The BEST Corn Chowder Recipe
A rich and creamy corn chowder made with turkey bacon, fresh corn, and tender potatoes, simmered in chicken broth and finished with milk and cream. This comforting soup is perfect for a cozy meal and garnished with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
- Author: Nethan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Meat and Fat
- 6 slices turkey bacon (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 3 medium Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Liquids and Others
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Cook Turkey Bacon: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped turkey bacon over medium heat until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of the fat in the pot. Add olive oil if needed.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the corn, potatoes, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables in the seasoning.
- Simmer Vegetables: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Dairy: Stir in the milk and cream, and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Thicken Chowder: If you prefer a thicker chowder, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2-3 more minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Bacon Back: Add half of the cooked turkey bacon back into the pot and stir.
- Season to Taste: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with remaining turkey bacon and chopped fresh parsley or chives.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the turkey bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Frozen corn works well if fresh corn is not available.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional and can be omitted for a thinner chowder.
- To make the soup dairy-free, substitute milk and cream with coconut milk or your favorite non-dairy alternatives.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: corn chowder, turkey bacon soup, creamy corn soup, comfort food, chowder recipe