Creamy Chicken Chowder
Creamy Chicken Chowder offers a rich and comforting blend of tender chicken, potatoes, and vegetables in a velvety broth, topped with melted Cheddar cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners, it suits those craving hearty, flavorful soups with a touch of spice and creaminess.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can cream of potato soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked, cubed chicken ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1 can Green Giant Mexicorn, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (4.5 oz.) jar sliced mushrooms, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chiles, drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 4-quart pan, combine evaporated milk, chicken broth, cream of potato soup, and cream of chicken soup.
- Blend well. Add the cooked, cubed chicken, chopped green onions, undrained Mexicorn, undrained sliced mushrooms, and drained chopped green chiles.
- Mix well and cook over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Add shredded Cheddar cheese just before serving and stir until melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker chowder, consider adding a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water during cooking. You can substitute the chicken with turkey for a post-holiday twist, or use low-fat evaporated milk to lighten the dish. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the flavor profile, while using fresh mushrooms instead of canned can add a more robust texture.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken chowder is delightful served with crusty bread or crackers for dipping. Consider pairing it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal. Leftover chowder can also be served in bread bowls for a fun presentation. It’s perfect for chilly nights and can feed a crowd easily.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the chowder cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy consistency. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Chicken Chowder contains roughly 510 calories, with 25g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (55% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1356mg per serving (59% 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 frozen chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it should be cooked thoroughly before adding it to the chowder. You can boil or bake the chicken beforehand and then cube it. This will ensure it's safe to eat and blends well with the soup.
How can I make this chowder spicier?
To add some heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of Cheddar for a spicier kick. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
Can I make this chowder ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chowder can be made a day in advance. Just prepare it as directed, cool it down, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving, and add the cheese just before serving for the best 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).