Quick & Hearty Corn Chowder: A Weeknight Winner

Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm, creamy bowl of chowder. But who has hours to spend simmering and stirring after a long day? This quick and hearty corn chowder recipe delivers all the satisfying flavor of a traditional chowder in a fraction of the time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or any time you crave a comforting and delicious meal.

This recipe emphasizes ease and speed without sacrificing flavor. We’ll use readily available ingredients and smart cooking techniques to create a chowder that’s both quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

## Why You’ll Love This Quick Corn Chowder

* **Fast and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Hearty and Filling:** Packed with corn, potatoes, and bacon, this chowder is a complete meal.
* **Delicious and Flavorful:** The combination of sweet corn, savory bacon, and creamy broth creates a symphony of flavors.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and spices.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses inexpensive, readily available ingredients.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Bacon:** 6 slices, chopped. Bacon adds a smoky, savory depth of flavor to the chowder. You can substitute with pancetta or diced ham if preferred. For a vegetarian option, consider using smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor or omit it altogether.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Onion provides a foundational aromatic base for the chowder. Yellow or white onions work best.
* **Celery:** 2 stalks, chopped. Celery adds a subtle vegetal note and contributes to the overall flavor complexity.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic enhances the savory notes of the chowder. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, or substitute with garlic powder in a pinch (about 1/2 teaspoon).
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 tablespoons. Flour is used as a thickening agent to create the creamy texture of the chowder. You can use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
* **Chicken Broth:** 4 cups. Chicken broth forms the liquid base of the chowder. You can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
* **Potatoes:** 2 medium, peeled and diced. Potatoes add heartiness and creaminess to the chowder. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well. Make sure to dice the potatoes into even pieces for uniform cooking.
* **Corn:** 2 cups, frozen or canned (drained). Corn is the star of the show! Frozen corn is a convenient option, but canned corn can also be used. If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob and use about 3 ears of corn.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup. Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the chowder. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the chowder will be less creamy.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons. The butter is used to sauté the vegetables and create a flavorful base.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Seasoning is crucial for bringing out the flavors of the chowder. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh chives, parsley, or crumbled bacon for serving.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Pot or Dutch Oven:** A large pot or Dutch oven is essential for cooking the chowder.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For chopping vegetables and bacon.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring the chowder.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s start cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect pot of quick and hearty corn chowder.

**Step 1: Cook the Bacon**

* Place the chopped bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Cook until crispy, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes.
* Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add the butter to the pot with the bacon grease.
* Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

**Step 3: Make the Roux**

* Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
* This creates a roux, which will help to thicken the chowder.

**Step 4: Add the Broth and Potatoes**

* Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
* Add the diced potatoes and bring to a simmer.
* Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.

**Step 5: Add the Corn and Cream**

* Stir in the corn and heavy cream.
* Heat through gently, being careful not to boil.

**Step 6: Season and Serve**

* Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* Stir in most of the cooked bacon, reserving some for garnish.
* Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives, parsley, or crumbled bacon.

## Tips for the Best Corn Chowder

* **Don’t Overcook the Potatoes:** Overcooked potatoes will become mushy and affect the texture of the chowder. Cook them until they are just tender.
* **Use High-Quality Bacon:** The flavor of the bacon will significantly impact the overall taste of the chowder, so use the best quality bacon you can find.
* **Adjust the Consistency:** If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking. For a thinner chowder, add more chicken broth.
* **Don’t Boil After Adding Cream:** Boiling the chowder after adding the cream can cause it to curdle. Heat it gently over low heat.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Seasoning is key to a delicious chowder. Taste the chowder throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.

## Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about this corn chowder recipe is how easily it can be customized to your liking. Here are a few variations you can try:

* **Seafood Chowder:** Add cooked shrimp, crab, or scallops to the chowder during the last few minutes of cooking for a seafood twist.
* **Chicken Chowder:** Add shredded cooked chicken to the chowder for a heartier meal.
* **Vegetarian Chowder:** Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. Add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.
* **Spicy Chowder:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the chowder for a spicy kick.
* **Cheesy Chowder:** Stir in shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese during the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy flavor.
* **Smoked Paprika:** If you skip the bacon and want to mimic the flavor, add about a teaspoon of smoked paprika when sauteing the onion and celery.

## Serving Suggestions

This quick and hearty corn chowder is delicious on its own, but it’s also great served with:

* **Crusty Bread:** For dipping into the creamy broth.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** A classic pairing.
* **Side Salad:** For a lighter meal.
* **Oyster Crackers:** A traditional chowder topping.

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the chowder up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently over low heat before serving.
* **Storage:** Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freezing:** While you can freeze corn chowder, the texture may change slightly after thawing. The potatoes can become a bit grainy. If you plan to freeze it, consider omitting the potatoes or using a potato variety that holds up well to freezing, such as Yukon Gold. To freeze, let the chowder cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Fat: 25-35g
* Protein: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

This quick and hearty corn chowder recipe is a surefire winner for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving a comforting and delicious meal. With its simple ingredients, easy instructions, and customizable options, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. So, gather your ingredients, grab your pot, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of creamy, flavorful goodness!

## Recipe Card

**Quick & Hearty Corn Chowder**

A comforting and flavorful corn chowder that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 6

### Ingredients

* 6 slices bacon, chopped
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 stalks celery, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
* 2 cups corn, frozen or canned (drained)
* 1 cup heavy cream
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional garnishes: fresh chives, parsley, or crumbled bacon

### Instructions

1. Cook the bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving grease in pot.
2. Add butter to the pot. Add onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Add potatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender, 10-15 minutes.
5. Stir in corn and heavy cream. Heat through gently, don’t boil.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in most of the cooked bacon, reserving some for garnish. Serve hot, garnished with chives, parsley, or bacon.

### Notes

* For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth.
* Adjust the consistency by adding more broth for a thinner chowder or a cornstarch slurry for a thicker chowder.
* Don’t boil after adding cream to prevent curdling.

Enjoy!