Nothing beats a warm, creamy homemade corn chowder that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. My slow cooker chicken bacon corn chowder recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks looking for an easy slow cooker soup that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
This hearty chowder combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and sweet corn in a rich, creamy base that will become your new favorite comfort meal. I discovered this recipe during a chilly winter when I needed something quick and satisfying for my family.
With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can transform ordinary weeknight dinners into something truly special. The best part? This homemade corn chowder practically cooks itself, letting you enjoy delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a cozy meal to warm you up, this slow cooker chicken bacon corn chowder recipe is about to become your go-to comfort food solution.
Why I Love Making This Comforting Chicken Bacon Corn Chowder
As a busy home cook, finding weeknight dinner recipes that are both delicious and easy to prepare can be challenging. This slow cooker comfort food has become my ultimate go-to meal for those hectic days when I need something reliable and satisfying.
The Perfect Weeknight Dinner Solution
Slow cooker meals are a game-changer for families looking for easy dinner ideas. I can prep this chowder in just minutes before heading to work, and by the time I return home, a warm and hearty meal awaits. The hands-off cooking method means minimal effort with maximum flavor.
- Requires minimal morning preparation
- Cooks while you’re away
- Ready to serve immediately after work
A Family-Friendly Meal Everyone Enjoys
What makes this recipe truly special is how it brings my family together. The combination of chicken, bacon, and corn creates a comfort food that appeals to both adults and picky eaters. It’s the kind of family-friendly meal that generates smiles around the dinner table.
The creamy texture and rich flavors make this chowder feel like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this recipe never fails to comfort and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Slow Cooker Chowder
Creating the perfect chicken bacon corn chowder starts with gathering the right chowder ingredients. I’ll walk you through everything you need to make this delicious and comforting meal that’ll warm up your entire family.
For the corn chowder recipe ingredients, you’ll want to prepare a mix of fresh and pantry staples. I always recommend selecting high-quality proteins and vegetables to elevate the dish.
- Protein Base:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 6-8 bacon strips, chopped
- Vegetable Components:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Liquid and Creamy Elements:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
When considering what you need for chicken chowder, don’t forget the seasonings! I like to use salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and a touch of paprika to create depth of flavor.
Pro tip: Fresh ingredients make a significant difference. If possible, use thick-cut bacon from your local butcher and fresh corn when in season. For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily swap ingredients – try turkey bacon or coconut cream for alternative versions.
With these ingredients ready, you’re all set to create a delicious slow cooker chowder that’ll become a family favorite!
Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Corn Chowder Recipe
Creating the perfect chicken bacon corn chowder in your slow cooker is easier than you might think. I’ll walk you through the entire process of how to make corn chowder that will become a family favorite. Let’s break down the cooking process step by step to ensure a delicious meal.
Preparing Your Ingredients
Proper preparation is key when cooking chicken chowder. Start by gathering all your ingredients and doing some essential prep work:
- Cook bacon until crispy and chop into small pieces
- Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch chunks
- Dice potatoes into half-inch cubes
- Finely chop onions and mince garlic
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these slow cooker recipe instructions to create a creamy, comforting chowder:
- Layer chicken, potatoes, onions, and garlic in the slow cooker
- Add corn and most of the cooked bacon (save some for topping)
- Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle seasonings
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours
- Create a flour slurry to thicken the chowder
- Stir in heavy cream during the last 30 minutes
Finishing Touches and Serving Suggestions
The final steps of chowder preparation can elevate your dish from good to extraordinary:
- Shred or dice the chicken for easier eating
- Taste and adjust seasonings
- Garnish with reserved bacon bits
I love serving this chowder with some crusty bread or a light salad. The rich, creamy texture and blend of flavors make it a perfect comfort food for any day of the week.
| Cooking Method | Time | Serving Size |
|---|---|---|
| Slow Cooker Low | 6-7 hours | 4-6 servings |
| Slow Cooker High | 3-4 hours | 4-6 servings |
My Best Tips for Making the Creamiest Chowder
Creating the perfect creamy chowder requires some special chowder cooking secrets that I’ve learned through years of kitchen experimentation. These best chowder techniques will transform your slow cooker meal from good to absolutely amazing.
When it comes to how to make thick chowder, the key is all in the preparation. I’ve discovered several creamy chowder tips that can elevate your dish:
- Use heavy cream instead of milk for maximum richness
- Avoid adding dairy too early to prevent curdling
- Mash some potatoes against the slow cooker wall to naturally thicken the chowder
- Layer flavors by sautéing onions and garlic before adding to the slow cooker
My secret weapon for an incredible chowder is choosing the right protein. Chicken thighs work better than breasts because they stay more tender and bring more flavor to the dish. I always recommend resisting the urge to lift the slow cooker lid too often, as this releases heat and extends cooking time.
Flavor enhancement is another crucial aspect of creating a memorable chowder. A pinch of smoked paprika or a bay leaf can transform your dish from ordinary to extraordinary. These small touches are part of my top chowder cooking secrets that make all the difference.
| Technique | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Heavy Cream | Creates richer, creamier texture |
| Potato Mashing | Natural thickening method |
| Chicken Thighs | More moisture and deeper flavor |
Remember, the most important ingredient is your passion for cooking. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own!
Storing and Reheating Your Leftover Corn Chowder
One of the best things about this chicken bacon corn chowder is how wonderfully it stores for chowder meal prep. I’ve discovered that the flavors actually develop and become richer overnight, making your leftovers potentially even more delicious than the first serving.
When storing leftover chowder, I recommend transferring the cooled soup to airtight containers and refrigerating for up to 4 days. For reheating soup, my go-to method is using the stovetop. Warm the chowder over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much in the refrigerator, simply add a splash of chicken broth to restore its creamy consistency.
Freezing corn chowder is possible, though you’ll want to take a few precautions. Store the soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It keeps well for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently. A quick whisk with a touch of fresh cream can help restore the smooth texture if it separates during freezing.
My favorite trick is portioning the chowder into individual containers for quick lunches during busy weeks. This meal prep strategy ensures you’ll always have a comforting, delicious meal ready to enjoy with minimal effort.