Cheesy Chicken Chowder
Cheesy Chicken Chowder offers a hearty, comforting blend of tender vegetables, savory chicken, and melted cheese in a creamy broth. Its rich flavors make it perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings, delivering warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chicken broth, diced potatoes, diced celery, diced carrots, and diced onion in a large saucepan.
- Cover and cook over medium heat until vegetables are tender.
- Melt butter in a Dutch oven over low heat; add flour and stir until smooth.
- Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually stir in milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and bubbly.
- Gradually stir in the vegetable mixture, soy sauce, cubed process cheese spread, and cooked chopped chicken.
- Cook until the cheese melts and the chowder is heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you want a lighter version, substitute half of the milk with low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for quicker prep. If you prefer a chunkier chowder, reserve some of the potato and chicken to add in later.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cheesy Chicken Chowder with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Rice Chicken Dinner, making it a comforting option for family gatherings. Consider garnishing with chopped green onions or shredded cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of milk if the chowder thickens too much. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it may cause the cheese to separate.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Chicken Chowder contains roughly 2129 calories, with 29g protein, 230g carbohydrates, and 125g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (142% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2248mg per serving (98% 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 use a different type of cheese in the chowder?
Yes, you can substitute the process cheese spread with shredded cheddar or a cheese blend. Just keep in mind that different cheeses melt differently, so stir slowly until fully incorporated for a smooth consistency.
Is this chowder suitable for freezing?
While you can freeze the chowder, the texture may change upon thawing due to the dairy. To maintain the best quality, consider freezing only the base (broth and vegetables) and adding the cheese and milk when reheating.
What vegetables can I add to the chowder?
Feel free to customize the chowder with additional vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or green beans. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, so all the vegetables are tender and flavorful.
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).