Friday, November 13, 2009

Chicken Corn Chowder


I've said it before, but it bears repeating, I love the Autumn season.  I enjoy all the beautiful Fall colors, the crisp chill in the air, the beginning of Colts football and, of course, I love that the seasonal changes influence my cooking and baking. Fewer meals are planned for the grill while dinners become heartier, comfier soups and stews cooked on the stove-top or slow cookers. Fruity, leafy salads begin taking the backseat as squash casseroles and potatoes jump into the drivers seat and park on our dinner tables. Oh, Fall is such a beautiful and wonderful "experience" all around!

This chowder was perfect to serve my family after an evening of soccer and cheer practices. Both boys were cold from the damp, chilly weather and the girls were simply famished after a long day of school and practice. The chowder has so many wonderful flavors that come from the addition of celery, onion, red pepper and jalapeno pepper. Yes, jalapeno. I was so thankful that I followed Melanie's advice and added this. She shared that the pepper didn't add "heat" to the chowder, but gave it a delicious flavor, and she was so right. We LOVED this recipe so much that I'm already planning to prepare this with some leftover turkey the day after Thanksgiving. This will be perfect to return home to after a busy day of Christmas shopping. :)

Chicken Corn Chowder

**Plan Ahead: This recipe calls for cooked chicken. (Thanks Mel!)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeno, finely chopped, seeds and membrane removed (DON'T omit this!!)
1/4 cup thinly sliced or cooked chopped ham
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 (14-oz.) cans chicken broth
3 tablespoons flour
3 ears of fresh corn kernels or 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernals
2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
4 oz. softened cream cheese
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Place olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Saute celery, bell pepper, onion and jalapeno until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ham; cook for another 3 minutes. Whisk the broth with the flour in a liquid measuring cup or bowl and then stir into the soup. Stir in the corn and chicken. Bring to a low boil and reduce heat. Whisk together the cream cheese and milk in a large bowl until smooth. (Make sure your cream cheese is really soft or you'll have lumps in the mixture!) Whisk the cream cheese/milk mixture into the soup along with the salt, pepper and cheddar cheese. Simmer on low until ready to serve.

17 comments:

Melanie said...

Fantastic idea to use leftover turkey in this. And I LOVE your cute Thanksgiving blog header!

Flourchild said...

Im a big fan of fall too! It's such a beautiful time of year. Your soup looks warm and tasty, the perfect fall meal!

Coleens Recipes said...

This is a wonderful variation to my standard chicken/turkey soup and this time of year I'm looking for changes!! Looks wonderful.

Mary | Deep South Dish said...

Sounds and looks wonderful!

CaSaundraLeigh said...

You could get pre-cooked chicken too and that could shave a little time of the prep! Sounds great!!

I looove fall except for knowing what comes after it!

Lyndas recipe box said...

What a great looking recipe with lots of flavor! I'm looking for new soup recipes; this will be great..thanks!

teresa said...

yum! don't you love melanie. i made this for company a few weeks ago and it was fantastic!

Delectable Dining said...

This was so good! It was one of the few meals that Mike was more than happy to eat as leftovers! :)

Donna-FFW said...

I am stealing this for my turkey day leftovers.. thanks.. sounds wonderful!

The Blonde Duck said...

I love that chowder. It's got just enough kick and warmth! Yum!

CookiePie said...

Love this soup - it looks so satisfying! I bet it will be perfect with your leftover turkey too.

Krista said...

What a lovely soup! It looks wonderful and I'm always looking for ways to use up that leftover turkey. Thanks!

Karine said...

Such a comfort soup! It looks delicious :)

Sarah said...

Fall is definitely my favorite cooking time of the year. This corn chowder just sounds fabulous--I've had a major corn craving lately that I think this would curb!

Unknown said...

MMMMMM! I love chowder. I can't wait to give this one a try. Thanks for the recipe. I'll let you know how it goes!

Alex aka Ma What's For Dinner?
www.MaWhats4Dinner.com

kanishk said...

Thanksgiving blog header!

Work from home India

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