Cheesy Chicken Chowder

This cheesy chicken chowder has diner vibes: It’s thick, hearty and unapologetically creamy. It builds flavor like a soup with loftier ambitions but contains only a handful of ingredients. Start with a pot of broth and a pile of chopped vegetables, and you’re halfway to dinner.

Unlike regular soup, chowders always include potatoes. The base is layered with sweetness from carrots and onion, a slight earthiness from celery and enough potatoes to make it feel substantial. Everything simmers until tender, then the real magic happens: Stirring in a silky cheese sauce gives the chowder a hearty texture that clings to your spoon and sticks to your ribs. Serve it in deep bowls with warm, crusty bread and the perfect winter salad on the side.

Cheesy Chicken Chowder Ingredients

• Chicken broth
• Diced peeled potatoes
• Diced carrots
• Diced celery
• Diced onion
• Salt
• Pepper
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Whole milk
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Diced cooked chicken

Directions

Step 1: Simmer the vegetables in broth

In a 4-quart saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Reduce the heat, then add the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 2: Make the cheese sauce

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Stir in the flour until smooth. Gradually stir in the milk and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for two minutes or until thickened. Reduce the heat and add the cheese, stirring until it’s melted.

Step 3: Bring it all together

Add the cheese sauce to the broth along with the chicken. Cook and stir until heated through.

How to Store Cheesy Chicken Chowder

Let any leftover chowder cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheat it in the microwave or a saucepan on the stovetop.

Cheesy Chicken Chowder Tips

Can I use rotisserie chicken to make cheesy chicken chowder?

You can use rotisserie chicken in cheesy chicken chowder. Just remove the skin and bones, then dice the meat before stirring it in during the final step.

How do I make a gluten-free cheesy chicken chowder?

To make a gluten-free cheesy chicken chowder, swap in a gluten-free flour mix for the regular flour when making the roux. Make sure all other ingredients, including the broth, are certified gluten-free.

What goes well with cheesy chicken chowder?

Cheesy chicken chowder pairs well with air-fryer Brussels sprouts, arugula salad, or even cornbread. The soup is rich and hearty, so something light and crisp on the side helps balance the meal.