The aroma of creamy chicken corn chowder wafting through the house on a chilly evening always brings me joy. This incredible Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder simmers to perfection in your slow cooker, combining tender chicken, sweet corn, and crispy bacon for a truly comforting dish. Not only is this chowder a crowd-pleaser that warms the heart, but it also requires minimal hands-on time—perfect for busy weekdays or cozy family dinners. Imagine walking in after a long day to a bowl of rich, creamy goodness waiting for you. What’s your favorite way to enjoy chowder: with crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top?

Why Is This Chowder So Irresistible?

Simplicity at its finest! With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker doing all the work, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to savor.

Rich, Comforting Flavors: Each spoonful bursts with tender chicken, sweet corn, and smoky bacon, creating a flavor symphony.

Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize! Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or top it with avocado for a unique twist.

Time-Saving: Prep in the morning, and let it simmer away while you tackle your day—easy and stress-free!

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: This chowder is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.

Pair it with some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that will have your loved ones raving. With recipes like Napa Chicken Salad to accompany your chowder, you’ll never run out of delicious meals to share!

Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder Ingredients

For the Chowder

Bacon – Adds a crispy, smoky flavor to the chowder; substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter version or omit for a vegetarian option.
Chicken Thighs/Breasts – Provides the dish with protein and richness; boneless, skinless thighs are preferred for tenderness.
Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste for your perfect chowder flavor.
Onion – Contributes aromatic depth; yellow or white onion works best in this cozy recipe.
Corn Kernels – Adds natural sweetness and texture; use fresh when in season, or frozen corn for year-round goodness.
Celery – Brings a delightful crunch and balanced flavor; fresh is preferred, but frozen can work in a pinch.
Carrots – Adds subtle sweetness; fresh carrots are recommended for optimal flavor.
Russet Potato – Provides thickness and heartiness; substitute with Yukon Gold for a creamier chowder.
Fresh/Dried Thyme – Infuses lovely herbal notes; if unavailable, dried thyme is a suitable alternative.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – Serves as the flavorful base liquid; using low-sodium options lets you control saltiness.
Heavy Cream – Creates a rich, creamy texture in the chowder; substitute with whole milk for a lighter version, though it will be less creamy.
Cream-Style Corn – Thickens the chowder and enhances the corn flavor; use gluten-free varieties if needed.
Fresh Parsley/Thyme (Garnish) – Enhances presentation and adds a fresh pop when served.

This Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder is the epitome of comfort food, and with these simple ingredients, you’ll be on your way to creating a heartwarming meal your family will love!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder

Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, fry the chopped bacon until it is crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the drippings in the skillet for added flavor in your Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper. In the same skillet with reserved bacon drippings, brown the chicken over medium heat for about 3 minutes per side until golden. This step enhances the flavor and texture; then, transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
In your slow cooker, combine the diced onion, fresh or frozen corn kernels, celery, carrots, cubed russet potato, and thyme. Stir the mixture well, ensuring everything is evenly distributed. These vibrant veggies will provide a delicious base and delightful bites throughout your Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Add the browned chicken to the slow cooker, layering it over the vegetables. Pour in low-sodium chicken broth until everything is just covered. Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker to HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-6 hours. This slow cooking makes the chicken tender and lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken
After the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. While doing this, grab a ladle and puree about half of the soup directly in the slow cooker using an immersion blender for a creamy, thick consistency, while keeping some texture from the veggies.

Step 6: Stir in the Cream and Corn
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in heavy cream and cream-style corn. Allow the mixture to heat on LOW for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This final step creates the rich and creamy essence of your Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder. Check for seasoning and adjust as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the warm chowder into bowls and top each serving with the crispy bacon you set aside earlier. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for an added touch. This Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder is now ready to bring comfort and joy to your family dinner!

How to Store and Freeze Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder

Room Temperature: Allow the chowder to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It should not be left out for more than 2 hours to avoid bacterial growth.
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much while cooling.
Freezer: Freeze the chowder in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Ensure the containers have some space at the top for expansion.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove until hot. Stir well and add more broth as necessary for the desired consistency in your Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder.

Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder Variations

Feel free to play around with this chowder to make it truly yours!

