You are going to love this creamy corn chowder recipe! It is a quick and easy dinner recipe that will fill everyone right up. With a few common ingredients, you can be enjoying this easy corn chowder for dinner. This recipe also makes great leftovers and freezes well too!

Sometimes the simplest meals are the best and most filling. This creamy corn chowder falls into that simple category. You only need a handful of common ingredients to make a truly delicious soup. The best part? This easy dinner recipe is fully family approved – meaning even my kids love this one!

What is creamy corn chowder?

This corn chowder is a classic soup recipe. Although chowder normally refers to a thick soup with seafood, this version does not have any oysters or clams. The corn replaces the seafood making this a perfect dinner recipe that I know everyone will enjoy.

Creamy corn chowder ingredients

Like I mentioned, you only need a few common ingredients to make this creamy corn chowder. You will need:

• Onion
• Butter
• Chicken broth
• Potatoes
• Salt
• Corn
• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Bacon
• Green onions

Ingredient notes

Onion – Feel free to use your favorite onions in this recipe. I like to use sweet onions or Vidalias. You can also omit the onions, if you are not a fan.

Butter – Use unsalted butter or omit the salt and use salted.

Chicken broth – Try a low sodium chicken broth for this corn chowder. You can also add salt, but you can’t take it away from a recipe. Want to take it to the next level? Try a homemade chicken broth for this chowder.

Potatoes – Russets or golden potatoes work best here.

How to make corn chowder

Another great thing about corn chowder, is that you can easily make it on the stove top, in your Crock Pot or even your Instant Pot. Depending on how quickly you need the recipe, you have the option to make it quick or have it cook all day. To make it on the stove top follow the directions below.

Step 1 – Clean your prep your vegetables. Wash your potatoes and corn (if using fresh). Then dice up your onion, potatoes, corn and green onions.

Step 2 – Cook the onions. In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, place the butter and onions. Cook until the onions become fragrant and translucent – about 5 minutes.

Step 3 – Add most ingredients to the pot. In your large pot add your potatoes, salt and chicken broth. Cook for 30-40, just long enough to soften the potatoes.

Step 4 – Add corn and milks. Add in the corn and cook for 15 minutes. Pour in the milks and cook until they are heated through.

Step 5 – Garnish and serve. Scoop into bowls and top with bacon and chopped green onions.

How to make in the Crock Pot

Want to prep this chowder in the morning and enjoy it at dinner time? You can easily make this creamy corn chowder in your Crock Pot!

• Saute your onions and butter until translucent on the stove top.
• Add the onions, potatoes, broth and salt to your slow cooker.
• Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours.
• Add in the corn for 15ish minutes.
• Pour in the milk and heavy cream and allow to heat through.
• Ladle into bowls and top with bacon and green onions.

How to make in the Instant Pot

Forget to prep your meal before hand and need it ready FAST? Make this corn chowder in the Instant Pot!

• Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE and cook the onions and butter for 2-3 minutes.
• Add in the potatoes, broth and salt to the Instant Pot.
• Cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 10 minutes.
• Manual release and stir in the corn. Place the lid back on for 5 minutes.
• Stir in the milk and heavy cream and place the top back on for 5 minutes.
• Ladle into bowls and top with green onions and bacon.

Side dish recommendations

This chowder can be a whole meal itself, but an easy side dish will round it out. Some great sides would be:

• Hoagie Rolls
• Honey Roasted Carrots
• Loaded Broccoli Salad
• Easy Biscuits
• Skillet Cornbread

Frequently asked questions

This chowder is a pretty simple recipe, but these are a few common questions that I have been asked about it.

Can I use frozen corn? Yes, you can use frozen corn. You will need to add a few minutes to cook time after you add it in to compensate for it not being fresh.

What potatoes work best for this chowder? Russets or yellow/golden potatoes produce the best tasting soup.

Can this be dairy free? You can make this dairy free by using olive oil instead of butter. Sub out the milk for your favorite milk alternative (coconut, almond, oat..) making sure they are unsweetened. Use coconut cream for the heavy cream.

Can I add other spices? Yes, feel free to add your favorite spices to this chowder! I suggest making it as is, and then adding in your spices before serving. You may find that less is best for this hearty corn chowder.

How to store leftovers

Place any leftover soup in a Tupperware with an airtight seal. Wait for it to cool before adding it to the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

Can you freeze it?

Yes! You can easily freeze this soup for later. Place the cooled soup in a large Ziplock bag (you may need to use 2). Place it on a baking sheet and flash freeze it for 2-3 hours in the freezer. Remove the baking sheet and place the bag flat in the freezer. Reheat but allow to thaw in the fridge and warming in the microwave or on the stove top.

Other easy soups to try

Looking for another hearty soup that will fill you up? Check out:

• Loaded Potato Soup
• Creamy Buffalo Chicken Soup
• Shipwreck Stew
• Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Lasagna Soup
• Chicken Noodle Soup