Pam'S Chicken And Cheese Chowder
Creamy chicken and cheese chowder with tender vegetables and melted cheddar offers comforting, hearty flavors perfect for a cozy family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 2 cups diced potatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded mild Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken ⓘ
Instructions
- Dissolve the chicken bouillon cubes in 2 cups of boiling water.
- Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, sliced celery, chopped onion, salt, and ground pepper to the bouillon and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add flour to the melted butter and blend thoroughly to create a roux.
- Gradually add milk to the roux, cooking over low heat and stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in shredded mild Cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked diced chicken and the undrained vegetables to the cheese mixture.
- Heat the chowder gently without boiling, until thoroughly heated.
- Serve hot with rolls or bread on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute the mild Cheddar cheese with sharp Cheddar for a more robust flavor. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be a great alternative to cooking chicken from scratch. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can enhance the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This chowder pairs beautifully with rolls or crusty bread for dipping. A simple side salad or steamed vegetables can complement the meal nicely. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Cousin Barbie's Potatoes. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional cheese for an extra touch before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chowder on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the chowder thickens too much upon cooling, add a splash of milk or chicken broth while reheating to restore the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pam'S Chicken And Cheese Chowder contains roughly 1961 calories, with 29g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 151g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (124% of the Daily Value), iron (80% of the Daily Value), and calcium (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2289mg per serving (100% 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 vegetables instead of fresh ones?
Yes, using frozen vegetables can save prep time. Just be sure to add them to the chowder a few minutes earlier than the fresh veggies, as they may take longer to heat through. Ensure the vegetables are thawed before adding them for even cooking.
How spicy is this chowder?
This chowder is not spicy at all, making it suitable for a wide range of palates. If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste during cooking. Adjust according to your spice preference for a custom kick.
Can I make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chowder in advance. However, it's best to add the cheese and chicken just before serving to maintain the optimal texture. The flavors will meld beautifully if left overnight, but be cautious when reheating to avoid curdling the cheese.
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).