition of poultry. While clam chowder and seafood chowder are more common, chicken corn chowder offers a unique twist by incorporating tender pieces of chicken. This not only adds a protein source but also gives unique flavor to the soup.

Comfort Food Appeal

Why is this chicken corn chowder so delicious and such a perfect comfort food?

  1. For one, it’s super hearty and filling. Chicken and corn chowder provides extra protein and a good amount of carbs, which makes it a deliciously satisfying meal. It’s perfect for chilly winter evenings.
  2. It’s completely versatile. You can customize chicken and corn chowder to suit your preferences. Add other vegetables like potatoes or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor. And this recipe has the extra creaminess of cheddar and salty bites of bacon.
  3. While this recipe is indulgent with its cheesy broth, this chicken and corn chowder offers a balance of protein from the chicken, vitamins and fiber from the corn, and additional nutrients from any added vegetables.
  4. This chicken corn chowder recipe is easy to prepare, making it a practical choice for home cooks.
  5. This creamy chicken corn chowder reheats beautifully so you can enjoy leftovers for multiple meals.
a bowl of chicken corn chowder topped with cheese, bacon, and chives

Rave Reviews

This soup is now my favorite soup for fall! It was so easy to make and so delicious! My whole family loved it. When there are no leftovers, you know it went over well! We will definitely be making these again!

Jenni

This soup is the absolute perfect comfort food! Excellent to cozy up with on a cold evening.

Whitney

My whole family loved this corn chowder! Even the kids wanted more.

Kelley

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a chowder?

Chowder is a cream based soup that usually has a seafood and vegetables.

What are chowders thickened with?

Chowders are typically thickened with flour or corn starch.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes, just sub out the regular flour for a gluten free flour blend. I like the Namaste gluten free flour blend at Costco.

What kinds of Chowders are there?

There are many types of chowder but these are the most common:
Bermuda Fish Chowder
Clam Chowder
Corn Chowder
Fish Chowder
Smoked Salmon Chowder
Southern Illinois Chowder
Seafood Chowder
Spiced Haddock Chowder
Potato Chowder
Bacon Chowder

Make it a Meal

This chowder has bite-sized pieces of chicken, diced tomatoes, corn, and peppers in a savory cheesy broth, topped off with cheese and crumbled bacon. Another tasty family recipe from my sister-in-law Paige that we all loved, it was another major husband win. He is already asking me to make it again.
This soup is a great meal on its own, but also goes well with our homemade rolls, cheese bread, or breadtwists.

Read Next: 35+ Easy Lunch Ideas

a bowl of chicken corn chowder topped with cheese, bacon, and chives

Cheesy Chicken Chowder

5 from 8 votes
This Cheesy Chicken Chowder has bite-sized pieces of chicken, diced potatoes, corn, and peppers in a cheesy broth, topped with cheese and crumbled bacon.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large soup pot, cook bacon until crispy. Then, remove bacon from the pan, crumble, and set aside. Do not drain bacon fat.
    crumbled bacon on a plate
  • Add the diced chicken, red peppers, and garlic to the bacon grease in the pot and stir over medium heat until chicken is cooked through.
    meat and peppers cooking in a pot
  • Add chicken broth and potatoes to the pot and bring to a boil. Then, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
    Chicken and veggies in broth in a large pot
  • In a separate medium-sized bowl, add the flour and gradually whisk in the milk, Then, add the flour/milk mixture into the soup pot. Add the corn and stir well. Cook over medium heat about 15 more minutes, stirring frequently until soup thickens.
    chicken corn chowder in a large pot
  • Remove from heat, stir in cheese, and seasoning with salt and pepper. Top with extra cheese and crumbled bacon.
    a bowl of chicken corn chowder topped with cheese, bacon, and chives

Notes

Recipe Tips:
  • Don’t like the chicken or veggies in this recipe? Swap them out for your favorites!
  • To prep ahead, wash and cut vegetables, thaw, cut, and prepare chicken.
  • To store, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to one month.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 713kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 47gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 153mgSodium: 1341mgPotassium: 1113mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1562IUVitamin C: 49mgCalcium: 698mgIron: 5mg

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About the author

Emily Walker

Emily lives in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband, Beau, a physician assistant, and her three incredible children: a son and two daughters. Travel is one of her favorite ways to experience new cultures and cuisines, and she has a love for all things Disney.

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Comments

  1. I was trying in vain to find the Cheddar Chicken Chowder that Cooking Light published years ago! I was thrilled to find the recipe here. Thank you!

  2. 5 stars
    This soup is delicious made for first time preparation a little time consuming but well
    worth the effort….Left over for next night..second receipe i used from FFRM chicken and garlic cream chicken 5 stars looking forward to my next one. Love

  3. 5 stars
    This soup is now my favorite soup for fall! It was so easy to make and so delicious! My whole family loved it. When there are no leftovers, you know it went over well! We will definitely be making these again!

  4. This sounds delicious! Is there a certain type of cheddar that you recommend (Mild, sharp, extra-sharp) or does it even matter?

    1. It doesn’t matter as far as the consistency goes. I like using sharp because I like the flavor, but mild will work just as well. Thanks for asking!

  5. In your intro to the soup, you say diced tomatoes instead of potatoes. That is where the confusion for Pat is coming from. It sure sounds like good soup!

  6. This soup sounds wonderful. One of the first on my Florida winter soup list!! Thanks so much. Love using your recipes!!