Southwest Chicken Corn Chowder

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped
• 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado

Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.

2. Add diced chicken to the pot and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pot, sauté onion, bell peppers, garlic, and jalapenos until softened, about 5 minutes.

4. Add corn kernels and cook for an additional 3 minutes.

5. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat, cooking for 1 minute.

6. Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

7. Add diced tomatoes, green chiles, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir to combine.

8. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

9. Add the cooked chicken back to the pot and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

10. Stir in butter until melted and well incorporated.

11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

12. Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro.

13. Ladle into bowls and garnish with crispy bacon bits.

14. Serve with lime wedges and optional toppings.

Dive into a bowl of this Southwest Chicken Corn Chowder and let the flavors of the American Southwest warm you from the inside out! This hearty, spicy chowder combines tender chicken, sweet corn, and a medley of peppers in a creamy, satisfying broth. It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a taste of the Southwest. The blend of spices and the kick from the jalapenos will awaken your taste buds, while the creamy base soothes and satisfies. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this chowder is sure to become a favorite. So grab a spoon, squeeze that lime, and get ready for a fiesta in your mouth – it’s like the Southwest wrapped up in a cozy, comforting bowl!