This Pioneer Woman Chicken Corn Chowder is a creamy and hearty recipe, which is made with crispy bacon and sweet corn. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 45 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Chicken Corn Chowder Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. pepper
- 4 cups corn kernels (from about 5 ears)
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 green onions, chopped
How To Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Corn Chowder
- Cook the bacon: In a large Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes, until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.
- Sauté vegetables and make the base: Add the butter to the bacon drippings and melt. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper and cook for about 4 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stir constantly, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually stir in the chicken broth until smooth.
- Cook the potatoes: Add the chopped potatoes, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Finish the chowder: Stir in the corn kernels, shredded chicken, and heavy cream. Return the soup to a simmer and cook for 10 to 15 more minutes, until it has thickened slightly.
- Serve and garnish: To serve, ladle the chowder into bowls and top with the reserved crispy bacon and chopped green onions.

Recipe Tips
- How to get a thicker chowder? For an even thicker and creamier base, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot with a spoon before adding the corn and chicken.
- Can I use frozen corn? Yes, frozen corn works perfectly in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw it first; just add it directly to the pot.
- Can I use leftover chicken? This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken. Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic and flavorful time-saver.
- How to make it spicy? For a little kick, add one finely diced jalapeño along with the celery and bell pepper, or stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the flour.
What To Serve With Chicken Corn Chowder
This hearty chowder is a meal in itself, but it’s even better with a side for dipping.
- Fluffy cornbread or corn muffins
- Crusty sourdough bread
- Saltine or oyster crackers
- A simple green salad
How To Store Chicken Corn Chowder
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The chowder may thicken as it sits.
- Freeze: This chowder freezes well. Let it cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Chicken Corn Chowder Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 25g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. You can use a plant-based butter and substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a similar creamy texture.
Why is my chowder so thin?
This can happen if the soup doesn’t simmer long enough after the flour is added. The flour acts as a thickener. Make sure you let it cook for the full minute with the vegetables and allow the soup to simmer at the end to fully thicken.
Can I use a different kind of potato?
Russet potatoes are great because they break down slightly and help thicken the chowder. However, Yukon Gold potatoes would also be a delicious choice; they will hold their shape a bit more.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Pioneer Woman Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe
Description
A rich, creamy, and comforting chowder packed with tender chicken, sweet corn, potatoes, and topped with crispy bacon.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon, leaving drippings in the pan.
- Sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper in bacon drippings and butter until soft. Stir in garlic, then flour.
- Gradually stir in chicken broth. Add potatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the corn, chicken, and heavy cream.
- Return to a simmer and cook for 10-15 more minutes until thickened.
- Serve topped with the reserved crispy bacon and green onions.
Notes
- u003cliu003eUsing a rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for the shredded cooked chicken.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon’t discard the bacon drippings! They add a huge amount of smoky flavor to the base of the chowder.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe flour is essential for thickening the chowder. Make sure to cook it for a full minute to get rid of any raw flour taste.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFresh, frozen, or canned corn will all work well in this recipe.u003c/liu003e
