This Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Bacon is a hearty comfort food dish that’s perfect for fall!
Well, this weekend was a tough one friends.
The devastation from Hurricane Irma is heartbreaking and hits very close to home for me.
A few weeks ago my younger sister and her family who live outside of Houston, Texas were walloped by Hurricane Harvey. And this past weekend my mother and my oldest sister and her family who live in Naples, Florida were hit by Hurricane Irma. The devastation in both areas is of epic proportions, and the state of Florida is still being hammered this morning.
I watched hurricane coverage all weekend, and frankly I’m drained and exhausted from the stress of it all, and I wasn’t even in the midst of it. My heart goes out to everyone affected by both disasters. You are all in my prayers.
So today calls for a comfort food recipe. And nothing says comfort better than a warm bowl of soup. This Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Bacon is just that. It’s hearty, full of flavorful and absolutely comforting.
If you can still get some fresh end of season sweet corn go grab some and get cookin’. If not, frozen or canned corn will do. I decided on half and half instead of heavy cream for this recipe, so the soup’s not as heavy. I also add some chopped red bell pepper, but if you prefer green pepper, feel free to substitute that. And I like my red potatoes with the skin left on, but you could peel them if you’d rather. And don’t skip the bacon, because we all know bacon makes everything even better. Enjoy!
Sending love and virtual hugs your way friends!
Ingredients
- 5 slices bacon chopped
- 1 cup yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 cup red bell pepper finely chopped
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 4 unpeeled red potatoes cup into 1/2 inch cubes, about 3 cups
- 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 1/2 cups corn kernels 3-4 ears
- 8.25 ounce can creamed corn
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp. fresh chives finely chopped
Instructions
- Place bacon in a large pot over medium heat. Cook until crisp. Remove to a paper towel lined plate with a slotted spoon.
- To the rendered fat in the pot, add onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the stock, raise the heat to heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer. Add the potatoes and cook until potatoes are fork tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add the chicken, corn kernels, creamed corn and half and half and continue to simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes. Remove 1-2 ladlefuls of liquid to a small bowl. Add the 1 tablespoon flour. Whisk until smooth. Return to pot, mix until well combined, and continue to simmer for 5 minutes until soup begins to thicken. Season soup with salt and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls. Top with crisp bacon and garnish with fresh chopped chives.
2pots2cook
Praying for your family and everybody else suffering.
Mary Ann
Thank you! Everyone needs our prayers right now. It’s such a tough time for so many people affected by these storms.
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
My thoughts are with your family, Mary Ann. And I agree with the sentiment that comfort food is especially comforting right now. This soup fits that bill perfectly :) Lovely!
Mary Ann
Thank you Jennifer. I’m still waiting to hear from my sister about the damage to her home and my mother’s also. Hoping it’s not as bad as predicted.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thoughts are with you and your family right now, my friend!! This is, indeed, a big bowl of comfort food and the flavours sound amazing! I know I’m going to have to try this one soon so Pinned, of course. Hugs sent your way. XO
Mary Ann
Thanks Dawn! Hope you enjoy this soup as much as we do! It’s an entire meal in a bowl!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
I was thinking about you and your family all weekend, Mare!! I didn’t know you also had family in Texas! My aunt, uncle and cousin live in Dallas, so I completely understand the stress of all these hurricanes, despite not being in their path. It’s very difficult to not worry and stress over your loved ones safety!! I will keep your entire family in my prayers, my sweet friend! <3
Kind of hard to transition from that, but this chowder looks absolutely amazing! Too bad we can't mass produce it and send a big ole vat of it to everyone in Texas and FL. Pinning to try! Cheers! XOXO
Mary Ann
I was thinking of your family too Chey! It’s so frustrating not being there with them and being able to offer some help. Wish I could send a big old vat to help. Comfort food always helps me!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean
SO many people impacted by these storms… the consequences will be felt for so long. Indeed, incredibly stressful. I hope your family is safe. It’s so hard, Mary Ann. It’s definitely time for comfort food and your corn chowder looks absolutely scrumptious. I’ve yet to make one… it’s time. xo
Mary Ann
Thanks Traci. I hope the power goes back on sooner than expected. It’s too warm there for older people to go without their air conditioning and food that’s safe to eat. Praying for the best for everyone affected. I hope you give this chowder a try. It’s one of our favorites!
annie@ciaochowbambina
I am right there with you, Mary Ann. It has been a difficult weekend, to say the least; and the work that is ahead for everyone is so daunting. I pray that your family is safe. Thank you for sharing this beautiful and comforting recipe…
Mary Ann
It really is so daunting for all involved Annie! It makes me so sad. Hoping for better days ahead for everyone.
Michele @ Bacon Fatte
I’m with you, Mary Ann… The hurricanes have been heartbreaking for those of us watching, and devastating for those in their paths. Prayers all-around! As for your beautiful chowder, it looks positively warm and wonderful on so many levels! (And, yes, bacon does make everything better!) xo
Mary Ann
It’s been a terrible few weeks weatherwise Michele! I’ll be happy when everyone is back on their feet and on solid ground. This chowder is one of our favorites for soup season. Hope you give it a go! Bacon does work wonders!
Matt Robinson
I can’t imagine what they are all going through! Our prayers are with everyone affected by these storms.
