Slow Cooker Chicken Chowder
Create this easy slow cooker chicken chowder with minimal effort. This versatile recipe can be cooked in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.
This easy slow cooker chicken chowder is a snap to throw together. Besides being easy, the chicken chowder may be cooked leisurely in the slow cooker or quickly on the stovetop. Corn, seasonings, and condensed soups make it convenient and flavorful with simple ingredients and minimal effort.
This chowder is also versatile. You can add extra vegetables, like a cup or two of chopped spinach or peas, or make it with turkey or ground meat. See the variations for more ideas.
When it comes to serving, the options are endless. You can pair the soup with crusty bread, rolls, biscuits, focaccia, or cornbread, making it a satisfying meal. The recipe makes about 6 cups, enough to serve 4 to 6 people, so there’s plenty to share.
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
- Minimal prep. Most ingredients go directly into the slow cooker. There’s no need to sauté or precook vegetables, making it low-effort and quick to assemble.
- Creamy texture without a roux. Using condensed soups and half-and-half creates a smooth chowder base with consistent results.
- Versatile ingredients. It’s easy to substitute leftover vegetables, different types of cooked chicken, or alternate seasonings you already have.
- Good for leftovers and reheating. The chowder keeps its texture well when warmed gently, making it meal-prep friendly.
- Flexible cooking method. While designed for the slow cooker, it can also be made on the stovetop with the same ingredient list and a short simmer.
Ingredient Notes
- Cream of chicken & potato soups: These form the base of the chowder and keep prep time minimal.
- Chicken broth: Adds flavor and helps thin the chowder to your preferred consistency.
- Cooked chicken: Use leftover or rotisserie chicken, chopped or shredded.
- Corn: Frozen corn kernels add sweetness and texture.
- Green onions: Provide fresh, mild onion flavor; reserve some for garnish.
- Pimentos: For color and mild tang.
- Herbes de Provence or Italian seasoning: Either works well—choose based on your pantry.
- Half-and-half or milk: Stirred in at the end for a creamy finish.
- Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal pop at the end.
Steps to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Chowder
- Add the condensed soups, broth, cooked chicken, corn, green onions, pimentos, herbs, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything together so the soups blend evenly.
- Cover and cook on low until the flavors have melded and the chowder has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the half-and-half or milk and adjust seasonings to taste. Continue cooking briefly so the chowder becomes hot and smooth.
- Thin the soup with additional broth or milk if needed, then stir in chopped parsley.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with green onion tops or more parsley.
Tips for Chicken Chowder
- If using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and chop or shred the meat before adding.
- Add extra broth or milk at the end to thin the soup if needed.
- For stovetop preparation, simmer gently for about 20 minutes before adding the cream.
- Use a potato masher at the end if you want a thicker, chowder-style texture.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetable-forward version. Add diced carrots, celery, or potatoes at the beginning of cooking for more body.
- Spicy version. Add a pinch of cayenne or diced green chiles to give the chowder gentle heat.
- Bacon version. Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon for added richness.
- Herb version. Replace the herbes de Provence with dill or parsley for a lighter, fresher flavor.
- Seafood variation. Substitute part of the chicken with cooked shrimp or mild white fish for a seafood chowder.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread, biscuits, or cornbread to soak up the creamy broth.
- Add a simple green salad for a lighter accompaniment.
- Pair with roasted vegetables when serving as a dinner main.
- Choose crackers or oyster crackers for topping when serving small bowls.
How to Store
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. The chowder will thicken, so add a small splash of broth when reheating.
- Freeze is not recommended for dairy-based chowders, as the texture can separate when thawed.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the soup smooth.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Chowder
Ingredients
- 1 can cream of chicken soup, (10 3/4-ounce)
- 1 can cream of potato soup, (10 3/4-ounce)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 2 cups corn kernels, frozen, thawed
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (save some of the dark green for garnish if desired)
- 1/4 cup pimentos, diced
- 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence , or Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half , or whole milk
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Combine the soups, chicken broth, chicken, corn, green onions, pimentos, herbes de Provence, and pepper in the slow cooker.
- Slow-Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Add the cream or milk, taste and adjust the seasonings, and cook for 20 to 30 minutes longer or until hot. Thin with extra milk or chicken broth if desired and stir the parsley into the soup.
- Serve: Serve in bowls with crackers or crusty bread and garnish with green onion tops or extra chopped parsley.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.