Special thanks to Swanson for sponsoring this post; as always, all opinions are my own.
Dump it and forget about it slow cooker meal! A delicious Mexican crockpot corn and chicken chowder that has the same delicious flavors of Mexican Street Corn!
There is nothing I crave more when the weather gets cold than soup. I mean, a warm chocolate chip cookie is next on that list, but soup does actually come first.
For me, the December cold is always more bearable because it’s Christmas-time and who doesn’t like a white Christmas?! But come January, well, I’d be fine if the snow just moved along.
However, since the weather (for some reason) doesn’t listen to what I’d like, I’ll be sitting here combatting it with all the soup. So plan on about 50 more soup recipes coming your way!
This is the third recipe I’ve created in partnership with Swanson stocks and broths and I hope you’ve been loving them as much as I’ve loved creating them!
I’ve used their stocks and broths in dozens of recipes on my blog, so it’s fun to specifically spotlight their broths. I love their broths and stocks because of the high quality ingredients and their rich flavor foundation. For this soup recipe, it’s important to use a flavorful stock (or broth) because the stock is such a huge flavor enhancer of this soup.
Swanson Broths are perfectly seasoned with high-quality ingredients for soups, sides and more, while Swanson Stocks have a rich flavor foundation, perfect for creating savory meats and sauces. I use Swanson Organic Free-Range Chicken Stock in this soup recipe, but their broth works really well too, so whichever you have will work!
This soup is made on the lighter side by using half and half, but you can make it a creamier and thicker soup if you use heavy cream; whichever you prefer.
And finally, the toppings! Top this soup with your favorites — I think fresh lime and cilantro are a MUST, but avocado and sour cream are also so delicious in this soup.
More delicious crockpot meals:
- Crockpot Chili (Rave Reviews!)
- Crockpot Mexican Quinoa Tacos
- Crockpot Short Ribs
- Crockpot Creamy Enchilada Soup
- Crock Pot Roast (Reader Favorite!)
Dump it and forget about it slow cooker meal! A delicious Mexican crockpot chicken and corn chowder that has the same delicious flavors of Mexican Street Corn!
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup Swanson® Organic Free-Range Chicken Stock or broth
- 2 cans (14.75 ounces EACH) cream style corn
- 1 can (14.75 ounces) fire-roasted corn or regular canned corn or Mexicorn (this is what is pictured in the photos -- has the added red & green pepper)
- 1 can (15.5 ounces) black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 ounces) fire-roasted diced green chiles
- 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder regular chili powder also works
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 and 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 cups Colby OR Monterey Jack Cheese freshly grated; not from a bag
- 2 cups half and half or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional additions: fresh lime, fresh cilantro, diced onion, hot sauce, sour cream, avocado
Spray a large crockpot (I use a 6 quart crockpot) with nonstick spray.
Trim the fat off of the breasts or thighs. If you are using breasts cut each breast into 2 pieces.
Add the trimmed chicken, garlic, chicken stock, creamed cans of corn, drained fire-roasted corn, drained and rinsed black beans, undrained diced green chiles, chipotle chili powder, paprika, and cumin to the crockpot.
Stir well. Cover and cook on high for 3-5 hours or low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken shreds easily.
Remove the chicken and shred. While shredding the chicken add in the freshly grated (if you use cheese from a bag it gets greasy) cheese and the half and half.
Return the shredded chicken and mix. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve with desired toppings: fresh lime, fresh cilantro, squirt of hot sauce, spoonful of sour cream, or fresh avocado.
Olivia - Primavera Kitchen says
I totally agree with you there is nothing like a good bowl of a flavourful and warm soup during this time of the year. Chelsea, this soup looks absolutely fantastic and your pictures are making my mouth water. Have a lovely week 😉
Shawnna Griffin says
hey girl- this soup looks so good!
Jeff says
What a beautiful dish. I cut back a bit on all the dairy to lower the fat content, and it’s an awesome dish!
