Chicken Corn Chowder(Makes 6 Servings)
A hearty chicken corn chowder filled with tender chicken, sweet corn, and flavorful spices, perfect for comforting family meals and cold days.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) pkg. frozen Shoepeg white corn ⓘ
- 2 c. cubed cooked chicken breast ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1/2 c. uncooked orzo
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary or thyme ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1 c. milk
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 (1.4 oz.) pkg. fajita seasoning, divided ⓘ
- 4 skinned and boned chicken breast halves, cubed ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/4 oz.) can whole kernel corn with red and green peppers, drained ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (4.5 oz.) can chopped green chiles ⓘ
- 3 c. water ⓘ
- 1 c. uncooked instant brown rice ⓘ
- 1 (2 1/4 oz.) can sliced ripe olives (optional) ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed nacho cheese soup ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour and 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning in a heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag. Add chicken, seal, and shake to coat.
- Cook chicken in hot oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat, stirring often, for 4 minutes or until browned.
- Reduce heat to medium-high. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for 5 minutes.
- Stir in remaining fajita seasoning, sliced mushrooms, chicken broth, shoepeg white corn, condensed cream of chicken soup, drained whole kernel corn with peppers, black beans, stewed tomatoes, chopped green chiles, and drained green olives if using.
- Bring mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove lid and stir in condensed nacho cheese soup.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime juice if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of canned. You can substitute the frozen Shoepeg white corn with fresh corn if it's in season. If you prefer a spicier chowder, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For a lighter version, use low-fat cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat cheese soup. Pair this dish with Cheesee Potatoes for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken corn chowder hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad, like Chicken Fiesta Salad, for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve with a side of Cheesy Confetti Rice. This chowder is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the chowder thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to reach the desired consistency. This chowder can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Corn Chowder(Makes 6 Servings) contains roughly 945 calories, with 47g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (863% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (151% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2201mg per serving (96% 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, you can prepare the chowder a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier.
Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! While black beans are delicious in this recipe, you can substitute them with pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas. Just ensure they're rinsed and drained before adding them to the chowder.
Is there a vegetarian version of this chowder?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to enhance the flavor and texture.
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).