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    Home » Recipes » Healthy Recipes » 30-Minute Chicken Corn Chowder

    Published: Jul 29, 2021 · Modified: Jan 20, 2022 by Cara Lanz · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    30-Minute Chicken Corn Chowder

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    Healthy Chicken Corn Chowder

    This post has been updated with new photos and tips.

    This easy 30-minute chicken corn chowder recipe is a comforting meal loaded with the bright, fresh flavors.

    blue bowl with chicken corn chowder on a wooden countertop

    This satisfying, delicious soup comes together with sweet corn, red and orange peppers, green onions, tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, crunchy water chestnuts, and jalapeno and chili sauce for a spicy kick.

    It takes under 30 minutes to make -- but tastes like it took all day.

    You’re going to love this

    Fresh or frozen corn. I love making this corn chowder during the cooler temperatures of wintertime. But since I’m not industrious enough to freeze fresh corn in the summer, I rely on frozen corn from the grocery store, which is an excellent substitute for fresh. 

    Leftover turkey or ham. This corn chowder is a great recipe to use of rotisserie chicken breast, or leftover turkey or ham.

    Unique flavors. Every spoonful brings unexpected “What’s that?” flavors that you don’t usually find in corn chowder. The chili garlic sauce and jalapeno zing it up, the coconut milk makes it sweet and creamy, and the water chestnuts add a satisfying crunch. 

    Fast and easy recipe. Yes, you can actually go from zero to a bubbling hot pot of delicious chowder in about 20 minutes.

    Wholesome weeknight dinner. This creamy chicken corn chowder is packed with fresh vegetables, boneless skinless chicken, and no heavy cream. Coconut milk makes this a bit of a lighter version and provides all the creaminess it needs.

    Chowder without potatoes. Some chowders rely on potatoes for a filler and thickener. This hearty soup uses a cornstarch slurry to achieve the perfect texture. No potatoes.

    Ingredients

    chicken corn chowder ingredients
    Ingredients in chicken corn chowder

    Green onions. Make the most of your green onions by using the green and white parts of the onion in this recipe. 

    Jalapeno. Use the seeds and ribs of the jalapeno if you like it spicy. Otherwise, remove them for less heat. 

    Chili garlic sauce. Chili garlic sauce is made from red jalapeno peppers and garlic. A little goes a long way, so if you’re not into spice, use less than the recipe calls for and add more, if you like. 

    Cooked chicken. You can use any leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or fresh poached chicken breasts. 

    Corn. Fresh or frozen, thawed corn both work equally well in this recipe. Cornstarch. This creamy soup is thickened with a slurry of cornstarch and water. So you can completely control the thickness of this soup.

    Substitutions

    Chicken. Feel free to use leftover turkey or ham instead of chicken. 

    Bell peppers. Orange and red bell pepper bring so much color and flavor to the soup. But you can use just one or the other, or green peppers, if that’s what you like best. 

    Jalapenos. If you don’t care for spicy foods, you can substitute in an Anaheim pepper or just leave it out. You can also substitute a can of green chiles or jalapenos, for convenience.

    Garlic chili sauce. You can use sriracha sauce, hot sauce, harissa, or throw in some red pepper flakes if you don’t have this. 

    Coconut milk. You can replace coconut milk with cow’s milk, soy milk, almond milk, evaporated milk, or even Greek yogurt thinned with water. 

    Chopped parsley. Basil, thyme, or cilantro would be a delicious substitute for parsley.

    How to Make Healthy Chicken Corn Chowder

    In a large pot, saute green onion, red and orange pepper and jalapeno in the olive oil on low to medium heat for approximately 5 minutes.

    Add garlic and chili garlic sauce, saute for additional 2 minutes.

    vegetables sauteeing in a pot with a wooden spoon

    Add coconut milk, chicken, corn, water chestnuts, lime juice and zest, and salt and pepper. Bring to boil and reduce to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.

    coconut milk, corn, and chicken in a pot with wooden spoon

    To achieve a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into your simmering corn chowder. Repeat once, if necessary.

    chicken corn chowder boiling with corn starch

    Before serving, stir in chopped parsley.

    Before serving, stir in chopped parsley and top it with all of your favorite things like crumbles of crispy bacon, corn kernels, and a little bit of cheddar cheese.

    Serve with a healthy green salad and homemade cornbread or crusty bread for a comforting meal the whole family will love.

    Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

    bowl of healthy chicken corn chowder with jalapeno slices on top

    Expert Tips

    If you are using frozen corn, run it under cold water to completely thaw it before using. 

    Make it your own. You can completely customize this recipe to make it your own. 

    • Leave out the chicken for a vegetarian option. 
    • Add chopped carrots, cauliflower, broccoli -- whatever you like -- during step one to boost the veggie power. 
    • Throw in some fish or shrimp during the last step and heat until cooked through. 
    • Fry up some crispy bacon and crumble it over the top.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I freeze this chicken corn chowder?

    Unfortunately, soups made with coconut milk don’t do well when frozen, defrosted, and warmed.

    What is the best way to reheat corn and chicken chowder?

    Both the microwave and the stovetop work great for reheating corn chowder.

    How long does chicken corn chowder last in the fridge?

    Store your leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

    Hungry for More Easy Weeknight Dinners? 

    • Portobello Mushroom Pizza
    • Bacon Cheeseburger Sweet Potato Tater Tot Casserole
    • Mini Turkey Meatloaf
    • Easy Green Chicken Enchiladas

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    healthy chicken corn chowder

    Healthy Chicken Corn Chowder (Dairy-Free)

    Cara Lanz
    Healthy chicken corn chowder is a quick and easy soup recipe that’s loaded with fresh and unexpected flavors like jalapeno, red and orange peppers, chili sauce, coconut milk, water chestnuts, and a dash of lime. This light dairy-free corn chowder comes together in under 30 minutes -- but tastes like it took all day.
    4.20 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 17 mins
    Total Time 27 mins
    Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish, Soup
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 208 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 bunch sliced green onions
    • ½ cup chopped red pepper
    • ½ cup chopped orange pepper
    • 1 chopped jalapeno, ribs and seeds removed
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 cloves minced garlic
    • 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
    • 2 cans light coconut milk
    • 1 pound cubed cooked chicken
    • 5 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
    • 8 ounces diced water chestnuts
    • ½ lime, zest and juice
    • salt and pepper
    • 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch
    • ¼ cup chopped flat leaf parsley

    Instructions
     

    • In a large pot, saute green onion, red and orange pepper and jalapeno in the olive oil on low to medium heat for approx. 5 minutes.
    • Add garlic and chili garlic sauce, saute for additional 2 minutes.
    • Add coconut milk, chicken, corn, water chestnuts, lime juice and zest, and salt and pepper. Bring to boil and reduce to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.
    • To achieve a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into your simmering corn chowder. Repeat if necessary.
    • Before serving, stir in chopped parsley.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 208kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 14gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 155mgPotassium: 305mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 705IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    About this recipe

    This recipe was adapted from a Thai Chicken Corn Chowder recipe in a community cookbook from my hometown, Baudette, MN, called “Someone’s in the Kitchen with Cindy.” 

    This loving collection of tried-and-true recipes were compiled into a cookbook and sold to raise funds to support Cindy, a hometown girl who had a double lung and heart transplant. 

    As a testament to how beloved Cindy is and how generous the fine folks of Baudette are, this small town of about 1000 people contributed over 800 recipes and purchased 1000 cookbooks. 

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    Hi, I'm Cara!

    I love dreaming up easier, and sometimes healthier twists on dishes from the heartland.

    This is where I share my recipes, tips, and inspiration for a happy home.

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