Angie says
So is that 2 cups of Monterey plus 2 cups of colby, 4 cups total?
chelseamessyapron says
I’m sorry, it’s Monterey or Colby, just 2 cups 🙂 Enjoy!
Pam says
Would 2% milk work or is it better to use half n half? Trying to cut back on fat.
chelseamessyapron says
2% will yield a thinner soup, so if you’re okay with that, then it will be fine!
Jessica says
I used 2% just fine, but I only put in about 3/4 c
Mary K. Powers says
Used fat free 1/2 & 1/2! Worked perfectly! 😁
Chelsea Lords says
Awesome! 🙂
Barbara Forbes-Rhouni says
Could I use Swiss instead of Monterey Jack? I have it on hand but am not sure if it will alter it too much. Thanks, I plan on making this today or tomorrow!
chelseamessyapron says
I don’t think Swiss would be awesome in this soup unfortunately.
Jamie says
Hi there! So I left this recipe out for my husband to cook & he cooked the half & half all day too! Do you think it will be okay?
chelseamessyapron says
Hi Jamie! How long did you cook everything for? How does it smell?
Melinda says
This was very easy to make and really tasty!
chelseamessyapron says
So happy this was a hit! Thanks for the comment Melinda 🙂
AIi says
How will leftover soup keep?
chelseamessyapron says
We love the leftovers!
Jackie says
Really tasty! I omitted the paprika, so perhaps that’s why mine was white, instead of a pink/orange color. Still very good! Topped with crushed tortilla chips and sour cream! Definitely a keeper!
Sara Lewis says
This soup look amazing! I can’t wait to try it. Do you think doubling the recipe would still fit in a large 6-qt crockpot?
chelseamessyapron says
Hmm I’m not sure. I think it would fit, but it would be tight!
Erica says
Super yummy! Can you freeze this soup? We have a ton leftover that I hate to waste if I don’t need to!
chelseamessyapron says
I’m so happy you enjoyed it! I haven’t actually tried freezing it, but I don’t know how well it would do with the half and half :/
Christine says
Rave reviews for Cinco de Mayo luncheon! Only note would be that it says it makes 8 servings, but no note in serving size. I assumed a cup, but it is definitely more than a cup, since it filled a 4 quart crock pot pretty full…almost to the brim. Definitely glad I didn’t double.
chelseamessyapron says
So happy you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for the comment 🙂
Sara Perry says
What is the serving size? 8 oz?
Jessica says
This was delicious! Thanks for the recipe, I’m def adding it to my rotation. I used about 3/4 c of 2% instead of the half and half, and only about 1 1/2 c cheese in the soup to leave the rest for sprinkling on top. I mixed in a little cilantro and green onions right before serving. Topped with cheese and Tapatio, yum yum! Next time I’m going to make it vegetarian (leave out the chicken, sub veggie broth, and use 1 or 2 more cans of beans) so my mom can enjoy it too!
chelseamessyapron says
So happy you enjoyed it! 🙂
Lynn says
This was by far the best corn chowder recipe I’ve tried. I used 2 fresh ears of corn, plus some guacamole salsa. Really put it over the top! Thank you Chelsea.
chelseamessyapron says
I’m so glad you enjoyed this Lynn 🙂
Shannon says
How would the cook time change if I use a precooked rotisserie chicken instead of chicken breasts?
chelseamessyapron says
You’d really only need to heat the other ingredients through and get the flavors to meld — 20-30 minutes on the stovetop would be great!
Jeni B. says
Hi! This looks amazing and I can’t wait to make it this week. How do you think full fat coconut milk would do/taste in place of the half and half? Thanks for the recipe 🙂
chelseamessyapron says
I hope you love it! 🙂 I can’t say for sure without trying it myself, but honestly I don’t think the coconut milk would taste great with the other flavors in this soup.
maeve says
This soup was amazing. I only used 1 cup of half and half and it was perfection. Life needs more perfect easy no prep slow cooker recipes like these. Thanks !!
chelseamessyapron says
Haha I couldn’t agree with you more 🙂 So happy this was a hit! Thanks for the comment!
