Best Corn Chowder Recipe – Creamy and Hearty Comfort Food

Are you looking for the Best Corn Chowder Recipe to enjoy on a chilly day? This easy corn chowder recipe brings warmth, creaminess, and incredible flavors. It’s a perfect blend of sweet corn, tender vegetables, and comforting creaminess that feels like a hug in a bowl. This chowder isn’t just delicious—it carries a touch of nostalgia that makes it extra special. I remember making this with my family during long winter nights, with the smell of corn filling the kitchen and everyone gathering around the table eagerly waiting to dig in. Food has a way of bringing people together, and this potato corn chowder is no exception.

User Testimonials

Don’t just take my word for it! Here are some thoughts from those who’ve tried it:

“This looks amazing and so comforting, especially in this chilly weather!” – Jessy @ The Life Jolie

“Made this soup today. I really enjoyed it!” – Jessica

“I tried this last night! It was absolutely delicious and even my ten year old twins loved it. They said it was one of the best things I have ever made. So easy, it only took 30 minutes from start to finish! This is definitely going to be a standard in my house! Good enough to serve to company and so hearty it fills you right up! I served it with dinner rolls and it was perfect. Thanks for the recipe!!” – Maria

“This looks wonderful and I appreciate that it is easy to prepare. I’ll be featuring your recipe this Friday for ‘Best of the Weekend.’” – Paula @ SweetPea

“Would love to add this to my usual thanksgiving feast but there is just never enough time to add a chowder on top of everything else…well…enough time but not enough counter space. I will be trying out this recipe on other occasions though. Great cold day meal.” – Allen Gibson

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pro Tip: When selecting corn, use fresh kernels for the best flavor, but frozen or even canned corn can save time while still delivering great results.

• 3 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
• 1 cup diced cooked chicken (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make the Best Corn Chowder Recipe

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Pro Tip: Prepare all your ingredients before starting to cook. This will make the cooking process smoother, and you’ll be able to focus on each step without scrambling to chop or measure.

Sauté the Aromatics:

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.

Cook the Vegetables:

Stir in the diced potatoes and corn. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the Broth:

Pour in the chicken stock or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender (about 15 minutes).

Blend for Creaminess:

Using an immersion blender, blend a portion of the chowder directly in the pot to achieve the desired creaminess. Alternatively, transfer a couple of cups of chowder to a blender and puree before returning to the pot.

Add Cream and Chicken:

Stir in the heavy cream and diced cooked chicken (if using). Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

Season and Serve:

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Corn Chowder Recipe

Pro Tip: Don’t overblend. Blending just a part of the chowder helps maintain the balance between creamy and chunky, adding to the texture that comforts this dish.

Fresh Corn vs. Frozen Corn:

For the best flavor, use fresh corn when it’s in season.

Frozen corn works perfectly well, especially during the winter months. 

It is common to use corn kernels and stripped cobs to make corn chowder. 

Simmering corn cobs in the soup creates a flavorful corn stock. 

If you’re using frozen corn, thaw it first before using it in the recipe. 

You can also use canned corn as a substitute, but remember that it may not have the same sweet corn flavor as fresh or frozen corn.

When using frozen or canned creamed corn, skip removing the corn silk and proceed with the corn chowder recipe.

If using frozen or canned corn, add a drizzle of honey to replace the corn ‘milk’.

Thickness Control:

If you prefer a thicker chowder, mix a tablespoon of flour with a bit of water and add it to the chowder during cooking. Cook it for a few minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Another option is to Thicken the chowder with cornstarch and milk or cream. 

Whisk together one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of milk or cream until smooth, then stir it into the chowder. 

If you want a creamier corn chowder, you can blend and return part of the soup to the pot.

Blending Tip: Only blend part of the same soup corn chowder to maintain a mix of creamy texture and whole corn pieces for added bite.

Pro Tip: Crock Pot Version with Chicken Broth

Now, follow the steps above to cook the onions and potatoes, then add all the ingredients to a crock pot.

Finally, turn the heat on low for 1-2 hours, reduce the temperature to keep warm, and eat all day!

Vegan and Gluten-Free Variations Pro Tip: Roast the corn before adding it to the chowder for a richer flavor. This will add a deeper, caramelized sweetness, making the vegan version even more flavorful.

Vegan Alternative:

To add extra depth to the vegan version, consider including vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added texture and flavor.

You can also use nutritional yeast to give the chowder a cheesy flavor without any dairy.

Blend some soaked cashews with water for a creamier base to create a thick, rich consistency.

Gluten-Free Section:

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, use gluten-free certified broth, as some brands may contain gluten.

Additionally, if the chowder is too thin, you can thicken it with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry.

Add a gluten-free tamari sauce splash for a flavor boost for an umami kick.

Dairy-Free Variation:

For those who need to avoid dairy, replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a creamy almond milk blend.

