Quick Chicken Chowder
A quick, hearty chicken chowder packed with green peas, potatoes, and tender chicken, perfect for cozy dinners and full of comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon instant minced onion ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 package (8 oz.) frozen green peas and potatoes with cream sauce ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 can (6 oz.) evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup diced, cooked chicken ⓘ
- bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled or paprika (for garnish) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook celery and minced onion in butter until tender, but not brown.
- Stir in frozen peas and potatoes, chicken broth, evaporated milk, crushed rosemary, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, stirring, until it boils.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add cooked, diced chicken and heat until the mixture reaches a boil again.
- Serve hot, garnished with crumbled bacon or a sprinkle of paprika.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream. If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth works just as well. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can be used instead of dried rosemary for a fresher flavor. You can also swap out the chicken for turkey for a delightful variation. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with crumbled bacon or a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. For an extra kick, consider serving alongside a spicy cornbread. This recipe is a comforting choice for chilly evenings and can be a delightful centerpiece for family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Avoid reheating it in the microwave, as it may separate.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Chicken Chowder contains roughly 400 calories, with 13g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), iron (45% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 927mg per serving (40% 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 fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can certainly use fresh peas and potatoes. Just make sure to cook them until tender before adding them to the chowder. This may take a bit longer than using frozen, but it will enhance the flavor of your chowder.
Is this chowder suitable for freezing?
While you can freeze the chowder, it’s best to do so before adding the milk and cooked chicken. Freeze it in portions for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and then add the milk and chicken while reheating.
Can I make this chowder vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add more veggies like carrots or bell peppers to enhance flavor and texture. This will keep the chowder hearty and satisfying without the meat.
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).