Slow Cooker Clam Chowder with Shrimp

Clam Chowder with Shrimp is my Midwestern take on New England clam chowder. It's hearty, creamy, and packed with delicious seafood flavor

If you're in the mood for more winter warmer recipes, I'd like to invite you to check out these other recipes: Pumpkin Corn Chowder with Shrimp, Apple Cider Beef Stew, Roasted Broccoli and Cheddar Soup, Baked Bean Soup with Beef and Bacon, and Fast and Easy Turkey Potato Soup.

The ingredient list:

*Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.

• celery
• carrots
• onion
• Yukon gold potatoes
• salt and pepper
• ground thyme
• low-sodium chicken broth or stock
• cream of mushroom soup
• canned chopped clams (with their liquid)
• raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
• Old-Bay seafood seasoning
• half and half
• cornstarch
• fresh lemon juice
• oyster crackers (optional)
• fresh parsley for garnish (optional, not shown)

Kitchen tools and equipment needed:

• large crockpot or slow cooker
• chef's knife
• cutting board
• can opener (optional)
• measuring cups and spoons
• small bowl
• wooden spoon
• soup mugs and spoons

How this recipe came to be:

My husband always orders New England clam chowder if it's on the menu when we go out because he loves it.

I never order New England clam chowder when it's on the menu when we go out because I *thought* I didn't like it.

With today being National Clam Chowder Day (don't ask me who figures all these food holidays out), I thought I'd be all organized and trendy and actually have a post ready, and on time, for such an auspicious occasion.

This is my own original recipe, and as you can see by the title: Midwestern Clam and Shrimp Chowder I put my own spin on a *traditional* New England Clam Chowder, and I must say, I've been mistaken about my dislike for clam chowder all along.

I really, really liked this!

And, if that's not enough of a revelation, my husband said it was the BEST clam chowder he has EVER had!

Say what?

I believe that's one of the highest compliments I've ever received from him about my cooking...and he's pretty well fed!! LOL

Why this recipe works:

This creamy, thick chowder is loaded with tender clams and succulent pieces of shrimp along with perfectly cooked carrots, celery, and potatoes.

It's hearty and comforting with just a little heat in the background (compliments of the seafood seasoning) that will have you licking the bowl looking for more.

Top it off with some oyster crackers and serve it along with a nice loaf of crusty bread and a salad and you've got yourself a real treat for a weeknight family dinner or weekend evening of entertaining friends and family.

The step-by-step photo instructions:

1. Add the diced celery, carrots, onions, and potatoes into the slow cooker.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
3. Add the chicken stock, mushroom soup, clams (with their liquid), and butter.
4. Cover partially (I like to vent the cover with a wooden spoon) and cook on high for approximately 4-5 hours. *Note - The venting of the cover will help the chowder to reduce and help the flavor intensify.
5. After 4-5 hours reduce the heat to low, and add in the chopped shrimp and the seafood seasoning. Stir. Continue to cook (covered and vented) for an additional 1-2 hours.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half and the corn starch.
7. Pour the corn starch mixture into the chowder and stir occasionally. This mixture will thicken the chowder as it heats.
8. Right before serving, stir in the lemon juice.
9. To serve, ladle the chowder into bowls or mugs and top with oyster crackers and chopped fresh parsley (not shown) if desired.

Now open wide because you're going to LOVE this!

Can this creamy seafood chowder be made on the stovetop?

You bet!

Grab a large soup pot or Dutch oven, and set the heat to medium.

Continue the directions as listed in the recipe card except cut back on the cooking time by half, and make sure to stir the chowder more frequently.

Reduce the heat under the pot to medium-low after the initial first cook time. Continue the recipe as listed but cook for only 1 hour, or until the shrimp are pink in color and opaque.

Add the cornstarch mixture, cook and stir until thickened.

You are now ready to serve.

Additional unique and delicious chowder recipes for you:

Apple Corn Chowder is minimally sweet but has maximum flavor! It's a one pot comfort food meal that will satisfy everyone at the table in under 30 minutes!

Creamy Pumpkin Corn Chowder with Shrimp is an easy and seasonal way to upgrade a family favorite. Get ready for rave reviews when you set this thirty-minute meal on the table! 

Mashup your potato soup recipe by adding everybody's favorite...tater tots! Tater Tot Chowder is hearty, delicious, and will soon become a family favorite!

Thick, hearty, and delicious! This Roasted Sweet Potato and Wild Rice Chowder will warm your soul and tickle your taste buds.

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Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!