Sarah says
This was amazing! I doubled the recipe and shared with my neighbors and parents. Everyone LOVED it! I have never been able to find a good corn chowder recipe that had good flavor! Thanks so much!
chelseamessyapron says
Yay!! Love hearing you finally found a good corn chowder recipe 🙂 Thank you for the comment!
Rachel says
How do I thicken this up? It was good but I would like it thicker.
chelseamessyapron says
Next time you can make it the night before and store it in the fridge (it thickens a lot overnight) OR only use 1 cup heavy cream.
Chris says
Making tonight for dinner. Could i substitute yogurt for half and half?
chelseamessyapron says
I’m sure you already made it (wasn’t at my computer last night!) so I hope it turned out well for you! I haven’t even tried yogurt but I don’t think it would complement the flavors very well.
Julie says
how spicy is this soup….I’m not suppose to have too much?
chelseamessyapron says
Hmm if you’re worried about spice, you could use regular chili powder instead of the chipotle chili powder and scale it down a bit 🙂 (I don’t think it’s spicy, but I can handle a bit of spice :))
Kelli says
I’ve made corn chowder with creamed corn before and it turned out sweet tasting—does this soup taste sweet? We weren’t big fans of the sweetness.
chelseamessyapron says
The spices really balance out the sweetness in my opinion I wouldn’t say this is a sweet soup!
Amy says
My store doesn’t carry ranch chicken stock. Will regular be ok or should I add something else as a substitute?
chelseamessyapron says
Yes; regular chicken stock is great! 🙂
Leslie D says
I substituted the canned chili’s with mild Rotel tomatoes. Very tasty!
chelseamessyapron says
So happy to hear you liked the chowder 🙂
Adrienne says
Is there a reason why pre-shredded cheese can’t be used? I’m 4 days post-op & grating cheese will have me in enormous pain. Making this today & will review after eating.
chelseamessyapron says
The pre-shredded cheese just ends up a little greasier, but it will work ok. Good luck on recovering and I hope you love the soup!
Elizabeth says
Great recipe, but I think if the chicken was cubed instead of shredded, it would be a better combo of melding texture with flavor, as oppposed to it all being the same texture. Rather boring to the palate when everything is the same size/texture.
chelseamessyapron says
You can definitely cube the chicken instead of shredding if you prefer 🙂
Kate says
I made this and it is one of the best soups I have ever tasted. I is satisfying without being too heavy. I threw in some roasted red peppers because I had them in the fridge- really really good recipe! Thanks for sharing.
chelseamessyapron says
So thrilled to hear that! Thank you for the comment Kate 🙂
Katie M says
Would halfing this recipe work? It’s just my husband and I so we don’t need a full amount. Thanks! 🙂
chelseamessyapron says
That should work great! Enjoy 🙂
Tiffany says
Hi, I’m wanting to make this for dinner but I don’t have any half & half or heavy cream on hand, what could i replace it with without it being too runny?
Alyssa says
I made this last night using 2 cups of trader joe’s Monterey Jack with jalapeño cheese, and used 1 cup regular half & half plus one cup almond milk. Super good soup!!
Linda says
Just wondering if the regular canned corn should be drained. Making this Saturday!
chelseamessyapron says
I hope you love it! 🙂 Either way is fine, but for a thicker soup I’d drain it!
Geena says
Delicious, comforting, and full of spice. My kind of soup! I actually made this dairy-free by subbing a can of coconut milk for the 2 cups of half and half and omitting the cheese. It probably changes the original flavor profile a bit, but I really liked it! Topped it with a avocado, cilantro, and a huge dollop of salsa that was a nice acidic counterpoint to the creaminess. Fantastic soup!
chelseamessyapron says
So happy to hear you enjoyed this soup Geena! Thanks for the comment 🙂
Tori says
Would the cook time change if i was not adding any meat?
chelseamessyapron says
Yes, really just enough time for flavors to meld and soup to thicken. Easily half the time without chicken!
