Smoky Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Corn Chowder (Easy & Creamy!)

Hello, soup lovers! If you’re searching for the ultimate bowl of comfort food that’s bursting with bold flavor but incredibly easy to make, you’ve found it. This **Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Corn Chowder** is a hearty, creamy dream come true. It combines tender chicken, sweet corn, black beans, and potatoes in a rich, smoky broth – perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or weekend meal prepping.

This *creamy chicken corn chowder* with a smoky twist holds a very special place in my recipe rotation, and I know it will in yours too! It strikes that perfect balance between deep, satisfying flavor and set-it-and-forget-it simplicity. Imagine coming home to the aroma of this *southwestern chicken chowder* simmering away? Pure bliss! The smoky heat from the chipotle chili powder adds a unique layer that makes this soup truly unforgettable.

❤️ Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Chicken Chowder Recipe

This isn’t just any chowder; it’s designed for flavor and ease. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

• Incredibly Flavorful: The smoky chipotle, cumin, and paprika create a deep, savory base complemented by sweet corn and tender chicken.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Reward: The slow cooker does most of the work! Just chop, dump, and let it simmer.
• Creamy & Comforting: Achieves wonderful creaminess from cream-style corn and a finishing touch of heavy cream.
• Hearty & Filling: Packed with chicken, beans, potatoes, and corn, it’s a satisfying meal in one bowl.
• Customizable Heat & Toppings: Easily adjust the spice level and load it up with your favorite garnishes.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Flavors meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers fantastic.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients for a pot full of deliciousness:

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. (Breasts shred easily, thighs add a bit more flavor).
• Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon).
• Bell Pepper: 1 medium, chopped (red bell pepper adds lovely color and sweetness, but orange or yellow work too).
• Potatoes: 1 lb baby gold potatoes, quartered (or red potatoes, or peeled and diced russets). No need to peel baby golds or reds!
• Black Beans: 1 (15-ounce) can, rinsed and drained thoroughly.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: 1 (10-ounce) can, undrained (like Rotel Original). If you prefer less heat, use petite diced tomatoes and add a separate 4-oz can of mild diced green chiles.
• Cream-Style Corn: 1 (14.75-ounce) can. This adds essential body and creaminess.
• Corn Kernels: 1 (15-ounce) can, drained, OR 1.5 cups frozen corn (no need to thaw).
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups (32 oz). Use a good quality low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
• Chipotle Chili Powder: 1-2 teaspoons. This gives the chowder its signature smoky heat. Learn more about the unique flavor profile of chipotle peppers. Start with 1 tsp for mild, use 2 tsp for medium heat.
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the smokiness.
• Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon. Adds earthy depth.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon, plus more to taste (adjust based on your broth).
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup. Stirred in at the end for richness.

🌶️ Topping & Garnish Ideas

The fun part! Customize your bowl with these tasty options:

• Fresh Lime Juice (Highly recommended!)
• Fresh Cilantro, chopped
• Diced Avocado or Guacamole
• Crushed Tortilla Chips or Strips
• Your Favorite Hot Sauce
• Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt
• Shredded Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Cotija Cheese
• Sliced Green Onions

Step-by-Step Instructions (Slow Cooker)

Let your slow cooker work its magic with this *easy chicken chowder recipe*:

1. Prep the Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the insert of your 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray for easier cleanup.
2. Layer the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
3. Add Veggies, Beans & Broth: Add the minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, quartered potatoes, rinsed black beans, undrained Rotel (or diced tomatoes + green chiles), cream-style corn, and drained corn kernels (or frozen corn) on top of the chicken. Pour the chicken broth over everything.
4. Season Generously: Sprinkle the chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and ½ teaspoon salt evenly over the ingredients in the pot.
5. Cook Low and Slow: Stir everything gently to combine. Secure the lid and cook on LOW heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on HIGH heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
6. Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken pieces from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board or in a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.
7. Finish with Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine everything. Let the chowder heat through with the cream for another 5-10 minutes on LOW or WARM setting (don’t bring it to a rolling boil).
8. Taste and Adjust: Taste the chowder and adjust seasonings if necessary. Add more salt, chipotle powder, or other spices to your liking.
9. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot Chipotle Chicken Corn Chowder into bowls. Squeeze fresh lime juice over each serving (this really brightens the flavors!). Garnish generously with your favorite toppings like cilantro, avocado, cheese, and tortilla strips. Enjoy!

💡 Expert Tips & Notes

• Adjusting Heat: Chipotle chili powder varies in heat. Start with 1 teaspoon for a milder, smoky flavor. If you love spice, go for 1.5 to 2 teaspoons. You can always add more hot sauce at the end.
• Lime is Key: Don’t underestimate the power of fresh lime juice squeezed over the finished bowl. It cuts through the richness and elevates all the flavors.
• Creaminess Control: For a slightly lighter chowder, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though it won’t be quite as rich.
• Potato Choice: Waxy potatoes like baby golds or reds hold their shape well. Russets work but can break down more, slightly thickening the chowder (which isn’t necessarily bad!).
• Thickening (If Needed): If your chowder seems thinner than you like (this can depend on potato type), you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker or whisk together 1-2 tbsp cornstarch with 2-3 tbsp cold water, stir it in during the last 15 minutes of cooking on HIGH until thickened.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This *crockpot chicken chowder* is a meal in itself! Serve steaming hot bowls loaded with your favorite toppings. It pairs wonderfully with:

• Warm Cornbread or Corn Muffins
• A Simple Green Salad with a Vinaigrette
• Flour or Corn Tortillas for dipping

🥡 Storage and Reheating Instructions

This chowder makes fantastic leftovers! Store cooled chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or milk if needed to reach desired consistency. Freezing is generally not recommended due to the dairy and potatoes, which can affect the texture upon thawing.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this Chipotle Chicken Corn Chowder on the stovetop?

Yes! Brown the chicken in a large Dutch oven or pot, remove it, then sauté garlic and bell pepper. Add remaining ingredients (except cream), bring to a simmer, add chicken back, cover and cook until potatoes are tender and chicken is cooked through (about 20-30 mins). Remove chicken, shred, return to pot, stir in cream, and heat gently.

Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s generally recommended to thaw chicken before adding it to the slow cooker for food safety reasons and even cooking. If using frozen, you may need to increase the cooking time.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Omit the chicken. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might want to add extra beans or another vegetable like diced sweet potato or zucchini for more substance.

Is this chowder gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce (check labels if concerned) are certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

📖 More Cozy Soup Recipes You Might Like

If you loved this *spicy corn chowder*, you might also enjoy these other comforting soup recipes from StirDelish:

• The Ultimate One Pot Creamy Ground Turkey Pasta (Easy & Delicious!)
• Crunch Roll Sushi Bowl: Easy Deconstructed Recipe
• Easy Slow Cooker Italian Chicken (Seriously Simple!)

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Corn Chowder is more than just a soup; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. The smoky depth combined with creamy texture and hearty ingredients makes it incredibly satisfying. It’s become a go-to in my kitchen for its ease and crowd-pleasing flavor. I truly hope this *chipotle chicken soup* brings as much warmth and happiness to your table as it does to mine!