This comforting and flavorful Instant Pot Chicken and Corn Chowder is a weeknight dinner winner. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's packed with tender chicken, sweet corn, and creamy goodness, perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe goes beyond a simple dump-and-go approach, focusing on building layers of flavor for a truly satisfying chowder.
What Makes This Instant Pot Chicken and Corn Chowder Special?
This recipe isn't your average chowder. We're aiming for depth of flavor and a luxurious texture. We start by sautéing aromatics in the Instant Pot for a deeper base, then build the chowder with a flavorful broth, tender chicken, and sweet corn. Finally, a touch of cream at the end elevates the chowder to creamy perfection without being overly heavy.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced (optional, but adds great umami)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Vegetables: Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add olive oil, then onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. If using mushrooms, add them during the last 3 minutes of sautéing.
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Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the Instant Pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor that you'll miss if you skip it.
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Pressure Cook: Pour in the chicken broth, add corn, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Secure the lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Then, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
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Make the Roux (optional but recommended): While the Instant Pot is depressurizing, in a small bowl, whisk together the flour and a couple of tablespoons of the hot broth from the Instant Pot until smooth. This creates a roux that will thicken the chowder.
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Combine and Finish: Carefully remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and shred it with two forks. Stir the roux into the chowder and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded chicken. Heat through, but do not boil.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned corn instead of frozen corn?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute canned corn for frozen corn. Just drain the corn before adding it to the Instant Pot. Keep in mind that canned corn might have a slightly different texture and sweetness compared to frozen corn.
How can I make this chowder thicker?
If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can increase the amount of flour in the roux. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the chowder during the last few minutes of cooking.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
While this recipe is optimized for the Instant Pot's speed and convenience, you can adapt it for a slow cooker. Brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through. Stir in the heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What kind of chicken can I use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for this recipe, as they cook quickly and evenly. However, you can also use other cuts of chicken, such as thighs or drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. If using bone-in chicken, you'll likely need to increase the pressure cooking time.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables, such as potatoes, peas, or green beans. Add them along with the carrots and celery during the sautéing step. Keep in mind that adding more vegetables might require adjusting the cooking time slightly.
This Instant Pot Chicken and Corn Chowder recipe is a delicious and versatile option for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Experiment with different vegetables and spices to create your own unique variation. Enjoy!
