Cheesy Chicken-Corn Chowder
A creamy, cheesy chicken and corn chowder packed with tender chicken, sweet corn, and melty American cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the whole small chicken breast, chopped onion, chopped celery, and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat.
- Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the chicken when cool enough to handle.
- Cut off the meat and chop it into small pieces.
- Discard skin and bones.
- Return the chopped chicken to the broth.
- Stir in the condensed cream of chicken soup, whole kernel corn, milk, shredded American cheese, and chopped pimiento.
- Cook, covered, for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the soup. If you want a healthier version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade Tarragon Cream Of Chicken Soup. You can also replace the American cheese with cheddar for a sharper taste. Adding some diced potatoes can make the chowder heartier.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cheesy Chicken-Corn Chowder with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. This chowder pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad like Broccoli Dressing. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside some grilled chicken or a refreshing side of mixed greens.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, but be cautious not to overheat as it may change the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Chicken-Corn Chowder contains roughly 291 calories, with 12g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value) and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 970mg per serving (42% 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 leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great in this chowder. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the broth along with the other ingredients. This will save you time and infuse even more flavor into the dish.
Is it possible to make this chowder vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and replace the cream of chicken soup with a homemade or store-bought cream of mushroom soup to maintain a creamy texture.
How can I make this chowder spicier?
To add some heat to the chowder, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper when cooking. For an additional flavor twist, you can also add a few drops of hot sauce at the end to suit your taste.
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).