Total Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of creamy chicken corn chowder on a chilly evening. This Easy One-Pot Chicken Corn Chowder delivers cozy, hearty flavor with a lighter, healthier twist. Tender bites of chicken, naturally sweet corn, and soft potatoes simmer together in a velvety broth infused with garlic, herbs, and subtle smokiness. Every spoonful is rich and satisfying without feeling heavy.
The aroma alone — savory chicken mingling with sautéed onions and sweet corn — will fill your kitchen with warmth. The texture strikes the perfect balance: creamy but not overly thick, chunky but still smooth enough to sip comfortably from a spoon.
What makes this chowder truly special is how simple it is. Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup effortless. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep for the week ahead. High in protein and loaded with vegetables, this dish offers wholesome comfort you can feel good about.
Estimated Calories: ~390 per serving
Protein: ~34g per serving
Key Ingredients for Easy One-Pot Chicken Corn Chowder
This recipe uses simple, nourishing ingredients that build layers of flavor.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (1½ lbs, diced) – Lean protein that becomes tender and juicy as it simmers.
Sweet Corn Kernels (2 cups, fresh or frozen) – Adds natural sweetness and bright pops of texture.
Yukon Gold Potatoes (2 medium, diced) – Provide heartiness and natural creaminess.
Carrots (1 cup, diced) – Add subtle sweetness and color.
Celery (1 cup, diced) – Brings gentle earthiness and classic chowder flavor.
Yellow Onion (1 medium, diced) – Aromatic base that deepens the broth.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Adds warmth and savory depth.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (4 cups) – Forms the flavorful foundation of the soup.
Low-Fat Milk (1 cup) – Adds creaminess without heaviness.
Greek Yogurt (½ cup) – Healthy alternative to heavy cream for richness and protein.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon) – Used to sauté vegetables and enhance flavor.
Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon) – Adds subtle smokiness and warmth.
Dried Thyme (½ teaspoon) – Classic herb that complements chicken beautifully.
Salt (½ teaspoon) – Enhances natural flavors.
Black Pepper (½ teaspoon) – Adds gentle spice.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, optional) – Thickens the chowder slightly if desired.
Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped) – Fresh garnish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Easy One-Pot Chicken Corn Chowder
This one-pot method makes the process simple and efficient.
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery.
Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften and onions turn translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
2. Cook the Chicken
Add diced chicken to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme.
Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on the outside (it does not need to be fully cooked yet).
3. Add Potatoes and Broth
Stir in diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender and chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F / 75°C).
4. Add Corn and Creaminess
Stir in sweet corn and milk. Let simmer for another 5 minutes.
For a thicker chowder, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, then stir into the pot. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Turn off heat and stir in Greek yogurt for a creamy, velvety finish.
5. Rest and Garnish
Let the chowder rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to settle and thicken slightly.
Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of black pepper.
Serving Suggestions for Easy One-Pot Chicken Corn Chowder
This chicken corn chowder is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. For a cozy family dinner, ladle generous portions into deep bowls and pair with warm whole-grain bread or a slice of toasted sourdough. The bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy broth. Add a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette on the side for a fresh contrast to the richness of the chowder.
If serving for guests, consider topping each bowl with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, crispy turkey bacon bits, or a dash of smoked paprika for a restaurant-style presentation. You can even serve the chowder in bread bowls for a fun and comforting twist.
For lighter meals, serve smaller portions alongside grilled vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad. The chowder also works beautifully as a meal-prep lunch, packed into insulated containers to enjoy warm during busy days.
Whether dressed up or kept simple, this soup brings warmth and comfort to any table.
Storage + Meal Prep
This Easy One-Pot Chicken Corn Chowder stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for leftovers and weekly meal prep.
Allow the chowder to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen and improve by the next day.
To freeze, place cooled chowder in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Because this recipe uses milk and yogurt instead of heavy cream, it freezes better than traditional chowders. However, stir well when reheating to restore smoothness.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk if needed to loosen the texture. Microwave reheating also works in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
Freshen leftovers with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Conclusion
This Easy One-Pot Chicken Corn Chowder proves that comfort food can be both nourishing and simple. With tender chicken, sweet corn, hearty potatoes, and a creamy yet light broth, it delivers cozy flavor without excess heaviness. It’s a meal that warms you from the inside out while still supporting healthy eating goals.
Whether you’re feeding your family, preparing lunches for the week, or craving something soothing after a long day, this chowder is a reliable and satisfying choice. Feel free to customize it with extra vegetables, herbs, or a touch of spice to make it uniquely yours.
Give this wholesome comfort dinner a try, and enjoy the simple joy of a warm, homemade bowl of goodness.
