Down-Home Chicken Chowder
A hearty, comforting chicken chowder with smoky bacon, tender vegetables, and savory broth, perfect for cozy family dinners and cold weather enjoyment.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1 can cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 1 can chicken vegetable soup ⓘ
- 1 can water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups diced, cooked chicken ⓘ
- 8 oz. whole kernel corn (undrained) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped or stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan or large skillet, cook bacon until crisp.
- Remove bacon and crumble.
- Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of drippings.
- Brown mushrooms and cook onion with thyme in drippings until tender.
- Add bacon and remaining ingredients.
- Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until heated through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon for a deeper taste. If you prefer a lighter option, turkey bacon works well too. You can substitute the cream of celery soup with homemade or another cream soup, such as cream of mushroom. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives can enhance the dish further. This chowder is versatile; you can also include leftover vegetables to reduce waste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with crumbled bacon on top for an extra crunch. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, try serving it alongside a bowl of Macaroni And Cheese Soup to satisfy both creamy and hearty cravings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving unless necessary, as it can change the texture of the chowder.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Down-Home Chicken Chowder contains roughly 553 calories, with 19g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (176% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (131% of the Daily Value), and iron (102% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1109mg per serving (48% 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 this chowder a day in advance. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious.
What can I substitute for the chicken?
If you'd like a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with diced potatoes or additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also use canned chickpeas for protein. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is tender.
Is it possible to freeze this chicken chowder?
Yes, this chowder can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove, adding extra broth if necessary to reach your 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).