If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: the Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Roasted Corn and Spiced Vegetables Recipe. This chowder brings together tender chicken, dual corn textures, and a melody of spices that elevate every spoonful. Rich, velvety, and packed with vibrant flavors, it’s the kind of dish that satisfies your soul and keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe blends simple ingredients with big, cozy flavors in the coziest way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Roasted Corn and Spiced Vegetables Recipe is all about grabbing straightforward, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the sweet kick of roasted corn to the gentle creaminess that ties it all together, every item on the list is essential for creating that layered, luscious taste and vibrant color you want in your chowder.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables for a flavorful base.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Balances the butter with a subtle fruity note and keeps the sauté gentle.
- Red Bell Pepper (2 medium, diced): Brings bright sweetness and a pop of color.
- Jalapeno Pepper (2 medium, finely diced): Adds a mild spicy warmth without overpowering.
- Green Onions (8 large, sliced and divided): The white and pale green parts create depth in the base, while dark greens finish the dish beautifully.
- Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced): Infuses the chowder with that unmistakable, savory foundation.
- Cumin, Ground Coriander & Smoked Paprika (1 ½ tsp each): These spices add a smoky, earthy complexity that makes the chowder irresistible.
- All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup): Thickens the chowder to that perfect creamy consistency.
- Unsalted Chicken Stock (4 cups): The flavorful liquid base that holds everything together.
- Russet Potatoes (3 medium, cubed): Provide comforting bite and help thicken the chowder naturally.
- Cooked Chicken (16 ounces, diced or shredded): A hearty protein that makes this chowder a filling meal.
- Creamed Corn (1 can, do not drain): Offers smooth sweetness and silkiness.
- Roasted Corn (1 can, drained): Adds texture and a toasty flavor contrast.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup, or more to taste): The finishing touch that turns the chowder irresistibly lux.
- Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Season to taste and enhance all those rich flavors.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Roasted Corn and Spiced Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Seasonings
Begin by warming the unsalted butter along with olive oil in your large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced red bell peppers, jalapenos, and the white and pale green parts of the green onions. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and start to release their fragrant sweetness. Right after, add the minced garlic along with cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. Stir these spices in quickly, letting their aroma bloom for around 30 seconds to a minute. This step sets a beautifully spicy and aromatic foundation for the chowder.
Step 2: Add Flour and Pour in Chicken Stock
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes. This helps cook out the raw flour taste and starts to thicken the base. Then, slowly whisk in the chicken stock bit by bit, ensuring no lumps form, creating a smooth and velvety liquid base. This step is where the chowder begins to take on its creamy texture and comforting body.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the peeled, diced potatoes to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then drop the heat to maintain a rapid simmer. Cover the pot and cook until the potatoes are almost fork tender, which usually takes about 8 to 12 minutes. Be careful not to overcook since they will continue softening in later steps; aim for a tender-but-still-firm texture here.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Corn
Remove the lid and gently fold in the diced cooked chicken alongside both the creamed and roasted corn. Bring the chowder back to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat to maintain it steadily. Stir occasionally, allowing the chicken and corn to heat through thoroughly—about 4 to 5 minutes. At this point, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, ensuring every bite has the right balance.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Finish with Green Onions
Lastly, reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to meld all the elements together. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the potatoes are soft and the chowder is deliciously heated through. Stir in the dark green tops of the green onions for a bit of freshness and a lovely splash of color. Taste once more, adjusting salt, pepper, or creaminess to your preference. Now your Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Roasted Corn and Spiced Vegetables Recipe is ready to be served!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Roasted Corn and Spiced Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this chowder is where the fun and flavor really bloom. A sprinkle of freshly grated sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melts deliciously on top, while crispy cooked bacon offers a savory crunch. Bright notes from chopped cilantro or parsley add freshness, and a squeeze of lime can elevate the flavors with a zesty finish. For an extra touch of spice, drizzle a little hot sauce or add homemade tortilla strips for crunch. These garnishes turn every bowl into a bowl of pure joy.
Side Dishes
While the chowder itself is wonderfully hearty, pairing it with crusty artisan bread or garlic-infused breadsticks makes for a perfectly complete meal. A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can balance the richness, adding lightness to your dining experience. Cornbread pairs beautifully too, enhancing the corn flavor theme and making it a truly comforting Southern-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve your Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Roasted Corn and Spiced Vegetables Recipe in rustic, wide bowls topped generously with your favorite garnishes. You can even hollow out mini bread bowls, pouring the chowder inside for a charming presentation that doubles as an edible serving vessel. Another idea is to offer a toppings bar so guests can customize their soup bowls, making the meal interactive and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This chowder keeps amazingly well and actually tastes even more harmonious the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the chowder completely before sealing to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
Because of the cream and potatoes, this chowder freezes best when slightly undercooked, especially the potatoes. Freeze in individual portions in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat your stored chowder, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the soup has thickened too much during storage, stir in a splash of chicken stock or cream to restore that smooth, creamy texture. Avoid high heat to keep the chicken tender and the flavors balanced.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works just as well and adds a fresh, sweet crunch. Just thaw and drain the frozen corn before adding it to the chowder to avoid excess water diluting the flavor.
