Chicken Chowder
Chicken Chowder is a hearty, flavorful soup combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy milk. Its rich tomato-based broth is infused with smoky bacon grease and seasoned perfectly, making it an ideal comfort food for family dinners or gatherings on chilly days.
Ingredients
- 1 small oven stuffer chicken breast ⓘ
- 1 quart mashed tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 medium onions, slivered ⓘ
- 6 pods okra, chopped
- 1/2 small head cabbage, slivered ⓘ
- 1 1/2 to 2 quarts water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons bacon grease ⓘ
- 3 medium potatoes, cubed ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, slivered ⓘ
- 2 cups frozen butter beans
- 1 small can white corn, drained ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the chicken in water with mashed tomatoes for about 45 minutes. Remove bones and skin from the chicken and cut into small pieces.
- Put the chicken back into the broth and add all ingredients except milk.
- Cook over medium-low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add milk when the cooking is complete and stir well before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the chicken before adding it to the broth. You can substitute fresh tomatoes for the quart of mashed tomatoes if preferred, or use canned tomatoes in a pinch. If you're short on time, pre-cooked chicken can be used to speed up the process. Adjust the vegetables according to what's in season for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken chowder hot, garnished with fresh chopped herbs for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the delicious broth. For a complete meal, consider serving a light salad on the side. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, especially alongside comforting American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching. You can also add a splash of milk during reheating to restore creaminess. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Chowder contains roughly 782 calories, with 13g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (113% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1839mg per serving (80% 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 other types of meat instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with other meats like turkey or even ham for a different flavor profile. Ensure to adjust the cooking times as needed, especially for larger cuts.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with plant-based protein such as tofu or seitan, and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add more vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture.
How can I thicken the chowder if it's too thin?
If your chowder is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water or by mashing some of the potatoes directly into the soup. Allow it to simmer for a few more minutes to achieve the desired consistency.
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).