Easy Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Chicken Corn Chowder: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate bowl of comfort with our incredibly rich and velvety Chicken Corn Chowder. This hearty dish is brimming with tender chicken, crispy bacon, soft potatoes, and sweet corn, all beautifully blended with cheddar and mozzarella cheese. What’s even better? You can simply “set it and forget it” in your slow cooker or whip it up quickly in your Instant Pot!

Prepare yourself for a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for second and third servings. Much like our beloved French Onion Soup, this Chicken Corn Chowder is destined to become your household’s new favorite comfort dish, especially when paired with a warm, buttered slice of Artisan Bread or some irresistible Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread.

Why This Chicken Corn Chowder Stands Out

What truly elevates this chicken corn chowder above others is a clever technique: the strategic addition of potatoes. These starchy vegetables break down slightly during cooking, releasing natural starches that create an incredibly thick, rich, and creamy texture without the need for heavy cream. While you certainly can add a splash of heavy cream for an even more decadent flavor, it’s genuinely not required to achieve a luxurious consistency.

This recipe is a celebration of corn in all its forms. Whether you choose fresh kernels straight from the cob, convenient frozen corn, or readily available canned corn, the sweet burst of flavor will shine through. Building on the success of our beloved Creamy Corn Casserole and mouth-watering Corn On The Cob With Garlic Butter, this chowder was a natural and delicious progression, perfectly timed for making the most of corn season, or simply enjoying its goodness year-round.

What Exactly is Chicken Corn Chowder?

At its heart, a chowder is a thick, hearty soup characterized by chunky ingredients, often seafood or vegetables, and a creamy base. Our Chicken Corn Chowder embraces this definition wholeheartedly. It features generous pieces of tender chicken, soft potatoes, and an abundance of sweet corn, all suspended in a wonderfully smooth and flavorful broth. We enhance the depth of flavor and creaminess by incorporating creamed corn, which adds a subtle sweetness and a silky texture that takes this soup to the next level. It’s a truly satisfying meal in a bowl, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening or enjoying as a comforting family dinner.

Crafting Your Perfect Chicken Corn Chowder: Step-by-Step

Making this incredible chicken corn chowder is surprisingly simple, especially with the convenience of a slow cooker or Instant Pot. The process begins with a crucial step for maximum flavor: searing your chicken until it’s beautifully golden and slightly crispy. If you’re using a traditional slow cooker without a ‘sear’ function, you’ll want to do this in a separate pan before transferring the chicken to the slow cooker bowl. For Instant Pot users, this step is even easier; you can sear the chicken directly in the pot using its sauté function, meaning fewer dishes to wash – a true one-pot wonder!

Once your chicken is seared, the rest of the preparation is largely a matter of combining ingredients. Simply add most of your remaining ingredients into the pot, stir everything together, and let your appliance do the hard work. The goal is to cook until the potatoes are wonderfully fork-tender, allowing them to release their starches and naturally thicken the chowder to perfection.

Just before serving, for an extra layer of texture and savory depth, fry some bacon until it’s perfectly crispy. This crunchy topping adds a fantastic contrast to the creamy soup.

Finally, sprinkle your crispy bacon over the top, along with fresh chives or sliced green onions and a handful of extra fresh corn kernels for garnish. Thanks to the effortless cooking provided by your trusty Slow Cooker or lightning-fast Instant Pot, a truly delicious and satisfying dinner is served with minimal fuss!

Key Ingredients for a Perfectly Creamy Chowder

Each ingredient in this Chicken Corn Chowder plays a vital role in creating its irresistible flavor and texture. Let’s explore some of the stars of the show:

• Chicken Thighs: We recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces. Thighs offer more flavor and tend to stay more tender and moist during the long cooking process compared to leaner chicken breast. However, if you prefer, chicken breast can be used, just be mindful not to overcook it.
• Potatoes: Red potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they hold their shape well while cooking, yet still contribute to the chowder’s natural thickening. Chopping them into 1 1/2-inch pieces ensures they cook evenly and integrate beautifully into the soup. The starch released from the potatoes is key to achieving that rich, creamy consistency without excess heavy cream.
• Corn: The beauty of this recipe is its versatility with corn.
  • Fresh Corn: For peak season flavor, use about four ears of fresh corn, cut from the cob. The sweetness is unparalleled.
  • Frozen Corn: A fantastic year-round option. Ensure it’s thawed before adding to the chowder for even cooking.
  • Canned Corn: The most convenient choice. Remember to drain and rinse it thoroughly to remove excess sodium before incorporating it into the soup.
• Creamed Corn: This is a secret weapon for an extra layer of sweetness and unparalleled creaminess. Canned creamed corn adds a depth of flavor and a smooth texture that truly elevates the chowder.
• Bacon: Crispy, diced bacon bits are not just a garnish; they add a smoky, savory depth to every spoonful. Make sure to cook it until golden and crisp, then reserve some for topping.
• Cheeses: A blend of shredded cheddar and mozzarella contributes to the rich flavor and provides a wonderful melt-in-your-mouth experience. These cheeses not only add flavor but also a subtle creaminess as they melt into the hot chowder.
• Aromatic Vegetables: Diced yellow onion, carrots, and red pepper form a foundational flavor base, adding sweetness and a gentle savory note to the chowder.
• Broth and Dairy: Chicken broth forms the liquid base, while a combination of light reduced-fat cream (or heavy whipping cream for extra richness) and milk (2% or full fat) ensures a luxurious, smooth finish. Cornstarch is used as a thickener, mixed with milk to create a slurry that prevents lumps.

What to Serve with Your Hearty Chicken Corn Chowder

This comforting chicken corn chowder is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to complete your dinner experience. Here are some of our top recommendations:

• Crusty Bread: A must for dipping! Our Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread is an absolute dream with this chowder, or opt for a rustic, no-knead Artisan Bread. A warm, soft dinner roll, generously slathered with butter, would also be incredibly delicious!
• Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chowder.
• Cornbread: For an extra dose of corn goodness, a warm slice of homemade cornbread is an excellent companion.
• Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw can cut through the creamy texture of the chowder beautifully.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of simply roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans can add extra nutrients and a lovely texture.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Corn Chowder

Achieving the perfect chicken corn chowder is easy with these helpful tips:

• Corn Choice:
  • For fresh corn, you will need approximately four ears of corn. Shuck them and carefully slice the kernels off the cob.
  • If using frozen corn, ensure it is completely thawed before adding it to the pot to prevent cooling down the chowder too much and affecting cooking times.
  • For canned corn, always drain and rinse it thoroughly to remove any excess sodium and metallic taste before incorporating it.
• Thickening Control: The potatoes are your primary thickener. If you prefer an even thicker chowder, a potato masher can be used directly in the pot to break down some of the cooked potatoes, releasing more starch and creating a denser consistency.
• Flavor Building: Don’t skip searing the chicken! This step creates a beautiful golden crust and locks in flavor, contributing significantly to the overall taste of your chowder.
• Seasoning to Taste: Always taste and adjust your seasonings (salt and pepper) before serving. Different broths and ingredients can vary in sodium content, so personalizing the seasoning is key.
• Add a Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can be stirred in at the end.
• Fresh Herbs: While bacon and chives are classic toppings, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness and color.

More Irresistible Slow Cooker Recipes

If you love the ease and delicious results of slow cooking, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic recipes from our collection:

• Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)
• Slow Cooked Balsamic Pot Roast
• Slow Cooker Beef & Sweet Potato Stew

Watch the Recipe Video Here: