Southwestern Chicken-Corn Chowder
A hearty southwestern chicken and corn chowder with creamy cheese, green chiles, and fresh cilantro, perfect for comforting family dinners with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. butter
- 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 2 c. half-and-half cream ⓘ
- 2 c. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 2 (14 3/4-oz.) cans cream-style corn ⓘ
- 1 (4.5-oz.) can chopped green chiles, undrained ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. hot sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat; add chicken, onion, garlic, and saute for 10 minutes.
- Stir in 2 cups half-and-half and the next 6 ingredients; cook over low heat, stirring often, for 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, you can substitute the Monterey Jack cheese with Pepper Jack for a spicier kick. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can replace raw chicken breasts. Fresh corn can also be used instead of canned corn for a sweeter taste. Stir in a squeeze of lime juice before serving for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
This chowder pairs beautifully with crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping. Consider serving a fresh green salad on the side to balance the richness of the chowder. For a heartier meal, serve alongside B~B~Q Chicken, which complements the Southwestern flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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. If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwestern Chicken-Corn Chowder contains roughly 964 calories, with 42g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (332% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (131% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2896mg per serving (126% 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 the chowder a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of this chowder?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with diced potatoes or zucchini and use vegetable broth instead of half-and-half. Add beans for protein and keep the corn and spices for flavor.
What can I serve this chowder with?
This Southwestern Chicken-Corn Chowder goes well with a variety of sides. Try it with a simple green salad, cornbread, or tortilla chips. It also pairs perfectly with Chicken And Bacon Bake for a fuller meal.
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).