Broccoli-Corn Chowder
A hearty and creamy broccoli-corn chowder packed with tender chicken, lima beans, and fresh vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of broccoli soup ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1/2 cup half and half ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons onion flakes ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 broiler-fryer chicken (about 2 1/4 lb.), quartered
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen Fordhook lima beans ⓘ
- 2 cups thinly sliced celery ⓘ
- 5 teaspoons seasoned salt ⓘ
- water ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine chicken, 3 teaspoons of seasoned salt, and 4 cups of water in a kettle.
- Cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken from the bones, dice it, and strain the broth into a 4-cup measure. Add water if needed to make 4 cups.
- Saute chopped onion in butter or oleo until soft in the same kettle.
- Add lima beans, cream of broccoli soup, whole kernel corn, 2 cans of water, and sliced celery; cover.
- Simmer for 15 minutes or until beans are tender.
- Stir in diced chicken, broth, corn, and remaining seasoned salt.
- Heat slowly just to boiling, then ladle into heated soup bowls.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, consider blending a portion of the soup after it simmers. If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like potatoes or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of water. Adding a sprinkle of cheese on top before serving enhances the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with warm Butter Dipped Biscuits for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, consider a side salad or crusty bread. This chowder also makes a hearty lunch option when served with a simple sandwich.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the chowder thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli-Corn Chowder contains roughly 900 calories, with 10g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), protein (20% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 693mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, this chowder can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors develop even more after a day in the fridge. Just be sure to store it properly and reheat gently before serving. If you plan to freeze it, consider leaving out the lima beans until you reheat it to maintain their texture.
What can I add to make this chowder spicier?
To add a kick to your chowder, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while simmering. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to taste. Adjust the seasoning gradually to suit your heat preference.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make this chowder dairy-free, substitute the half-and-half with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or almond milk. Make sure the cream of broccoli soup is also dairy-free, or you can make a homemade version using pureed broccoli and a non-dairy cream.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).