Easy New England Clam Chowder(Microwave)
A creamy, hearty New England clam chowder made quickly in the microwave, combining tender clams, potatoes, and rich flavors perfect for a comforting seafood dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chopped onion and butter in a 4-quart casserole.
- Cook on High for 5 minutes or until onion is tender.
- Stir in the clams, clam chowder, cream of potato soup, and evaporated milk.
- Season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Cook on High for 15 minutes or until heated through.
- Stir 1 or 2 times during cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced celery or carrots along with the onion. You can substitute fresh clams for canned ones if you prefer, but ensure to adjust cooking times accordingly. To enhance the creaminess, add a bit of sour cream or cream cheese. If you want to spice things up, a dash of hot sauce can elevate the chowder's flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the clam chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or oyster crackers. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or a side of Shrimp Creole for a delightful seafood-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover clam chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore the desired consistency if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy New England Clam Chowder(Microwave) contains roughly 670 calories, with 12g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (44% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1638mg per serving (71% 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 clams instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen clams, but be sure to thaw them before adding them to the chowder. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are heated through and tender.
Is it possible to make this chowder dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use non-dairy milk, and replace the cream of potato soup with a dairy-free version or a thickened vegetable broth.
How can I thicken the chowder if it's too thin?
If the chowder turns out too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stirring it into the chowder while it cooks. Alternatively, mashing some of the potatoes can also help achieve a thicker 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).