Description
Hearty and Wholesome
Ingredients:
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
3 celery sticks, thinly sliced
1 lb shredded chicken thighs
1 cup cream or milk
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup frozen corn (swap for peas if preferred)
Instructions:
Layer chicken and veggies in your slow cooker.
Pour over broth and cook on low for 6 hours.
Add cream in the last 20 minutes, stir, and serve.
Engage: What’s your favorite comfort food on a cold night? Tell us below!
#HeartyChickenSoup
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect slow cooker chicken corn chowder every time.
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely dice one medium onion. Peel and chop two carrots. Thinly slice three celery stalks. Shred one pound of cooked chicken thighs, or use a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the shredded chicken, diced onion, chopped carrots, and sliced celery into the bowl of your slow cooker. Add one cup of frozen corn.
- Add the Broth: Pour two cups of chicken broth over the chicken and vegetable mixture. For a richer flavor, use a low-sodium broth and season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley.
- Cook: Set your slow cooker to LOW and cook for 6 hours. This allows the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Finish with Cream: In the last 20 minutes of cooking, stir in one cup of cream, whole milk, or a dairy-free alternative. This prevents the dairy from curdling. Let it heat through before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty chowder is a complete meal in a bowl. Serve it piping hot in deep bowls. For a delightful crunch, top with oyster crackers, crumbled bacon, or homemade croutons. A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing perfectly balances the soup’s creaminess. For a fresh garnish, add a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley.
How-to Summary
To make Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder: layer shredded chicken, onion, carrots, celery, and corn in your slow cooker. Cover with chicken broth and cook on low for 6 hours. Stir in cream during the final 20 minutes of cooking, then serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, but thighs are recommended for their richer flavor and ability to stay moist during long cooking. Breasts can become slightly drier.
How can I make this soup thicker? For a thicker chowder, create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of cold water. Stir this into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time? Absolutely. This soup stores and reheats beautifully. Let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Is there a dairy-free option? Yes. Substitute the cream with full-fat coconut milk, cashew cream, or a plain, unsweetened dairy-free milk alternative for a similar creamy texture.
Can I add other vegetables? Definitely. Diced potatoes, peas, or green beans are excellent additions. Add sturdy veggies like potatoes at the beginning, and softer ones like peas in the last hour.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding Dairy Too Early: Adding cream or milk at the beginning of the cook time can cause it to curdle or separate. Always add it in the last 20-30 minutes.
- Overcooking the Vegetables: If you prefer your carrots and celery with a bit of bite, consider adding them halfway through the cooking process instead of at the start.
- Using Raw Chicken: The recipe calls for pre-cooked, shredded chicken. If using raw chicken, ensure it is fully cooked by checking its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before shredding.
- Skimping on Seasoning: Slow cooking can mute flavors. Always taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs after adding the cream at the end.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort meal. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with wholesome ingredients that will warm you from the inside out. Its simplicity and flexibility make it a reliable staple for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. We’d love to hear from you—what’s your favorite comfort food on a cold night? Tell us below! #HeartyChickenSoup