Another great dairy-free option is oat milk, which provides a neutral flavor that complements the chowder’s other ingredients.

Pro Tip: To enhance the creaminess in a dairy-free version, try blending in some soaked raw cashews and coconut or almond milk. This will give a luxurious, velvety texture without any dairy.

Pro Tip: Roast the corn before adding it to the chowder for a richer flavor. This will add a more profound, caramelized sweetness, making summer corn in the vegan version even more flavorful.

Pro Tip Vegan: Make it vegan by replacing the chicken broth with vegetable broth and using coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Skip the chicken for a just as creamy and delicious plant-based version.

Pro Tip Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check ingredient labels, especially for broth and other processed items.

Personal Touches

Pro Tip: Add toppings like crumbled bacon, grated cheese, or sliced green onions for an extra layer of flavor and texture. These small touches can make the chowder feel like a gourmet dish.

Cooking is more than just following a recipe; it’s about making it your own.

When I make this chowder, I often add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.

My family loves a bit of spice, and it pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the corn.

What makes this chowder truly special is the memory of sitting together, enjoying each comforting spoonful, and sharing stories.

This chowder is more than just a meal—it’s a chance to create lasting memories.

Serving Suggestions for the Best Corn Chowder Recipe

Pro Tip: Serving the chowder in a bread bowl makes for a stunning presentation and adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults!

Pair this creamy corn chowder with crusty bread for dipping, or serve it in a bread bowl for an extra treat.

A side salad with vinaigrette also nicely complements the richness of the chowder.

Corn chowder is considered a complete meal, but sides can enhance the experience.

The best corn chowder is served with a variety of items for dipping or toppings, such as:

Corn chowder is often served with crusty bread for dipping.

Crackers are commonly served alongside corn chowder for added texture.

Garnished with a sprinkle of chopped chives or scallions.

Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Include a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad.

Use a slice of bacon or a sprinkle of crumbled cooked bacon fat bacon.

A squeeze of lemon juice can be added for a tangy flavor.

Corn chowder pairs well with baked chicken as a side dish.

Air fryer pork chops can accompany corn chowder.

FAQ: Common Corn Chowder Questions

Q: My chowder turned out too thin. How can I fix it?

A: If your chowder is too thin, thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the chowder and let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens.

Q: Can I make this chowder ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! This chowder stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need more broth or cream to reach the desired consistency.

Q: How do I prevent my chowder from curdling when adding cream?

A: To prevent curdling, ensure the chowder is not boiling when adding the cream. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir continuously as you pour in the cream.

Q: Can I freeze this chowder?

A: Yes, you can freeze it! However, note that dairy-based soups can sometimes separate upon reheating. If you plan to freeze, consider using coconut milk instead of heavy cream for better texture upon thawing.

Q: What substitutions can I make if I don’t have potatoes?

A: You can substitute sweet potatoes or even cauliflower florets for regular potatoes. Both options will still provide a hearty texture while adding a slightly different flavor.

Q: How can I add more protein without using chicken?

A: Add a can of drained and rinsed white beans or chickpeas to the chowder. They’ll boost the protein content while keeping the dish vegetarian.

Q: Why is my chowder not flavorful enough?

A: Season throughout the cooking process, not just at the end. Adding salt and pepper at each step can greatly enhance the flavors. You can also add a bouillon cube or a splash of soy sauce for extra umami.

Q: My chowder is too thick. How can I thin it out?

A: If your chowder is too thick, add more broth or water, a little at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Q: My potatoes are still hard after simmering for a while. What should I do?

A: Simmer the chowder for another 5-10 minutes if your potatoes are still hard. Ensure the heat is sufficient to keep the mixture at a gentle simmer. You could also dice the potatoes smaller next time for quicker cooking.

Q: The corn in my chowder is too chewy. How can I make it tender?

A: If your corn is too chewy, it might be undercooked. Allow the chowder to simmer for a few more minutes until the corn becomes tender. If using frozen corn, ensure it has fully defrosted before adding to the chowder to help it cook more evenly.

Closing Thoughts

I hope this easy corn chowder recipe becomes a staple in your household, just like it has in mine. There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy, hearty corn chowder soup to bring everyone together. So why not give it a try and share your own twist? Whether you make it vegan, extra spicy, or with lots of chicken, it’s bound to be a favorite.

Storage and Freezing of Corn Chowder

Corn chowder can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Corn chowder does not freeze well due to dairy and potatoes.

To reheat leftover corn chowder, warm it on the stove until heated through.

Leftover corn chowder will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Share Your Experience

We’d love to hear from you! Did you make this recipe? Do you have any variations or tips of your own? Leave a comment below, and let’s keep the chowder conversation going!

So check out these awesome Soup Recipes: Potato and Cheddar Vegetable Soup Recipe, and How to Make Beer Cheese Soup.