Warm-up with a big bowl of healthy Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Bacon. It's comfort food that will hug you from the inside out, and I don't know anyone that doesn't need a warm hug from time to time.
*Disclaimer - This recipe was originally published in 2015. I'm working hard to update all my older recipes with recipe cards, new photos, and additional recipe information. But, getting to all of them will take time. Please bear with me. In the meantime let me assure you that this recipe is still a winner and one I'm sure you'll be well pleased with when you make it at home.
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This recipe is also a great way to sneak extra veggies into your kids without them knowing.
The creaminess doesn't come from cream at all, it comes from cooked and pureed cauliflower.
They'll never even suspect you pulled one over on them. Score one for mom (or dad)!
After all, it's done in the name of love, and that can never be wrong!
I think cauliflower is one of the most amazing vegetables. It's so versatile and lends itself to being morphed, and disguised, in all sorts of recipes.
The flavor of cauliflower is mild, and yet when it's oven-roasted it has a nutty flavor and firm texture that I just love.
When it's boiled or microwaved, the texture becomes soft and the flavor is delicate and butter-like which is why I've used it in recipes such as Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Mashers, Low-Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole, and Roasted Vegetable Soup.
What cooked cauliflower can also do is thicken a cream soup without the use of actual cream and all those pesky calories.
This recipe also takes advantage of leftover or store-bought rotisserie chicken making this an easy-to-throw-together dinner for those busy weeknights when the family is hungry, and everyone is moving in different directions.
This Healthy and Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder will bring everyone around the dinner table in a matter of minutes and will please even the pickiest of eaters.
Tip: If you're only cooking for two, or for a small family, this chowder freezes beautifully well.
After you've cooked (and cooled) it, portion it out into freezer-safe containers. Trust me when I tell you that you'll be enjoying the fresh, healthy taste you loved the night you made it, but weeks and weeks later!
This soup can also be cooked in a slow cooker if needed.
You'll need to prepare the pureed cauliflower in advance of adding the ingredients to the cooker.
After that, it's just a matter of adding the remaining ingredients (minus the parsley) and cook on low for 8 hours.
Easy Peasy.
Below is the printable recipe card along with the exact ingredient measurements and nutritional information for making today's healthier creamy, cream-less, chicken corn chowder with bacon.
When you make this recipe, and I hope you do, I'd appreciate it if you'd take a moment to leave a star rating on the recipe card and briefly comment on why you rated it as you did. FYI - Google appreciates recipe ratings and, in turn, will share my recipes with more people. Thank you so much!!
Printable Recipe Card
HEALTHY CREAMY CHICKEN CORN CHOWDER WITH BACON
Ingredients
- 5 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 medium onion medium diced (I used red onion)
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups frozen corn
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups cauliflower florets microwaved 4-5 minutes on high
- 1 quart (4 cups) chicken broth I use low-sodium, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1½ teaspoon ground coriander
- 4 cups cooked and cubed chicken leftover or rotisserie
- chopped parsley to garnish optional
Instructions
- -In a blender or food processor (or use an immersion blender), puree the cooked cauliflower with 2 cups of chicken broth until smooth. Set aside.
- -In a large stockpot over medium heat, sweat the onion in canola oil until semi-translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the garlic, frozen corn, salt, pepper, pureed cauliflower, bacon, and the remaining 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- -Stir in the cooked chicken, butter, vinegar, and coriander.
- -Simmer for 10 minutes to marry the flavors.
- -Ladle into bowls and finish with chopped fresh parsley to garnish.
Nutrition
I sincerely hope you've enjoyed this corn chowder with bacon recipe as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!
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Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!!
Cindy says
do You think I could substitute canned cream style corn without compromising the carb count too much? My husband has diabetes 2 and I think this would be a good soup for him.
Renée says
Hi, Cindy!
I'm guessing you'd like to substitute the creamed corn for the cooked and pureed cauliflower?
If that's the case, yes, this substitution will definitely increase the carb count. I'm not sure by how much, but I would think significantly.
I originally used the cauliflower to keep this creamy but still a little healthier. However, since corn is pretty high in carbohydrates anyway, I could never call this recipe low-carb in the first place.
I don't know if this answer helps you, but maybe it helps in some small way.
If you'd like to check back, I'll make sure to get the recipe card with the nutrition information on this post (as written) later today or tomorrow.
Take care,
Renee
AJ says
@Renée, where could i find the nutrition info? Thanks.
Renée says
Hi, AJ!
Give me a little time and I'll update this recipe later today with the nutritional information and the printable recipe card. I've added it to my list of things to do for the day. Thanks in advance for your patience. I'll comment again when it's done so you'll know when it's done.
Take good care,
Renee
Renée says
Hi again, AJ!
I've gone ahead and updated (slightly) the post and added the recipe card with the nutritional information.
I'll be revisiting this post again ASAP to update the entire thing, but today there just wasn't time.
I hope you enjoy this recipe. It's one of my favorites for eating healthier and for counting calories.
Oh, I also used low-sodium chicken broth in this recipe, which I don't think computed properly on the recipe card.
You'll most likely want to do that as well if you're concerned with sodium content like I am.
Take good care, AJ. Thanks for requesting this information. I appreciate it.
https://www.kudoskitchenbyrenee.com/healthy-creamy-chicken-corn-chowder-bacon/
-Renee
Cookin' Canuck says
Adding cauliflower is such a great way to add some healthy creaminess. This is some good looking comfort food!
Angie Barrett says
I'm always a fan of comfort food and chowder! I normally make fattening chowder but I love the healthy spin on it! Such a better way to make it!!
Krista Rollins says
I'm so with you, cauliflower is the bomb and a great secret ingredient to add nutrition and flavor to any dish. This soup sounds awesome!
Martha @ A Family Feast says
I could eat chicken corn chowder any day of the week - and adding the cauliflower is genius!!
Carrie R says
Love that you used pureed cauliflower to thicken up this soup and make it creamy! I have done that with white beans before, but not cauliflower. This looks delicious. 🙂
Megan Kohrs says
I couldn't agree more! Cauliflower is one of my favorites!
Sheena @ Tea and Biscuits says
What perfect looking soup, I could go a bowl about now as it's so cold where I am!
Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez says
What an awesome way to get a creamy satisfying soup with less guilt - this looks amazing! Plus, chicken corn chowder is one of my faves.
Kimberly Killebrew says
Seriously, what beats a great corn chowder for comfort?? This sounds great!
Amy says
I had a version of this at a friends dinner party. It was delicious.
Tanya-Lemonsforlulu.com says
This really does like comfort food!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
I'm not a kid, but I also need my veggies "snuck" in in order for me to eat them! Love this!
Chandra Sirois says
The worls can be scary and big hug frim a warm bowl of soup is fantastic