Slow Cooker Turkey Corn Chowder Recipe

If you’re craving a rich and comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Slow Cooker Turkey Corn Chowder Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender shredded turkey, sweet corn, and creamy potatoes in one bubbling pot, this chowder delivers hearty flavors without demanding hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this dish is how effortlessly it comes together in the slow cooker, allowing all those simple ingredients to meld into a luscious, savory soup that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to comfort food for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this slow cooker masterpiece, you’ll reach for a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From creamy butter to sweet corn kernels, these essentials blend perfectly to form the base of your chowder.

• Butter (1/4 cup): Adds richness and depth right from the start, ensuring a silky mouthfeel.
• Potatoes (5 pounds, peeled and cubed): The hearty foundation giving the chowder its comforting, chunky texture.
• Black pepper (1/2 tablespoon): Delivers just the right amount of subtle heat and seasoning.
• Dried minced onion (½ tablespoon, optional): Offers a mild oniony flavor that enhances the broth’s savoriness.
• Chicken broth (4 cups): The savory liquid base that ties all the flavors together.
• Frozen corn (2 bags, 10 ounces each): Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to each spoonful.
• Cornstarch (1 ½ tablespoons): Helps thicken the chowder to a luscious consistency.
• Heavy whipping cream (1 ½ pints): Gives the chowder its creamy, indulgent richness.
• Leftover shredded turkey (3-4 cups): The star protein that makes this chowder hearty and satisfying.
• Crumbled bacon: Provides a smoky, crispy topping that elevates every bite.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for that extra cheesy goodness.
• Green onions, sliced: Adds a fresh, bright contrast to the creaminess.

How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Corn Chowder Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Start by placing the butter in the bottom of your slow cooker. As it slowly melts, it prepares the base for a creamy and flavorful chowder that will coat every ingredient beautifully.

Step 2: Add the Potatoes

Next, toss in the peeled and cubed potatoes. These little starchy bites will absorb the broth’s flavors and become irresistibly tender after hours of slow cooking.

Step 3: Season and Add Broth

Sprinkle in the black pepper and optional dried minced onion for that subtle savory touch, then pour in the chicken broth alongside the frozen corn. This combination creates the rich and sweet body of the chowder.

Step 4: Let it Cook

Cover the slow cooker with its lid, setting it to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours. This is where patience pays off, as the ingredients meld and develop their full, hearty flavors.

Step 5: Prepare the Thickener

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth. This slurry will help the chowder thicken to the perfect creamy consistency.

Step 6: Add Cream and Cornstarch Slurry

Pour the heavy whipping cream into the slow cooker and stir in the cornstarch mixture. This enriches the chowder and bring it all together with a silky finish.

Step 7: Stir in Turkey

Now, add your leftover shredded turkey into the mix. This is what truly makes the dish satisfying—generous portions of tender turkey spread throughout every spoonful.

Step 8: Final Simmer

Cover and let the chowder cook for an additional 30 minutes. This step warms the turkey through and allows the chowder to thicken perfectly.

Step 9: Top It Off

Once your chowder is ready, ladle it into bowls and generously sprinkle with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh sliced green onions. These toppings add texture, flavor, and a splash of color.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Slow Cooker Turkey Corn Chowder Recipe piping hot, and bask in the cozy comfort of each delicious bite!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey Corn Chowder Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing with crumbled bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and green onions is a must to bring out contrasting textures and flavors. The crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch, the melted cheese lends richness, and the fresh green onions cut through the creaminess with a bright pop.

Side Dishes

This chowder pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crusty bread, garlic toast, or even a crisp green salad. These accompaniments balance the richness of the chowder and round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chowder in hollowed-out bread bowls or individual ramekins garnished with microgreens. You can also sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or fresh thyme on top for visual appeal and a hint of extra flavor complexity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Slow Cooker Turkey Corn Chowder Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it cools to room temperature before storing to maintain freshness.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chowder in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Be mindful that some ingredients like cream and potatoes may slightly change texture upon thawing, but the flavors will remain delicious.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or cream if the chowder has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving for best texture and flavor retention.

FAQs

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh corn adds a lovely, bright sweetness to the chowder, especially during peak season. Just make sure to cut the kernels off the cob before adding them to the slow cooker.

What type of turkey works best?

Leftover cooked turkey from a roast or rotisserie bird works perfectly. The key is to use shredded turkey meat for easy integration into the chowder without extra cooking time.

Is there a way to make this chowder dairy-free?

You can swap heavy cream for canned coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer if needed. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still creamy and delicious.

Can I add other vegetables to this chowder?

Definitely! Carrots and celery work well with the existing flavors. Just chop them finely and add them early in the cooking process so they become tender along with the potatoes.

How thick should the chowder be?

The chowder should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon without being gluey. The cornstarch slurry helps achieve a luscious consistency that’s hearty but still spoonable.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Turkey Corn Chowder Recipe is a true kitchen gem—simple ingredients, hands-off cooking, and layers of cozy, creamy goodness that make mealtime something to look forward to. It’s perfect for using up leftover turkey while creating a comforting dish everyone will love. So go ahead, give it a try, and let this chowder become your new favorite soul-warming classic!

Print