You’ve all had clam chowder, but what about this New England Chicken Corn Chowder recipe? It combines your favorite New England chowder flavors like potatoes and bacon, but adds in crowd pleasing chicken. This chicken chowder recipe is creamy and comforting!

Are you a chowder fan? You also need to try this Crock Pot Corn Chowder or this Bacon Cheeseburger Chowder.

Two bowls of New England Chicken Corn Chowder.

When I saw this recipe, I knew I would love it. I’m a big clam chowder fan. Well, any chowder recipe fan. So I loved that this replaced the clams (which my kids are a little weirded out about) with chicken. Because everyone loves chicken, right? I use chicken thighs, because I love how much more flavor they have than chicken breasts. And of course, you have to have bacon. 🙂

This New England Chicken Chowder Recipe is a soup recipe that the whole family will love!

Ladle with a scoop of chicken corn chowder in a dutch oven.

Ingredients

Bacon: I love that you cook the bacon first, and then use that bacon grease for the soup. This brings in so much flavor.
Butter: I use unsalted butter, but it is a smaller amount so using salted butter will be just fine, as well.
Flour: The flour will help to thicken up the broth. I use all-purpose flour.
Potatoes: Usually, russet potatoes are a great choice for chowder because they are so starchy and they will help to thicken up the soup. But in this recipe, I’m using red potatoes. They will hold their shape better than the russets. If you do want a thicker chowder, feel free to use russets. You will get some thickness from the corn in this recipe, so keep that in mind, as well.
Celery, Onion, Carrots: This is called Mirepoix, and it is a staple for making flavorful soups.
Garlic: I always like freshly minced garlic the best.
Chicken Broth: I like to use low sodium chicken broth.
Chicken: Using chicken thighs in this recipe not only gives you more flavor, but they are also easier to cook. Chicken breasts can often be overcooked easily. But really, either thighs or breasts will work.
Bay Leaves: I always use dried bay leaves because they are easier to keep on hand. If you are using fresh, you will just need 1 bay leaf.
Cream: You’ll want heavy whipping cream. This will not only help in thickening the soup, but it will bring a nice, rich flavor.
Corn: I use frozen corn, but if you are making this when corn is in season, feel free to swap in some fresh corn!
Chives: The chives are optional, but add some good fresh flavor at the end. You could also use sliced green onions.

New England Chicken Corn Chowder topped with bacon and chives.

How to Make Chicken Corn Chowder

Start by cooking your bacon. I like to dice the bacon first, then cook it in your soup pot. (I like to use a Dutch oven.) When the bacon is crisp, remove it with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate. Leave the bacon grease in the pot!
Add the butter to the pot and let it melt. Then sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and bacon grease. Stir this all together, and let the flour mixture cook for a minute or two.
Add in your potatoes, celery, onion, carrots and garlic and stir to coat in the flour mixture. Let this all cook together for a minute or two.
Add the chicken broth to the pot, followed by the chicken and the bay leaves. Once this is all stirred together, partially cover the pot and let the soup cook until the chicken is cooked through. Make sure the heat is not on too high, you want it simmering, but not at a full boil.
Once your chicken is almost done and the vegetables are softening, place the cream and half of the corn in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. This will really help to thicken your chowder.
Pour this cream mixture into the soup, as well as the remaining corn and most of the bacon. Let this all cook together for a few more minutes.
Serve the soup topped with the chives and the remaining bacon.

Small bowl of chicken corn chowder with potatoes, bacon, and corn.

More Comforting Soup Recipes

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Homemade Bean and Bacon Soup
Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup

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