Split Pea Chowder
A hearty and comforting split pea chowder packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and a savory broth. This creamy soup is perfect for chilly days, offering rich flavors and satisfying texture. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, it combines simplicity with wholesome goodness.
Ingredients
- 3 cups diced cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped carrots ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped onions ⓘ
- 3/4 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 medium potatoes peeled and diced ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1 16-ounce package green split peas rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 8 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 5-quart Dutch oven, combine all ingredients; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer approximately 2 hours or until chowder has thickened, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while simmering and removing it before serving. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with extra vegetables or smoked tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also use leftover turkey instead of chicken for a great taste. For extra creaminess, blend a portion of the chowder and stir it back in.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chowder with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Mary Frances Glass' Chicken And Rice Salad for a delightful combination of flavors. You can also top the chowder with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Split Pea Chowder contains roughly 1442 calories, with 36g protein, 284g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (266% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (153% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 829mg per serving (36% 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 dried split peas instead of fresh?
Yes, dried split peas are perfect for this chowder. Just ensure they are rinsed and soaked according to package instructions before adding them to the pot, as this can help reduce cooking time and enhance their texture.
How can I make this chowder spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños into the chowder. You can also serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer to spice up their individual portions.
Is there a way to make this chowder vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also enhance the flavor by adding mushrooms or a variety of other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini.
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).