If you are looking for a cozy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying meal, this Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Corn Chowder Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, smoky bacon, sweet corn, and creamy potatoes, slow-cooked to perfection so every bite bursts with richness and comfort. Trust me, once you try this chowder, it will become one of your go-to recipes for chilly days or whenever you need a bowl of happiness on a spoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this chowder taste spectacular. Each element plays its part, from adding depth and texture to balancing the rich, creamy base with sweet and smoky notes.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The hearty protein that keeps this chowder filling and tender.
- Cooked bacon: Adds a wonderful smoky crunch and irresistible savoriness.
- Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful, comforting liquid base.
- Heavy cream: Gives the chowder its signature richness and creamy texture.
- Corn (frozen or canned): Brings a burst of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Potatoes: Diced to provide substance and soak up all the wonderful flavors.
- Onion: Finely chopped for a subtle sweetness and aroma.
- Garlic: Minced to add a gentle, savory kick.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and highlight flavors.
- Smoked paprika (optional): Introduces a smoky depth, enhancing the bacon’s flavor.
- Dried thyme: Adds an herby earthiness for a well-rounded taste.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the chowder to the perfect creamy consistency.
- Extra crumbled bacon, fresh parsley, and shredded cheese: Perfect toppings to elevate the final presentation and flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Corn Chowder Recipe
Step 1: Crisp and crumble the bacon
Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches that perfect crispy texture we all crave. Once cooked, crumble it into pieces. This smoky, crunchy bacon will infuse the chowder with incredible flavor and a delightful texture throughout.
Step 2: Prepare the fresh ingredients
Dice the potatoes into bite-sized chunks, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves. Prepping these ingredients carefully ensures each spoonful has the perfect balance of tender veggies and a subtle aromatic base.
Step 3: Assemble the slow cooker
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker—it’s important they’re nestled in so they cook evenly. Then add the chicken broth, potatoes, corn, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika if you’re using it, and dried thyme. Give everything a good stir so the flavors start mingling beautifully right from the start.
Step 4: Let it slow-cook
Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook for 6 to 7 hours, or if you’re short on time, switch to high heat for 3 to 4 hours. This gentle, long cooking process tenderizes the chicken and allows the flavors to develop a deep, comforting richness that is pure magic.
Step 5: Shred the chicken
Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Then return the shredded chicken back into the pot, mixing it in to soak up all that lush broth and creamy goodness.
Step 6: Stir in the finishing touches
Pour in the heavy cream and crumble in the cooked bacon you prepared earlier. This step transforms the chowder from hearty to luxuriously creamy with bursts of smoky flavor in every bite.
Step 7: Thicken the chowder
Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry, then stir this into the slow cooker. Increase the cooker to high heat and let it cook for another 20 minutes until the chowder thickens perfectly, wrapping every ingredient in velvety creaminess.
Step 8: Serve and enjoy
Ladle the warm chowder into bowls and top generously with extra crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. This final flourish adds not only flavor but also a beautiful color contrast that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Corn Chowder Recipe
Garnishes
To make your chowder truly shine, don’t hold back on garnishes. Extra crumbled bacon adds crunch, shredded cheese melts deliciously for richness, and freshly chopped parsley brightens the whole bowl with fresh color and a slight herbal note. These little touches make every spoonful a delight.
Side Dishes
This chowder is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but pairing it with a crusty bread or warm cornbread makes it even more comforting. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can also balance the creaminess, providing a fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider serving the chowder in small cups or bread bowls. It’s a cozy, inviting way to present this dish that encourages everyone to dig in and enjoy. You could also sprinkle a little smoked paprika or chives on top for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Corn Chowder Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors only deepen as it rests. Just be sure to give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this chowder to enjoy later. Use freezer-safe containers and leave some space at the top for expansion. When frozen correctly, it will stay delicious for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing with toppings like cheese or fresh herbs; add those fresh when reheating and serving.
Reheating
Reheat the chowder gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat it evenly. If it’s too thick, simply add a splash of broth or cream to get back that perfect creamy texture before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs provide a bit more fat and tend to stay juicy and tender, which makes the chowder even richer and more flavorful. It’s a great swap if you prefer dark meat.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream is key to achieving the chowder’s signature creamy texture, but you can substitute with half-and-half or a lighter cream if you prefer. Just note the chowder will be less rich, but still delicious.
Can I make this chowder without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make it on the stovetop by simmering everything together in a large pot. Just cook the chicken thoroughly and gently simmer the chowder until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld nicely.
How spicy is this chowder?
This chowder is mildly spiced. The smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness without heat. If you want some heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce when serving.
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen or canned?
Fresh corn works beautifully during the summer months. Simply cut the kernels off the cob and add them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. It adds a wonderful sweetness and texture to the chowder.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Corn Chowder Recipe is the kind of classic comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you get a rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying meal that everyone will love. I can’t wait for you to make it and share this delicious experience with your loved ones!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Corn Chowder Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Corn Chowder is a comforting, creamy soup loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, sweet corn, and hearty potatoes. Designed for easy preparation in a slow cooker, this chowder combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the richness of heavy cream and delicate seasonings to create a delicious family-friendly meal that’s perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Vegetables
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (300g) frozen or canned corn
Liquids
- 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy cream
Seasonings and Thickeners
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (if needed for thickening)
Garnishes
- Extra crumbled bacon
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. Once cooked, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside for later use.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves to ensure they release maximum flavor into the chowder.
- Layer Chicken in Slow Cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker to serve as the protein base for the chowder.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the diced potatoes, corn, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and dried thyme. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook on Low Heat: Cover and cook the mixture on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to cook through tenderly.
- Alternative High Heat Option: If short on time, cook on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. Either way, ensure the chicken is fully cooked before proceeding.
- Shred the Cooked Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken pieces from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized strands, then return the shredded meat back into the slow cooker pot.
- Add Cream and Bacon: Stir the heavy cream and crumbled bacon into the slow cooker mixture to add richness and smoky flavor to the chowder.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then stir this slurry into the chowder to help thicken it.
- Final Thickening: Cook the chowder on high heat for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chowder into bowls and top each serving with extra crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy Warm: Serve the chowder warm and enjoy its comforting, hearty flavors perfect for any day.
Notes
- For added depth, smoked paprika is optional but recommended.
- If you prefer a thicker chowder, increase cornstarch to 3 tablespoons.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Frozen corn works just as well as canned; no need to thaw before adding.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.