Mary Ann
It’s a tough time for them all Matt. Hoping the power is back on soon.
Naomi
This indeed looks so comforting MaryAnn. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and or family!
Mary Ann
Thanks so much Naomi! XO
Tim
Hoping your Family and Friends are safe. Appreciate your post and cant wait to try it!
Mary Ann
You’re quite welcome Tim! Thanks so much for the well wishes! Enjoy!
Leigh Ann
What a perfect way to use the last corn of the season!! And yes these hurricanes are causing far too much stress! Comfort is always the answer!
Mary Ann
I agree Leigh Ann! Hoping hurricane season is over! Comfort food always helps!
Natasha @ Salt & Lavender
I love a good soup like this… I would seriously love a bowl right about now. It’s been a heck of a week.. aaaand it’s still Monday. Ugh!!!
Mary Ann
I know, right? Hoping the week gets better. I think a huge vat of this soup may help!
Karly
If this doesn’t get a mama excited for fall, I don’t know what does! Looks SO amazing. The perfect dinner to cozy up with after a busy day!
Mary Ann
Yay! So glad you like it Karly! Hope you give it a go.
Tieghan Gerard
This is the ultimate comfort food chowder!! Loving it for fall!
Mary Ann
I love comfort food for fall. It’s the best!
Cindy
I am so sorry that your loved ones have been affected. Prayers to you and yours and thank you for sharing this wonderfully warm-hearted delicious soup.
Mary Ann
Thanks Cindy! Praying for everyone affected. Hope you give this soup a try. I get so excited for soup season!
Shanai (Kids Eat by Shanai)
Wow this looks amazing! Hope everyone is safe…. with love from Australia……. will be trying this one out with the kids
Mary Ann
Thanks so much Shanai! This is one of my favorite soups for soup season! Perfect as your meal with some nice crusty bread! Hope you all enjoy!
Jennifer Farley
I love these flavors together!!
Mary Ann
Me too Jennifer!
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy
Trevor loves corn more than anything, so he’s gonna flip for this!
Mary Ann
Yay! Hope he enjoys it Jennifer!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
Mary Ann, I’m praying for your family – what a sad story for all involved. This definitely calls for a comforting soup! xo
Mary Ann
I feel so sad for everyone Karen! So many older people in Florida too, and it’s so hard on them.
Alida | Simply Delicious
It’s so hot in South Africa today but maaaaan I could smash a bowl of this chowder!!
Mary Ann
It’s finally starting to cool down here, and I’m actually enjoying it!
Gerlinde
I am so sorry for all the people that are suffering in Texas and Florida. My heart goes out to them. There are signs of fall in the air and your soup is perfect.
Mary Ann
Me too. It’s so sad. It’ll be a long road ahead for everyone. I’ll hope for some cooler temps for you Gerlinde so you can make some. I’ve heard it’s been pretty hot there!
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen
So sorry that your family is going through such a terrible time. My heart goes out to everyone in Texas and Florida. The pictures from the Florida Keys are just heartbreaking, Mary Ann. Hope your family has made it through without to much damage to their homes.
Mary Ann
Thank you so much Geraldine. They are still without power in Naples where they live. I will be heading down in the next few days to do what I can to help my mother and my sister. Keeping my fingers crossed the power comes back on soon!
Emily
Mary Ann, your poor family! There are no words. I am sure you are wishing you could send a big pot of this beautiful soup over to both your sister and your mom right now. Sending love to you. (and btw, I’ve been using rotisserie chickens a lot as a shortcut lately too- so great and so quick!)
Mary Ann
I do Emily! I feel so bad that they are still without power. Hoping it comes back on very soon!
Isn’t rotisserie chicken the easiest! Our local market sells it and I just grab some when I’m in a hurry! Hope all is well with the kids and back to school.
Marissa
I’m right there with you, Mary Ann. I’m so sorry to hear of your loved ones being in harm’s way – we have many friends and family in the same situation – so hard to watch the coverage and feel helpless.
You’re right that it’s a comfort food kind of day. I must say that your chowder looks like absolute perfection. My one complaint about chowders is that some are so thick that they don’t seem to get hot enough (does that make sense?), but the actual chowder of yours looks just right and all of those wonderful flavors melding in to one comforting bowl.
Mary Ann
You’re so right Marissa. It’s so hard to watch from so far away and not be able to help. I’m hoping to get there in a few days.
This chowder isn’t overly heavy. It’s one of our favorite fall soups. It’s a meal with some nice crusty bread!
Katherine | Love In My Oven
Mary Ann, I’m so sorry you have had some of the weight of the hurricane on your shoulders as well. I’ll be hoping for the best for your family! Good luck to you and well wishes.
This is a very comforting looking soup – perfect for Fall!
Mary Ann
Thanks Katherine! I’m headed to Naple tomorrow to help my mother and sister. Hoping the power comes back on soon for everyone!
Mitch
I doubled this recipe, and used the flour early, creating a roux before adding the chicken stock. Reserving the bacon as a garnish is a great move, giving you the most bang for your bacon by placing it on top at service. Most of the flavor comes from the rendering, anyhow. My family adored this recipe.
Five enthusiastic stars.
Thanks!
Mary Ann
So happy you all enjoyed it Mitch! Thanks so much for the great rating and for following along!