Erin K says
This looks delish!!! But I can’t do black beans-any recs for a substitute?
chelseamessyapron says
You can just leave them out! 🙂 Or use a different bean!
Peggy says
Can you use ground beef or turkey instead of chicken
chelseamessyapron says
I haven’t tried either in this soup 🙂 If you do add ground turkey/beef, I’d brown it in a skillet first before adding to the crockpot. Enjoy!
Sarah says
My husband and I are in love with this soup; its so wonderful!!! I added extra of all of the spices plus a little smoked paprika, since we like things a little spicer.
chelseamessyapron says
I’m so glad you enjoyed! Gotta keep things spicy;)
Michelle says
Thank you for another amazing recipe! It’s very forgiving, I’ve added and subbed in what’s been on hand with great success. For those asking about freezing, this freezes beautifully with a couple of tips. Cook at the full amount (or double if serving a larger family). BEFORE adding the dairy products (cheese/1/2&1/2-cream-etc) remove the half you plan on freezing. Then proceed with the recipe adding only half the amount of dairy. Shredded cheese actually freezes fine if being added to a recipe, so I add the measured amount to a bag, attach that to the soup in the freezer, so it’s ready to go when thawed. All you have to do is thaw, heat soup, add thawed cheese and 1/2&1/2 or cream. Now only cooking for two I find it really hard to scale down after feeding an army for years. When I do the time seems so wasted. Why put in so much effort to cook for two when it’s no more effort to make more and freeze. It’s SO nice to pull hommade dinners out and with minimal effort and clean up have a great meal. 🙂 I really appreciate recipe developers and bloggers such as yourself, Chelsea, that take such care and effort to share your talents and offer such wonder recipes that inspire and expand my cooking.
Kelly Carlson says
I’m excited to try this! I’m wondering if this would work in an instant pot instead of slow cooker, and any idea on the time? Thank you!
Debbie says
Is the serving size about 1 1/2 cups? Also, I didn’t have cream on hand, using evaporated milk, hopefully this will work. I’ve it it in the Crock-Pot now, if you have any suggestions, would appreciate it . Can’t wait for dinner tonight
Shannon says
After reading the other reviews, I too cut back on the amount of 1/2 and 1/2 and cheese. I realize we prefer different tastes – for me this one was way too sweet and lacked the kick of a Mexican dish. I added LOTS more cumin and chili pepper. I also added both lime juice and red wine vinegar to help knock back the sweetness and to add a level of acid. After those personal tweaks – it is one I will likely make again – thanks!
chelseamessyapron says
Sounds amazing Shannon! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your tweaks!
Alexis Bourne says
Made this before and loved it!! Trying to switch it up… If we added sweet onion would it go in the chowder at the beginning or wait til you shred the chicken?
chelseamessyapron says
So happy to hear that! 🙂 I’d put in an onion at the very beginning — maybe even saute it a bit first before throwing it in. Enjoy! 🙂
Kim says
YUM! I made a DIET version by accident. I forgot to add the heavy cream and 2 cups of cheese & still loved it! Later, I added just a sprinkle of bagged shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and tortilla strips as a garnish. It was FANTASTIC! I also LOVE Tajin, so I omitted cumin, chili powder, and paprika, and added 3 TBS of Tajin. Tajin is a Mexican chili powder infused with lime! It’s fantastic. Look in the Mexican food aisle of your grocery store.
chelseamessyapron says
Ooh my gosh, it’s genius! I’m sooo glad you still enjoyed it. I’ll have to try making it a lighter one time! Thanks Kim! 🙂
chianta says
I recently made this chowder. It was absolutely delicious. I did have trouble getting all the cheese to melt. Should I add it a little at a time?
