This creamy chicken corn chowder is loaded with fresh corn, potatoes, zucchini, and topped with crispy bacon! It's the perfect hearty soup to keep you cozy all winter long!
Slice the corn kernels off the cob. Then take each ear of corn and use the back of your knife so scrape any remaining pulp into a bowl. This helps add an extra creamy texture to the chowder.
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until the fat has rendered and the bacon pieces are crispy (5-10 minutes).
Remove the cooked bacon from the pot and set aside. Discard all but 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon grease.
Quickly sear the chicken breasts in the bacon grease for about a minute on both sides. Then remove and set aside.
Add in the butter, onion, and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes, until soft and aromatic. Then stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
Pour in the wine to deglaze the pan, making sure to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot!
Add in the corn, potatoes, zucchini, seared chicken breasts, thyme, and spices. Then cover with the vegetable stock. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken breasts and shred with a fork, then set aside.
For a thicker, creamier chowder, remove about ⅓ of the soup (around 3 cups) and puree in a blender. Then add back into the soup.
Add in the heavy cream, cheese, shredded chicken, and green onions and cook for another 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Spoon the chicken corn chowder into bowls and top with the crispy bacon pieces.
Notes
How long does this soup last?Store soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days!
Can this corn chowder be made in the slow cooker?Yes, with just a few variations! Follow steps 1 - in a large skillet and then add to a slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients (except the cream, cheese, and green onions) and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours. Stir in the cream, cheese, and green onions and let cook for another 20 minutes.