Vegetarian Delight: Skip the chicken and bacon; add extra veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers for a hearty, plant-based version.
Chowders are versatile, so let the flavors shine through with your favorite vegetables.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a delightful heat that balances the creamy sweetness.
This twist brings a little punch that will warm your heart and excite your taste buds.
Creamy Coconut: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a tropical vibe and a subtly sweet flavor that complements the corn beautifully.
Imagine slurping up a bowl of chowder that transports you to a sunny beach day!
Smoky Barbecue: Incorporate shredded barbecue chicken and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a robust, smoky flavor that hits the spot.
It’s a comforting take that’s perfect for summer evenings, reminding you of backyard cookouts.
Sweet Potato Swap: Replace russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for added sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
Discover a new side of chowder that celebrates the rich flavors of sweet potatoes!
Cheesy Indulgence: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese just before serving for a rich and creamy twist that cheese lovers will adore.
Melted cheese cascading throughout the chowder creates a comforting embrace in every bite!
Herb Infusion: Enhance the fresh flavor by adding cilantro or dill as a garnish, providing an aromatic burst that brightens every bowl.
Fresh herbs can elevate the dish to new heights, inviting aromatic joy with each spoonful!

If you’re looking for more cozy, creamy recipes, try serving this chowder alongside a refreshing Napa Chicken Salad or a delightful Cashew Chicken for a meal that’s bursting with variety and flavor!

What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder

Pair your chowder with delightful sides that enhance its comforting flavors and textures for a complete meal experience.

Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf is perfect for dipping in the creamy chowder and soaking up every delicious drop.
Garden Salad: A fresh green salad brightens the meal, providing a crisp contrast to the rich chowder and balancing flavors beautifully.
Garlic Breadsticks: These buttery, garlicky delights complement the chowder’s richness while offering delightful chewiness.
Cornbread Muffins: Sweet, airy cornbread adds a touch of sweetness and a fun texture that pairs wonderfully with the chowder.
Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted seasonal veggies provide earthy flavors and crispness, making them a hearty side for this cozy dish.
Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp offers a sweet finish to your meal, wrapping up the dinner in a homely fashion.
Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea keeps things light and bright, cleansing the palate between spoonfuls of chowder.
White Wine: A chilled glass of Chardonnay brings fruity notes that enhance the chowder’s flavors while keeping the mood cheerful.
Cheesy Biscuits: Buttery, cheesy biscuits are delightful for sopping up the chowder—who can resist that combination?
Pickles or Relish Platter: Adding tangy pickles or relish can heighten the flavors and bring a zesty balance to the rich chowder.

Make Ahead Options

These Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can chop the vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing for quick assembly when ready to cook. Additionally, you can brown the bacon and chicken up to 24 hours in advance; just refrigerate them until you’re ready to use. When you’re prepared to serve, combine the prepped ingredients in your slow cooker with the broth and cook as directed. This method ensures that your chowder remains just as delicious, with fresh flavors and textures! Enjoy heartwarming comfort with minimal effort on a hectic day.

Expert Tips for Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder

Perfectly Browned Chicken: Always brown your chicken and bacon beforehand for more depth of flavor; it’ll elevate your Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder.
Thickening Made Easy: If you prefer a thicker chowder, simply reduce the amount of broth or add a few potato flakes near the end of cooking.
Blending Convenience: Use a stick blender for easy pureeing of the soup directly in the slow cooker; it saves time and fewer dishes!
Seasoning Sensibilities: Always taste and adjust your seasoning before serving; each ingredient varies based on freshness and type.
Garnish with Freshness: Don’t skip the fresh herbs on top; they not only add flavor but also enhance the presentation of your delicious chowder!

Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe FAQs

What kind of chicken should I use for the chowder?
You can use either boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for this chowder. I prefer thighs for their tenderness and richer flavor, but breasts work just fine as well. Always season them generously with salt and pepper before browning!

How do I store leftover chowder?
To store leftover chowder, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove and add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Can I freeze Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder?
Absolutely! This chowder freezes beautifully. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove.

What if my chowder is too thick or too thin?
If your chowder is too thick, you can add extra broth or water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. For a thinner chowder, simply reduce the cooking time a bit and stir in more broth as it’s heating. Adjust seasonings as needed after making changes!

Is this chowder pet-friendly?
While this chowder is delicious for humans, it’s not suitable for pets! Foods like onions and certain seasonings can be harmful to dogs and cats. It’s best to keep your furry friends away from this dish.

How do I know when the corn is ripe for the chowder?
Look for corn that has bright green husks and plump kernels. If you’re using fresh corn, it should feel firm to the touch, and when you press a kernel, sweet juice should come out. If in doubt, frozen corn is a fantastic alternative year-round!