Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Corn Chowder – Creamy

Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Corn Chowder – Creamy, Hearty & Flavorful!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-494777H46M5S
Total time: PT-494777H46M5S
Yield: 6
Cuisine: AMERICAN
Ingredients: 4 slices bacon, chopped; 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth; 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half); 1 ½ cups (360ml) milk; 2 cups potatoes, diced (Russet or Yukon Gold); 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups corn (fresh, canned, or frozen); ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice); Chopped fresh parsley or green onions; Extra crispy bacon bits; Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Posted on March 10, 2025 · [Elisa]

two bowls of crockpot chicken chowder with bread on the side and text overlay

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This Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Corn Chowder is rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavors from tender chicken, crispy bacon, sweet corn, and hearty potatoes. With minimal prep and a hands-off slow-cooker method, this chowder is the perfect cozy comfort food for a chilly night or an easy weeknight dinner.

The best part? It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to customize—make it creamy, spicy, or even dairy-free!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Corn Chowder

For the Chowder:

4 slices bacon, chopped
1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 cups (475ml) chicken broth
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1 ½ cups (360ml) milk
2 cups potatoes, diced (Russet or Yukon Gold)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

For Garnishing:

Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Extra crispy bacon bits
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Slow cooker (Crockpot)
Skillet (for cooking bacon)
Cutting board & knife
Ladle

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook chopped bacon until crispy.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon grease for extra flavor.

2. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

Place chicken breasts, potatoes, onion, garlic, and corn into the slow cooker.
Sprinkle with paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Pour in chicken broth and reserved bacon grease.

3. Slow Cook the Chowder

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken and potatoes are tender.
Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the slow cooker.

4. Add Creamy Ingredients

Stir in milk and heavy cream, then let cook for another 20-30 minutes on LOW until heated through.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle into bowls and top with crispy bacon, fresh herbs, and shredded cheese if desired.
Serve warm with crusty bread or cornbread for dipping!

Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Bacon Corn Chowder

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs – They stay extra juicy in the slow cooker.
For extra thickness, mash some of the potatoes or stir in 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with water.
Add cheese for a richer flavor – Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Adding dairy too soon – Cream and milk should be added at the end to prevent curdling.
Skipping the bacon grease – It adds depth of flavor to the broth.
Overcooking the potatoes – Cut them into larger chunks to prevent mushiness.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh green onions and extra crispy bacon.
Serve with buttery cornbread or garlic bread.
Add a side salad for a balanced meal.

How to Store & Make Ahead

Storage:

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Stovetop: Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally.
Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing:

Freeze without the dairy for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir in cream and milk when reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

Make it dairy-free – Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
Try a spicier version – Add 1 chopped jalapeño or more red pepper flakes.
Use turkey bacon – A lighter alternative to regular bacon.

What to Serve with Chicken Bacon Corn Chowder

Crusty artisan bread or garlic knots
A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
Oven-roasted vegetables for extra heartiness

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Yes! Shred 2 cups of cooked rotisserie chicken and add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

How do I make this chowder thicker?

Mash some of the potatoes or add 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with water before serving.

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes! Simmer everything in a large pot over medium heat for 30-40 minutes, then stir in the dairy and let heat through.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Corn Chowder is creamy, hearty, and packed with comforting flavors, making it the ultimate easy meal for any season! With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and sweet corn, it’s a family favorite that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more easy slow cooker meals!

Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 380 kcal per serving (based on 6 servings).

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6-7 hours (LOW) / 3-4 hours (HIGH)

Total Time: 6-7 hours

Serves: 6

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