This Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder is a celebration of texture and comfort. It’s thick, luxurious, and packed with sweet corn, tender potatoes, and savory chicken. The “Rich” in the title comes from a combination of bacon drippings, a butter roux, and heavy cream, which together create a broth that is velvety and satisfying.
This is a soup that eats like a meal. It’s perfect for chilly evenings when you want something substantial. The sweetness of the corn pairs beautifully with the salty bacon and savory herbs, creating a balanced flavor profile that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hearty & Filling
This isn’t a watery appetizer soup. Loaded with chunks of potato and protein-rich chicken, a single bowl is enough to keep you full for hours. It’s dense and satisfying.
Sweet & Savory Balance
Corn chowder works because of the interplay between the sugary corn and the savory bacon/onion base. Adding thyme and garlic elevates it from a simple sweet soup to a complex savory dish.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 whole onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 tbsp flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove bacon, keep fat.
- Sauté onion and celery in bacon fat until soft.
- Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Whisk in broth.
- Add potatoes, corn, and thyme. Simmer 15-20 mins.
- Stir in chicken and cream. Heat through. Top with bacon.
Nutrition
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Corn: Fresh off the cob is amazing, but frozen sweet corn is reliable and accessible year-round.
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold, peeled and cubed. They add body to the soup.
Bacon: Provides the smoky base flavor (we cook the veggies in the fat!) and the crunchy topping.
Heavy Cream: Essential for the “Rich” texture.
Chicken: Cooked shredded chicken breast or thighs.
Thyme: Fresh thyme leaves add an earthy note that cuts the richness.
Smart Substitutions
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can use ham instead of bacon. If you want a vegetarian version, omit the bacon/chicken and use vegetable broth—it becomes a delicious corn and potato chowder.
If you are a fan of classic, comforting soups, you really can’t go wrong with this Best Homemade Chicken Soup for another soul-warming option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Cook the bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove bacon, leaving about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot. Dice the onion, celery, and potatoes.
Cooking Phase
Sauté the onion and celery in the bacon fat until soft. Stir in the garlic and thyme.
The Roux: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste. This will thicken the soup.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the potatoes and corn.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Finish: Stir in the cooked chicken and heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes to heat through and thicken.
Season with salt and plenty of black pepper. Serve topped with the crumbled bacon.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
The Corn Blend: For an extra creamy texture without adding more cream, take 1 cup of the soup (with corn/potatoes) and blend it until smooth, then stir it back into the pot. This naturally thickens the chowder.
Seasoning: Potatoes absorb salt. Taste the soup at the very end. It often needs a generous pinch of salt to make the corn flavor pop.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Boiling the soup vigorously after adding the cream. High heat can cause the cream to separate or curdle. Keep it at a gentle simmer once the dairy is added.
| Ingredient | Role | Substitute |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon Fat | Flavor Base | Butter |
| Flour | Thickener | Cornstarch (slurry) |
| Corn | Sweetness/Texture | None (essential!) |
| Heavy Cream | Richness | Half-and-Half |
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Top with crumbled bacon, fresh thyme, and cracked black pepper. Serve in a bread bowl for extra indulgence.
Pairing Suggestions
Oyster crackers or a crusty baguette are perfect for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned corn?
Yes, drain it well. Cream-style corn can also be used for extra thickness.
Can I freeze this?
Soups with cream and potatoes can separate when frozen. It is best eaten fresh or from the fridge (3-4 days).
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder is the ultimate bowl of comfort. Rich, sweet, savory, and smoky, it hits every flavor note you want in a hearty meal.
