Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Corn Chowder

My Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Corn Chowder

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and hearty meal can sometimes feel like an impossible task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present pressure to get dinner on the table before everyone's patience runs out. That's why I've become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes – they're my secret weapon for stress-free weeknight dinners. This Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Corn Chowder is a perfect example. It's a creamy, comforting, and incredibly flavorful soup that requires minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for those evenings when I'm juggling a million things at once.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You simply toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning (or even the night before!), and let it do its magic throughout the day. When dinnertime rolls around, all I need to do is give it a quick stir, maybe a little extra seasoning, and serve. The result is a bowl of pure comfort food that's both satisfying and surprisingly healthy. The addition of bacon adds a delightful smoky flavor and a satisfying crunch, while the mozzarella cheese melts beautifully into the creamy broth, creating a rich and decadent texture. The corn adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the savory flavors perfectly.

This chowder is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Don't have fresh corn? Frozen works just as well. Want to add some other vegetables? Feel free to throw in some diced potatoes or peas. The possibilities are endless! It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken. I often shred leftover roast chicken and add it to this recipe for an even quicker meal.

Beyond the Weeknight Wonders

But this Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Corn Chowder isn't just for busy weeknights. It's equally perfect for lazy weekends, game day gatherings, or potlucks. The hearty nature of the soup makes it a crowd-pleaser, and its ease of preparation makes it a fantastic option when you want to impress your guests without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. Imagine the warm aroma filling your home as the soup simmers away, creating a comforting ambiance that’s perfect for a cozy evening with family and friends.

Tips and Tricks for Chowder Perfection

To get the absolute best flavor from your chowder, I recommend browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. This step adds a beautiful depth of flavor that you just can't achieve by simply adding raw chicken. Also, don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a sharp cheddar would all make delicious additions.

And finally, the bacon! Crispy bacon is an absolute must for this recipe. It adds a fantastic textural element and a wonderful smoky flavor that elevates the entire dish. I like to use a combination of thick-cut and regular bacon for an even more satisfying crunch. Make it ahead, store it in the fridge, and it is your perfect addition on a busy day!

So, next time you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner that the whole family will love, give this Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Corn Chowder a try. It's the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and convenience – everything a busy woman needs in a recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty chowder with a side of crusty bread for dipping, a simple green salad, or some garlic bread. It's a complete meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. The leftovers are even better the next day! They're perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

This recipe is my go-to when I’m short on time, yet I still want to create something wholesome and flavourful for my family. The slow cooker does most of the work, making it the perfect weeknight solution.

Step-by-step

• Sear chicken in a skillet or pan over medium heat to brown 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, carrots, 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.
• When potatoes are fork tender and chicken is falling apart (45 minutes before the end of cooking time), stir in the cream.
• Whisk together the cornstarch and milk and mix it into the soup.
• Cover and allow to thicken on high heat setting.
• Use a potato masher to make the chowder thicker.
• Stir in salt and pepper to taste; add in the cheese; top with the bacon; garnish with fresh chives and serve.