Thanks!!
chelseamessyapron says
Did you use pre-shredded cheese? If so, pre-shredded cheese doesn’t ever melt very well; its coated in flour to keep it from sticking. If you used freshly shredded cheese and it didn’t melt, maybe try adding a little at a time. Glad you enjoyed the chowder!
Michelle Coleman says
Can this recipe be frozen?
chelseamessyapron says
I haven’t actually tried, but I don’t think it would freeze great with all the dairy in it unfortunately!
Michelle says
I would love to hear if anyone has adapted this to an Instant Pot. It’s one of our favorite soups. I’m brand new to IP cooking so don’t have the confidence to convert this myself.
Tammy says
I make this all the time in my instant pot! I add everything but the cream and cheese. Then I choose soup and it cooks for 30 minutes. Shred the chicken and add the cream and cheese. We love this soup!
Chelsea Lords says
Thanks for sharing Tammy!!
Taryn says
Only have 1 can of cream style corn on hand, do you think it would be ok with 1?
chelseamessyapron says
Do you have regular corn to use in its place?
Rachel says
I tried this recipe on a whim because the picture made it look very tasty and it has now become one of my favorite things to make. I follow the instruction exactly and i’ve gotten numerous compliments on this recipe including ” this is the best soup i’ve ever had “. This soup is WILDLY underrated but i’m glad more people don’t know about it so I can keep making ‘the best soup’ all by myself!
chelseamessyapron says
Ahh thank you so much!! I’m so excited you love it! Thanks so much for your comment! 🙂
Wendy K says
I’m hoping this is better tomorrow. It’s incredibly bland and I tripled the amount of spices. Im only giving it two stars because it was easy.
Chelsea Lords says
Did you salt and pepper it to taste? That can make a big difference. Sorry this wasn’t for you, we love it!
Joseph Kulesza says
I accidentally added the half&half before I started cooking it. Is that going to be a problem?
Chelsea Lords says
It could curdle the soup; how did it turn out?
Connie says
Yummy…just made it. Used 1 cup Fat Free Half and Half plus added additional can of drained black beans because we love them. It’s delicious! Thank you for the great recipe!
Chelsea Lords says
So happy it was a hit! Thanks Connie 🙂
Lisa says
I loved this soup but wondered if there were any ideas if I wanted it to be a little more on the thicker side. What works i change add or omit
Chelsea Lords says
To make it thicker you can add just 1 cup heavy cream instead of 2!
Tammy says
I can’t tell you how much my family has loved this soup. I first made your soup two years ago on Halloween and it has forever been called Halloween Corn Chowder! We looooove this soup. Thank you for sharing your yummy recipes.
Chelsea Lords says
This makes me so happy to hear, thrilled it has been a hit and made it into your family traditions for 2 years 🙂 Thanks Tammy!!
Tyler says
Incredible recipe as is.
I’m a big fan of heat- especially when there’s a sweet aspect (Cream Corn in this case)- so the last few times I’ve made it I added some cayenne. I’m in love.
Chelsea Lords says
So happy to hear you’ve enjoyed this recipe Tyler! Thanks so much for the comment and review 🙂
Hallie says
I’ve made this recipe before and we all loved it. I want to make it for an event where it will have to sit in the crockpot unattended for about 3 hours and be ready to use pretty quickly. If I have it all ready with the chicken added, but not the half and half or cheese, when I add those will the soup still be hot enough to serve without extra heating time?
Chelsea Lords says
To be honest I’m not totally sure without personally trying that, but I think if you keep it on warm in the crockpot, the dairy additions should melt in fairly quickly; I’d increase the crockpot to high until it is warmed through again, which shouldn’t take too long if it was already hot
Caroline says
I’ve made this probably 5 times in the last 8 weeks, it is SO delish. I use 1/2 the HWC, but will try with whole milk next time. Of the add-on options, I HIGHLY recommend the lime. It really brightens it up, although it’s a home run as is.
Chelsea Lords says
So thrilled to hear you’ve loved this! Thank you!