Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder
I first made this Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder on a rainy weeknight and it immediately became the kind of dinner my whole family asks for again and again. It’s a cozy, thick soup with tender shredded chicken, sweet corn, and soft potatoes — all hands-off in the slow cooker. If you want a low-fuss, crowd-pleasing comfort meal that stores and reheats well, this is a perfect choice. For a very similar take with extra tips, check this crockpot chicken corn chowder guide I often reference when testing timing and textures.
Why you’ll love this dish
This chowder is the kind of recipe that balances convenience and comfort. Throw in cooked chicken and pantry staples, set the slow cooker, and come back to a bowl that tastes like you simmered it for hours. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and flexible — use leftover roast chicken, frozen corn, or whatever spuds you have. It’s equally good for weeknight dinners, casual potlucks, or a simple Sunday supper.
“A true weeknight lifesaver — rich, creamy, and easy to customize. My kids ask for seconds every time.” — home cook review
If you want alternatives or smaller-batch ideas, this other crockpot recipe has a few tweaks that can spark ideas.
Step-by-step overview
This is an easy slow-cooker process, summarized so you know what to expect:
- Combine shredded cooked chicken, corn, diced potatoes, and onion in the crockpot.
- Add chicken broth, seasonings, and enough liquid to just cover the vegetables.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours (or high for 3–4) until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream about 30 minutes before serving to warm through and finish the chowder.
- Adjust salt and pepper, ladle into bowls, and garnish.
This order keeps the cream from breaking and allows the flavors to meld without overcooking the chicken.
What you’ll need
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover roast works great)
- 2 cups sweet corn (frozen, canned, or fresh)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or russet)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Notes and substitutions:
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter chowder, or use evaporated milk if you plan to freeze.
- For a thicker chowder, mash a cup of the cooked potatoes against the side of the crockpot before adding cream.
- Use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, or add a strip of cooked bacon as a garnish for a smoky note.
Step-by-step instructions
- Add the shredded chicken, corn, diced potatoes, and diced onion to the slow cooker. Spread ingredients evenly so they cook consistently.
- Pour in the chicken broth until it just covers the vegetables. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and paprika, then season with salt and pepper. Give it a gentle stir.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours. The chowder is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream. Let it warm through on low so the cream doesn’t curdle. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. If you want it thicker, mash a few potato pieces or simmer with the lid slightly off for a short time.
- Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Best ways to enjoy it
- Serve with crusty bread or cheddar-topped biscuits to soak up the broth.
- Top bowls with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, or a squeeze of lime for brightness.
- Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a full meal.
- For a Tex-Mex spin, add chopped jalapeño and finish with cilantro and a drizzle of crema; see more pairing ideas in this street corn rice bowl inspiration.
Presentation tip: ladle into wide bowls and sprinkle a small handful of chopped parsley or chives to add color and freshness.
Storage and reheating tips
- Cool quickly and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Store in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days.
- To freeze: leave out the heavy cream and freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Cream can separate when frozen, so add fresh cream when reheating.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add cream at the end and never boil once cream is added to avoid breaking.
- Always reheat until the soup reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Pro chef tips
- Use cooked, shredded chicken to keep cooking times consistent and prevent the meat from drying out. If you prefer to start with raw chicken, use boneless skinless thighs and increase cook time; ensure internal temperature hits 165°F.
- Choose Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture or russets for a fluffier body. Dicing potatoes evenly (about 1/2-inch cubes) guarantees they cook through at the same time.
- Hold the cream until the end — adding it too early can lead to separation or curdling in the slow cooker.
- If you like a slightly thicker chowder without extra cream, mash a cup of cooked potatoes into the broth before adding cream.
- Taste and adjust salt at the end: slow-cooked dishes can concentrate flavors, so a final seasoning check is important.
Creative twists
- Bacon & cheddar: Crisp bacon and shredded sharp cheddar make this a richer, indulgent chowder.
- Mexican-style: Add cumin, chopped jalapeño, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime; swap half the cream for a little crema.
- Vegetarian: Omit chicken, use vegetable broth, and add extra beans or roasted cauliflower for protein.
- Coconut curry: Replace cream with coconut milk and stir in a teaspoon of curry powder and a pinch of turmeric for a warm, exotic spin.
- Low-carb: Replace potatoes with diced cauliflower for a lighter, low-carb chowder.
Your questions answered
Q: Can I use raw chicken in the slow cooker?
A: Yes. If using raw boneless chicken, add it with the vegetables and increase cook time to ensure it reaches 165°F. Shred the chicken and return it to the pot before adding cream. Dark meat (thighs) stays more tender than breast when slow-cooked.
Q: Can I swap heavy cream for milk or half-and-half?
A: Half-and-half or whole milk can work, but the chowder will be thinner and less rich. For freezing, evaporated milk performs better than fresh cream to reduce separation.
Q: How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
A: Hands-on prep is about 10–15 minutes to dice potatoes and onion and shred chicken. Cook time is 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high.
Q: Will the corn lose texture in the slow cooker?
A: Frozen and canned corn hold up well. Fresh corn is delicious but can soften more; for firmer kernels, add fresh corn in the last hour of cooking.
Q: Is it safe to freeze chowder with dairy?
A: Dairy can separate when frozen. For best results, freeze without the cream and add fresh cream when reheating.
Conclusion
If you want a dependable, comforting dinner that’s mostly hands-off, this Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder is a great go-to. For another similar slow-cooker approach with helpful photos and variations, see this Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder guide. If you’d like a slightly different recipe with extra flavor twists and serving ideas, this Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder – Corn Chowder with Chicken walkthrough is a useful reference.
Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder – Creme De La Crumb
Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder – Corn Chowder with Chicken
Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken Rotisserie or leftover roast works great
- 2 cups sweet corn Frozen, canned, or fresh
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced Yukon Gold or russet
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- for garnish Fresh parsley Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Add the shredded chicken, corn, diced potatoes, and diced onion to the slow cooker. Spread ingredients evenly.
- Pour in the chicken broth until it just covers the vegetables. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and paprika, season with salt and pepper, and stir gently.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and let it warm through on low.
- Adjust salt and pepper, ladle into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
