Slow Cooker Chicken Potato Corn Chowder

My Cozy Kitchen: Slow Cooker Chicken Potato Corn Chowder

As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Finding quick, healthy, and delicious meals is a constant quest, and that's where my slow cooker becomes my absolute best friend. This Slow Cooker Chicken Potato Corn Chowder is a testament to the magic of "set it and forget it" cooking. It's a hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy dish that feeds my family (and often, leftovers for lunch the next day!).

The beauty of this chowder lies not just in its ease of preparation, but in its versatility. I often adapt it based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I use leftover rotisserie chicken to save even more time. Other times, I might swap out the mozzarella for cheddar or even a pepper jack for a little kick. The creamed corn adds a touch of sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory chicken and potatoes. And the bacon? Well, let's just say it's the perfect crispy topping that elevates this simple chowder to something truly special.

I remember one particularly hectic week when I was juggling work deadlines, school projects, and soccer practice. I threw this chowder together in the morning, and by dinner time, the aroma of simmering chicken and potatoes filled my house. It was the perfect comfort food after a long day, a warm embrace in a bowl. The kids devoured it, and even my usually picky husband asked for seconds. That’s the kind of magic this recipe creates – it brings a sense of calm and nourishment to even the most chaotic evenings.

Beyond the convenience, I love that this chowder is packed with wholesome ingredients. The potatoes provide a creamy texture, the corn adds sweetness and vibrant color, and the chicken is a fantastic source of protein. This is a meal that nourishes both body and soul, a comforting hug on a cold night or a perfect addition to a cozy family dinner. And the best part? The cleanup is minimal! Just toss the slow cooker liner in the dishwasher and you're done. This recipe is my go-to when I need a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy. It’s a testament to the fact that delicious home-cooked meals don't have to take all day. They just need a little love (and a slow cooker!).

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier chowder.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas.
• Make it creamy: For an extra creamy chowder, use heavy cream instead of light cream or milk.
• Make it ahead: This chowder tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
• Garnish generously: Fresh chives, parsley, or a sprinkle of paprika make a beautiful and flavorful garnish.

So, the next time you're looking for a hearty, satisfying, and easy weeknight meal, give this Slow Cooker Chicken Potato Corn Chowder a try. I guarantee it will become a new family favorite. Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Sear chicken in a skillet or pan over medium heat until browned all over (or in your 6-quart instant pot on 'sear/sauté' setting).
• Transfer chicken to your slow cooker or instant pot bowl.
• Add the diced onion, red peppers (capsicum), corn, creamed corn, potatoes, chicken broth and garlic powder.
• Stir and cover with lid; cook on slow cooker high setting for 3-4 hours or low setting 6-8 hours.
• For Instant Pot, set to Pressure Cook on Soup setting for 30 minutes.
• Once potatoes are fork tender and chicken is falling apart, stir the cream (or milk) and milk/cornstarch mixture through the chowder.
• Mix well; cover and allow to thicken on 'keep warm' setting until thickened.
• Optional: Using a stick blender, blend the bottom of the chowder only for a couple of seconds to puree some of the potatoes to make the chowder thicker. Alternatively, use a potato masher.
• Stir in salt and pepper to taste; add in the cheese; top with the bacon; garnish with fresh chives and serve.