Chipotle Chicken Corn Chowder (Slow Cooker)

This Chipotle Chicken Corn Chowder recipe is probably my favorite soup recipe. There’s two reasons why I love it so much – it has the best flavor and it’s also incredibly easy to make. The soup is packed with tender chicken, sweet corn, hearty black beans, potatoes, and bell pepper, all infused with the smoky flavor of chipotle. Finish it off with your favorite toppings, like a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, and you’ll see just why I love this soup so much.

WHAT IS CHIPOTLE CHICKEN CORN CHOWDER?

A traditional chicken corn chowder is typically made with chicken, corn, potatoes and sometimes bacon, all in a creamy broth. This chipotle chicken corn chowder is just like the classic, but we take out the bacon and add additional seasonings, including chipotle chili powder, to give it a rich, smoky flavor. The addition of these seasonings also opens up more possibilities with toppings, such as fresh squeezed lime, cilantro and crushed tortilla strips – which you won’t find on a traditional corn chowder.

INGREDIENTS

• Chicken – You can use either boneless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, whichever is your preference. I personally prefer chicken breasts.
• Garlic – Because it makes every recipe better! 🙂
• Bell pepper – I typically use a red one, but any color will do.
• Potatoes – I prefer to use baby gold ones in this recipe, but you could use red or russet potatoes too.
• Black beans – Make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the slow cooker.
• Tomatoes – A can of Rotel, fire-roasted tomatoes or diced tomatoes will all work. My preference for this soup is Rotel, because it has green chiles in it. However, if you use a can of diced tomatoes only, you can also throw in a small can of diced green chiles. This is optional, but my soup includes it since I usually use Rotel. Whichever can you choose, you want to make sure to add the whole thing, including all the liquid.
• Cream style corn – There’s actually no cream in cream style corn. The “creaminess” comes from pureed corn kernels. Cream style corn usually combines about half pureed corn and half whole corn kernels. We love it in this soup!
• Corn – You can use either canned or frozen (no thawing required). I love the vacuum-packed cans of corn, like this Del Monte one. They retain some of the crispness that you get with fresh corn.
• Chicken broth – I like to use a better quality broth for my soups. Swanson is a good brand and has a richer flavor than generic brand broths.
• Chipotle chili powder – This is the main star of all the seasonings. The chipotle flavor adds so much to this soup.
• Smoked paprika, cumin, salt – The rest of the seasonings used in this soup that add extra levels of flavor.
• Heavy cream – Adds a delicious creaminess to the soup.

Topping Suggestions

• Lime juice
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced avocado
• Crushed tortilla strips
• Hot sauce
• Sour cream
• Freshly grated cheese

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Spray your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray.

Lay the chicken evenly across the bottom.

Add the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker EXCEPT the cream. (Add the garlic, bell pepper, potatoes, black beans, tomatoes, cream style corn, corn, chicken broth, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin and salt.)

Gently stir. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours.

Remove the chicken and shred with two forks. (It should be tender and fall apart easily.) Place shredded chicken back in the slow cooker.

Add the heavy cream and stir well. Taste and adjust the salt and seasonings to your liking.

Ladle into a bowl, add your toppings, like a squeeze of lime juice and cilantro, and enjoy!

TIPS & NOTES

Spice Level: The spice level can easily be adjusted at the end if you want more of a kick. It all comes from the chipotle chili pepper seasoning. The recipe calls for one teaspoon, but if you prefer it extra spicy, try two teaspoons.

Don’t forget the toppings! I highly recommend not skipping out on the toppings, especially the lime juice. If you don’t have time to prep any other toppings, at least add some fresh lime. It compliments this soup really well. (See above for topping suggestions.)

Leftovers: This recipe makes great leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

For another delicious slow cooker soup recipe, be sure to check out my Chicken Curry Soup. It’s hearty, wholesome and loaded with fresh veggies.