Close up of a bowl of creamy chicken corn chowder with visible corn, chicken and bacon bits, garnished with green onions.
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of comforting, flavorful soup, and this Chicken Corn Chowder Pioneer Woman style truly hits the spot. Bursting with sweet summer corn, tender chicken, and a hint of smoky bacon, this creamy chowder is a meal the whole family will love. It’s perfectly rich without being too heavy, making it ideal for any time of year, especially when you want to use fresh, seasonal corn. And the best part? You can have this hearty, homemade soup on the table in under an hour!
Why This Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe Works
This isn’t just any chicken corn chowder recipe; it’s crafted for maximum flavor and that satisfying, homemade goodness you expect from Pioneer Woman style cooking. What makes it so special?
- Flavorful Base: The recipe starts with a roux made with butter and bacon grease. This combination creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. The bacon is key – it infuses the entire chowder with a subtle smokiness that elevates it from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Perfectly Creamy Texture: Achieving the right creamy texture without being overly heavy is crucial. This recipe balances richness with a lightness that makes it enjoyable even in warmer months.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh summer corn is highly recommended when it’s in season, but frozen or canned corn works beautifully too. The quality of ingredients shines through in every spoonful.
- Quick and Easy: Despite its incredible flavor, this chicken corn chowder is surprisingly simple and quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch.
- Family-Friendly: This chowder is designed to please even picky eaters. The combination of familiar flavors like chicken, corn, and bacon is always a winner.
If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful soup that embodies the spirit of home-style cooking, this Chicken Corn Chowder Pioneer Woman inspired recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a step up from your average soup, delivering a comforting and delicious meal that will become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Chowder
Overhead shot of chicken corn chowder ingredients including diced bacon, chicken broth, diced potatoes, shredded chicken, and spices laid out on a wooden surface.
To make this amazing chicken corn chowder, gather these key ingredients. Don’t worry, many are pantry staples!
- Bacon: The foundation of our flavor! You’ll need 6 strips of uncooked bacon, cut into pieces. This renders down to create that flavorful bacon grease we’ll cook our vegetables in.
- Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and helps create the roux.
- Onion and Red Pepper: These vegetables form the aromatic base of the chowder. Diced yellow onion and red bell pepper provide sweetness and depth.
- Jalapeño: For a touch of mild heat and flavor. Remove the seeds and ribs if you prefer less spice.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds that essential savory note.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is used to create the roux, thickening the chowder to the perfect creamy consistency.
- Spices: A blend of table salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dry ground mustard creates a complex and savory flavor profile. The smoked paprika is especially important for that hint of smokiness.
- Chicken Broth: The liquid base of the soup. Use good quality chicken broth for the best flavor.
- Water (or more Chicken Broth): To adjust the consistency and deepen the chicken flavor, you can use water or additional chicken broth.
- Milk and Heavy Cream: These dairy components are essential for the creamy texture of the chowder. Whole milk and heavy cream provide the perfect balance of richness.
- Gold Potatoes: Diced gold potatoes add heartiness and a creamy texture as they cook. You don’t need to peel them, making prep easier!
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast (or a mix of breast and thighs) provides protein and substance.
- Sweet Corn: Fresh summer corn is ideal, but frozen or canned sweet corn works perfectly too.
- Optional Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Bacon crumbles, green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, corn chips, or crackers all complement the chowder beautifully.
Step-by-Step Guide to Homemade Chicken Corn Chowder
Collage of four images showing the steps to make chicken corn chowder: cooking bacon, sautéing vegetables in bacon grease, adding garlic and flour, and pouring in chicken broth.
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Chicken Corn Chowder Pioneer Woman style:
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon grease in the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Drain off all but about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease from the pot. Add the butter to the pot and let it melt. Add the diced onion, red pepper, and jalapeño to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir until fully absorbed. Cook for another 30 seconds to lightly toast the flour, creating the roux.
- Add Seasonings and Chicken Broth: Stir in the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dry ground mustard. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until completely combined and smooth, ensuring no lumps from the roux.
Collage of four images showing the next steps to make chicken corn chowder: adding remaining ingredients to the broth, boiling the soup, removing and shredding the chicken, and pureeing half the soup with an immersion blender.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer: Add the water (or additional chicken broth), milk, heavy cream, diced potatoes, chicken breast, and corn to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred or dice it. Set aside and keep warm.
- Puree Part of the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree approximately half of the soup directly in the pot. This step is key to achieving that creamy texture while still keeping some chunks of vegetables and chicken. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer half of the soup to a regular blender in batches.
- Combine and Finish: Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the reserved bacon (or save it for topping to keep it crispy). Taste the chowder and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Chicken Corn Chowder Pioneer Woman style into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as crispy bacon crumbles, green onions, or shredded cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Chicken Corn Chowder
A close up bowl of chicken corn chowder showing the creamy texture, corn kernels, potato chunks and bacon bits, garnished with fresh scallions.
To ensure your Chicken Corn Chowder Pioneer Woman recipe is a success, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Don’t Skip the Bacon: The bacon is essential for flavor. If you must omit it, use 5 tablespoons of butter instead of 3 to maintain richness, but the smoky bacon flavor will be missed.
- Fresh Corn is Best (When Available): While frozen and canned corn work, fresh summer corn will provide the sweetest and most vibrant flavor.
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thinner chowder, add a bit more chicken broth or milk. For a thicker chowder, puree a bit more of the soup.
- Make it Ahead: Chicken corn chowder is often even more flavorful the next day. Make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
- Crispy Bacon Topping: To keep your bacon crispy, serve it as a topping rather than stirring it all into the soup. This way, you get that satisfying crunch with every bite.
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit more heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen corn for chicken corn chowder?
Yes, absolutely! Frozen sweet corn is a great option and can be added directly to the soup without thawing.
What toppings go well with chicken corn chowder?
The possibilities are endless! Classic toppings include crispy bacon crumbles, chopped green onions or scallions, shredded cheddar cheese, oyster crackers, corn chips, a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of hot sauce for those who like a kick.
Is it possible to make chicken corn chowder vegetarian?
While bacon and chicken are key components of this recipe, you could adapt it. Omit the bacon and chicken, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and consider adding other vegetables like diced carrots or celery for added flavor and texture. You might also consider adding a vegetarian “bacon” substitute for smoky flavor.
How should I store leftover chicken corn chowder?
Store leftover chicken corn chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I freeze chicken corn chowder?
Freezing cream-based soups isn’t generally recommended as the dairy can sometimes separate upon thawing, affecting the texture. For the best quality, enjoy your chowder fresh or within a few days of making it.
Overhead view of two bowls of chicken corn chowder topped with bacon and green onions, served and ready to eat.
This Chicken Corn Chowder Pioneer Woman inspired recipe is more than just a soup; it’s a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of homemade goodness that will warm you from the inside out. Enjoy!
Recipe adapted from Sugarspunrun.com and inspired by home-style cooking traditions.
