Name: Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-497198H9M16S
Total time: PT-497198H9M16S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 lb. red potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes; 2 large carrots, sliced; 2 celery ribs, sliced; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups corn, fresh or frozen; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or homemade bone broth); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon fine salt + more to taste; 3 tablespoons cornstarch (optional; may substitute ¼ cup arrowroot starch); ½ cup heavy cream; 4 strips crispy-cooked bacon, crumbled; 1 tablespoon butter, ghee, or cooking oil of choice (for the Instant Pot version only)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 10 reviews

If you're craving comfort in a bowl, this Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Bacon Recipe is an absolute must-try. It perfectly balances tender chicken, sweet corn, and crispy bacon in a luscious, creamy broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you make it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, each spoonful bursts with layered flavors and textures, making it a guaranteed family favorite. This chowder isn't just soup—it's a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special.

Ingredients You'll Need

Inside a black slow cooker, there are six visible layers of ingredients arranged side by side. Starting from the top left, there are round, orange carrot slices with a smooth texture. Next to the carrots, there are light green celery pieces cut in small chunks. To the right of the celery, bright yellow sweet corn kernels are placed. Below the corn, finely chopped white onions create a small mound. Next to the onions, white garlic pieces are finely minced. At the bottom left, there are white potato cubes with some red skin on them. At the center, raw pieces of light pink chicken with seasoning sprinkled on top are placed. The inside of the cooker creates contrast with the colorful vegetables. The surface under the cooker has a clean white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, but each plays an essential role in building the rich taste, velvety texture, and beautiful color of this chowder. From hearty potatoes to aromatic herbs, every component contributes deliciously.

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Provides tender, juicy protein that forms the chowder’s satisfying base.
1 tablespoon butter, ghee, or cooking oil: Adds a delicious richness and helps soften the vegetables during sautéing.
1 lb. red potatoes, cubed: Brings a creamy, starchy body to the soup, helping it thicken naturally.
2 large carrots, sliced: Offers subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
2 celery ribs, sliced: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery crunch that brightens the flavors.
1 medium yellow onion, diced: Builds a savory foundation and depth of flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a gentle warmth and fragrant aroma.
2 cups corn, fresh or frozen: Sweet bursts of corn are essential to the chowder’s signature taste.
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Creates the flavorful liquid base without overpowering the other ingredients.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthiness that complements the chicken perfectly.
1 teaspoon dried parsley: Enhances freshness and a hint of herbaceous brightness.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides gentle heat and balance.
½ teaspoon fine salt + more to taste: Brings all the flavors together, seasoning thoughtfully.
3 tablespoons cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the chowder into a creamy, spoon-coating consistency.
½ cup heavy cream: Delivers the luscious, velvety finish that makes this soup feel indulgent.
4 strips crispy-cooked bacon, crumbled: The crowning touch of smoky, crispy goodness that elevates every bite.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces and chopping the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion into uniform chunks. Mince the garlic and crumble your bacon until it's perfectly crisp. Having everything prepped ensures a smooth cooking process and even cooking.

Step 2: Build the Base in Your Cooker

Whether you're using a slow cooker or Instant Pot, place the chicken, vegetables, corn, and herbs into the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, then season with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. This combination will create a fragrant, hearty base that infuses the chowder with rich flavor as it cooks.

Step 3: Cook Until Tender and Delicious

If you're going the slow cooker route, cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. For Instant Pot lovers, cook at high pressure for 15 minutes with a natural release. Either way, you’ll end up with tender chicken and perfectly softened veggies building a satisfying texture.

Step 4: Thicken the Chowder

Whisk cornstarch with some water until smooth and stir this slurry into the hot soup. Heat it further until the chowder thickens slightly, creating that signature creamy mouthfeel you expect. This step makes your chowder feel indulgent and comforting without being heavy.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Crispy Bacon

Turn off the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream and crumbled bacon. The cream adds the coveted richness, while the bacon provides smoky bursts that contrast beautifully with the sweet corn and tender chicken.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Bacon Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy soup that has three main layers visible: the base is thick and white with a smooth texture, the middle layer contains small pieces of yellow corn, orange carrots, and light green celery, and the top layer has crispy brown bacon bits and fresh green herbs sprinkled evenly. The soup's surface shows some black pepper specks adding small dark spots. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a few small green herb sprigs around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a lovely pop of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh thyme leaves on top just before serving. A few extra crumbles of crispy bacon scattered over the chowder make it even more inviting. These simple touches add texture and a hint of vibrancy.

Side Dishes

This chowder loves company from warm, crusty bread or buttery cornbread for dipping. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs wonderfully, clearing the palate between rich spoonfuls. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or simple steamed greens for added balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your chowder in rustic bread bowls for a cozy presentation that doubles as a delicious edible vessel. Or ladle it into individual ceramic mugs for a charming, casual vibe. Garnish with a celery leaf or a swirl of cream to make your guests feel truly special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover chowder in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making each serving even better. Just be sure to cool the soup before storing to maintain freshness.

Freezing

This Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Bacon Recipe freezes well for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and leave some room for expansion. Avoid adding cream before freezing—stir it in fresh when reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Once warm, stir in the cream and sprinkle with crispy bacon to restore the chowder’s signature creaminess and smoky crunch.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and richness to the chowder. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. The chowder will still be creamy and delicious, but the flavor will have a slight twist.

Is it possible to add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, peas, or even some chopped spinach near the end of cooking for extra nutrition and color.

How do I make the chowder thicker without cornstarch?

You can mash a few of the cooked potatoes in the chowder to naturally thicken it or use arrowroot starch as a great alternative to cornstarch.

Can I prepare this chowder on the stovetop?

Yes! Simply sauté the veggies and chicken in a large pot, add the broth and seasonings, and simmer until everything is tender. Finish by adding the thickener, cream, and bacon as directed.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming about a bowl of this Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Bacon Recipe. It's simple to make, full of delightful textures and flavors, and perfect for feeding both family and friends any day of the week. Once you try it, this chowder will quickly climb to the top of your comfort food favorites list. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some delicious memories!

Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Bacon Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need