If you’re on the hunt for a supremely comforting, flavor-packed meal to warm your soul (and fill hungry tummies), Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder answers every craving. This hearty chowder is brimming with tender chicken, sweet corn, and colorful veggies in a luxuriously creamy broth, all gently simmered in the slow cooker. It’s ridiculously easy to toss together and will have your kitchen smelling irresistible by dinnertime—a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home!

Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients, each bringing something essential to the table—whether it’s body, flavor, creaminess, or crunch. Don’t skip these, because every element plays a starring role in creating the perfect bowl!

Chicken breasts or thighs: Lean protein that becomes incredibly tender as it simmers, soaking up all the luscious flavors in the chowder.
Frozen corn kernels: Adds wonderful bursts of sweetness and a beautiful pop of yellow that makes every spoonful shine.
Potatoes: Peeled and diced, these bring hearty texture and natural creaminess as they break down a bit during cooking.
Celery: Sliced for a gentle crunch and subtle earthiness, celery brightens up the rich flavors.
Carrots: Chopped carrots not only lend gorgeous color but also a touch of natural sweetness.
Onion: When cooked slowly, onion melts into the base, lending an irresistible sweetness and depth.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Creates a savory, flavorful backdrop that lets every ingredient shine without being too salty.
Garlic powder: Infuses mellow garlicky notes throughout, especially handy for shortcuts on busy days.
Smoked paprika: This subtle, smoky seasoning gives chowder that special something, with a gentle warmth.
Dried thyme: Just the right herby freshness to lift the flavors and tie everything together.
Salt and black pepper: Classic seasonings to taste, making sure every ingredient’s flavor pops.
Half-and-half or heavy cream: Swirls in at the end for ultimate creaminess and that comforting, silky texture.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the broth for added richness and a hint of sharpness.
All-purpose flour (optional): Whisked in to thicken your chowder to your ideal creaminess.
Fresh parsley or chives: Sprinkled over the top as a vibrant, herby finish that wakes up each bowl!

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder

Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients

Begin by placing the chicken, corn, potatoes, celery, carrots, and onion straight into your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle the garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, plus a generous pinch of salt and pepper right over the top. Give everything a quick mix just to combine—the beauty is that it’s minimal prep with maximum flavor development as it cooks.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This hands-off cooking time is when the magic happens: the chicken gets irresistibly tender, all the veggies soften and meld, and every ingredient has time to mingle for that cozy, homestyle flavor Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder is known for.

Step 3: Shred Chicken and Build Creaminess

Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the vegetables are perfectly tender, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces—this goes surprisingly fast since the chicken should just pull apart. Return the chicken back to the chowder so every bite gets some tender meat in the mix.

Step 4: Thicken and Enrich

In a small bowl, whisk the flour into the half-and-half (or heavy cream) until you have a totally smooth mixture—no lumps allowed. Pour this into the slow cooker, then add your shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it all together, switch your slow cooker to high, and let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. This is where your chowder transforms—thickening up into a rich, creamy soup with cheesy, velvety goodness throughout.

Step 5: Season and Garnish

Taste your chowder and adjust salt and pepper if needed (sometimes a final pinch does wonders). Just before serving, sprinkle each bowl with a generous shower of fresh parsley or chives for that vibrant, fresh lift. Now your Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder is ready to ladle up and savor!

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder

Garnishes

The perfect final flourish comes from topping your chowder with fresh chopped parsley or chives. If you’re feeling indulgent, add a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, or a few crispy bacon bits to take each bowl over the top. Don’t be afraid to mix and match—garnishes add color, personality, and an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder is a stand-alone star, but it also plays nicely with a few simple sides. Try serving it with a warm, crusty baguette for dunking, buttery garlic bread, or even homemade biscuits. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette works beautifully to balance the chowder’s richness, or add a simple side of roasted veggies if you’re looking for an extra nutrient boost.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or fun weeknight dinners, ladle your chowder into hollowed-out bread bowls—bonus points for a sprinkle of extra cheese right on top! You can also serve in vibrant, colorful soup mugs, or offer a build-your-own topping station so everyone can customize their bowl with all the fixings. For lunch gatherings, mini cups of chowder make a cozy and unexpected appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder stores beautifully. Let the chowder cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually become even richer as they sit, so leftovers make an incredible next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

This chowder also freezes well, though keep in mind that creamy soups may separate a bit upon thawing. For best results, cool the chowder first, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If you want a slightly fresher texture, freeze before adding the cream and cheese, then finish those ingredients when reheating.

Reheating

For a quick meal, reheat your chowder on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout. If it’s too thick, just add a splash of broth or milk to loosen. For single servings, the microwave works great too—heat in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until steaming and ready to enjoy.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Absolutely! If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, just add it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking so it doesn’t overcook. This is a wonderful shortcut and makes Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder come together even faster.

Is it possible to make this chowder dairy-free?

Yes—simply swap the half-and-half or cream for a dairy-free alternative like full-fat coconut milk or a plain, unsweetened nut milk. Omit or substitute the cheddar cheese as well, or try a dairy-free shredded cheese blend if you want that creamy finish.

Can I make Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder vegetarian?

You sure can! Leave out the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To boost the protein, add canned white beans, diced tofu, or more veggies like bell peppers and zucchini.

How can I make the soup thicker?

If you want an even creamier chowder, increase the flour to 3 tablespoons or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water. For a rustic texture, blend part of the cooked chowder with an immersion blender before stirring in the cream.

What’s the best way to spice up this chowder?

If you love a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the seasonings. Alternatively, try stirring in a spoonful of diced green chilies, or go all out with a swirl of hot sauce at serving time.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t made Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder before, now’s the perfect time to let your slow cooker do the work and treat yourself to a big bowl of cozy comfort. Once you taste that golden, creamy broth bursting with sweet corn and tender chicken, you’ll see why this recipe is a year-round favorite in my kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it—here’s to easy dinners and happy bellies!

Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and creamy chicken corn chowder cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, making it an easy and delicious meal for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Corn Chowder:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
3 cups frozen corn kernels
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 carrots, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste

For Creaminess and Garnish:

1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Chowder: Place chicken, corn, potatoes, celery, carrots, onion, chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
Add Creaminess: In a small bowl, whisk the flour into the half-and-half or cream until smooth, then stir it into the chowder along with the cheddar cheese.
Final Cooking: Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chowder thickens.
Adjust and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives before serving.

Notes

For a smoky twist, add cooked crumbled bacon before serving.
You can also blend a cup of the chowder with an immersion blender before adding the cream for a creamier texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American