What type of chicken is best for this chowder?
Cooked chicken breast or thigh, diced or shredded, both work wonderfully. Leftover roast chicken is a great shortcut, but freshly cooked chicken poached in stock also imparts extra moisture and flavor.
Can I make this chowder vegetarian?
You can! Swap the chicken stock for vegetable broth and skip the chicken or replace it with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or white beans. This chowder still tastes rich and satisfying without meat.
Is it possible to make this chowder dairy-free?
Yes, just substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Use vegan butter and skip cheese garnishes to keep it fully dairy-free without sacrificing creaminess.
How spicy is the chowder with jalapeno included?
The jalapeno adds a gentle warmth and brightness, but the heat is mild and balanced by the creamy base. You can reduce or omit the jalapeno if you prefer little to no spice, or add extra if you like more kick.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Roasted Corn and Spiced Vegetables Recipe that makes it feel like a perfect hug in a bowl. It’s approachable, flavorful, and endlessly comforting, making it a must-have recipe in your kitchen for any season. Give it a try and watch it become one of your cherished go-to meals for cozy evenings, gatherings, or whenever you just want a little soulful goodness on your plate.
PrintCreamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Roasted Corn and Spiced Vegetables Recipe
This comforting Chicken Corn Chowder features tender chicken, sweet corn, and creamy potatoes in a flavorful spiced broth. Perfectly seasoned with cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika, it’s a hearty American-style soup that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Garnished with fresh green onions and optional toppings like cheese, bacon, and tortilla strips, this chowder makes a delicious meal any time of year.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 medium Red Bell Peppers, seeded and small diced (about heaping 1 ¾ cups)
- 2 medium Jalapeno Peppers, seeded, ribbed & finely diced (scant ½ cup)
- 8 large Green Onions, thinly sliced and divided (white & pale green parts for cooking, dark green for garnish)
- 2–3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons each: Cumin, Ground Coriander, and Smoked Paprika
- ¼ cup All Purpose Flour, spooned and leveled
- 4 cups Unsalted Chicken Stock
- 3 medium Russet Potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch bite-sized chunks (5 ½ – 6 ½ cups)
- 16 ounces Cooked Chicken, diced or shredded (about 3 cups)
- 1 (14 ounce) Can Creamed Corn (do not drain)
- 1 (14 ounce) Can Roasted Corn, drained
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or more to taste)
- Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Freshly Grated Cheese (Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or Monterey Jack)
- Cooked Bacon
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Lime Wedges
- Hot Sauce
- Homemade Tortilla Strips (recipe below)
Homemade Tortilla Strips
- Corn Tortillas, cut into thin strips
- Vegetable Oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables and Add Seasonings: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red bell peppers, jalapeno, and the white and pale green parts of the green onions. Season with 1 ¼ teaspoons salt and a heaping ½ teaspoon pepper. Sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Flour, then Stock: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables. Cook, stirring continuously, for 2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in the chicken stock while whisking constantly to create a smooth soup base.
- Add Potatoes: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the cubed potatoes. Bring the soup to a boil, then immediately reduce to a rapid simmer. Cover and cook until potatoes are almost fork tender, about 8-12 minutes. Avoid overcooking as cooking continues in later steps.
- Add Chicken and Corn: Uncover the pot and stir in the cooked chicken along with both the creamed and roasted corn. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to maintain that simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 4-5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Cream and Green Onions: Lower the heat to medium-low, then stir in the heavy cream. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the potatoes are fully tender and the chowder is heated through. Stir in the remaining dark green parts of the green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For a creamier chowder, add additional heavy cream or half-and-half if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with your choice of freshly grated cheese, cooked bacon, cilantro, parsley, lime wedges, hot sauce, or homemade tortilla strips. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Homemade Tortilla Strips: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the tortilla strips in batches. Cook, flipping once, for 1 ½ to 2 minutes or until strips are golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and season generously with flaky salt while still warm.
Notes
- Cut potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- To prep potatoes ahead, store peeled and cubed potatoes in cold water with 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar per 2 cups water to prevent browning. They will keep up to 24 hours without rinsing before using.
- Do not overcook potatoes during initial simmer; cooking continues after adding chicken and cream.
- Homemade tortilla strips add a delicious crunch to the chowder.
- Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and exact measurements used.
