Chipotle Chicken Corn Chowder (Creamy Healthy Dinner Soup)

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to warm your kitchen with something creamy, comforting, and just a little smoky? If you’re craving a hearty dinner that feels indulgent yet wholesome, this Chipotle Chicken Corn Chowder (Creamy Healthy Dinner Soup) is about to become your new favorite.

There is something timeless about a pot of chowder gently simmering on the stove. The aroma alone — sweet corn, tender chicken, warm spices — draws everyone toward the kitchen. Traditionally, chowders are rich and filling, often thickened with cream and potatoes. In this version, we honor that classic comfort while giving it a lighter, nourishing twist. By balancing creaminess with wholesome ingredients and smoky chipotle heat, we create a soup that satisfies deeply without feeling heavy.

The sweetness of corn pairs beautifully with the gentle heat of chipotle peppers, while shredded chicken brings heartiness and protein to every spoonful. It’s the kind of soup that feels perfect for cool evenings, family dinners, or meal prep for the week ahead. Simple ingredients, carefully layered flavors, and a respectful nod to tradition — that’s what makes this chowder special. Let’s get started.

Introduction to Chipotle Chicken Corn Chowder

Chowder has long been a staple in comforting home cooking — a dish built on patience, warmth, and simple ingredients transformed by gentle simmering. This Chipotle Chicken Corn Chowder carries that tradition forward while embracing bold Southwestern-inspired flavors.

Sweet corn is the heart of this soup, lending natural sweetness and creamy texture. Potatoes provide body, while tender shredded chicken adds satisfying substance. What sets this chowder apart is the addition of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Their smoky depth and subtle heat awaken the palate without overwhelming it, creating a beautiful balance between comfort and spice.

Instead of relying solely on heavy cream, this recipe uses a thoughtful combination of milk and a small touch of cream (or Greek yogurt) to achieve a velvety consistency. The result is a creamy healthy dinner soup that feels rich yet balanced.

Served with warm bread or a simple side salad, this chowder transforms an ordinary evening into something cozy and memorable.

Ingredients

🍗 Protein & Base

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

🌽 Vegetables

• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
• 2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

🔥 Flavor & Broth

• 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup unsweetened milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
• ¼ cup heavy cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

🌿 Garnish

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Sliced green onions
• Extra corn or diced avocado (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

1️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

2️⃣ Build the Flavor Base

Add the diced bell pepper and celery, cooking for 2–3 minutes. Stir in cumin and smoked paprika, allowing the spices to bloom in the warm oil.

3️⃣ Add Chipotle & Broth

Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. Carefully pour in the chicken broth, scraping any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot. Add diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

4️⃣ Add Corn & Chicken

Stir in the corn kernels and shredded chicken. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

5️⃣ Create the Creamy Texture

Lower the heat. Stir in the milk and heavy cream (or Greek yogurt). Allow the chowder to warm gently without boiling, as high heat may cause dairy to separate.

For a thicker texture, you may blend 1 cup of the soup and return it to the pot. This creates natural creaminess while keeping most of the chowder chunky and hearty.

6️⃣ Season & Finish

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If you prefer more heat, add a touch more adobo sauce.

7️⃣ Serve Warm

Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, or a squeeze of fresh lime. Serve immediately while hot and comforting. 🥣✨

Notes

• For extra thickness, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot.
• Frozen corn works beautifully and requires no thawing.
• If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk for the milk and cream.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor deepens beautifully overnight.
• This chowder freezes well for up to 2 months — thaw gently and reheat over low heat.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings)

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 30 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 45 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 6
⚡ Calories per serving: 320

Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 11g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: Varies depending on broth used

This Chipotle Chicken Corn Chowder offers a balanced combination of lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and satisfying creaminess. It provides warmth and nourishment while keeping ingredients simple and wholesome.

Comfort in Every Spoonful

There is something deeply grounding about a well-made chowder — the gentle simmer, the steam rising from the bowl, the way each spoonful carries warmth and flavor. This Chipotle Chicken Corn Chowder captures that spirit perfectly. The sweetness of corn, the smokiness of chipotle, and the tenderness of chicken come together in a creamy healthy dinner soup that feels both rustic and refined.

Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or prepared ahead for busy days, this soup is a reminder that nourishing food can still be bold and exciting.

#ChipotleChickenChowder #HealthyDinnerSoup #CreamyChowder #ComfortFoodMadeLight #ChickenCornSoup #CozyMeals #HighProteinSoup

Bon appétit and happy cooking!