Hearty Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder Delight

Hi I'm Melany

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on July 30, 2025

Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder

The aroma wafting through my kitchen today is a delightful reminder of my favorite cozy meals. With the weather cooling down, I can’t resist making this Easy Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder. This comforting dish combines the creamy goodness of corn with tender chicken and a delightful kick from zesty salsa verde. One of the best parts? It’s incredibly easy—just toss everything into your slow cooker and let the magic happen! Not only is this chowder perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s also a family-friendly option that warms the heart. Plus, you’ll be amazed at how versatile it is; enjoy it as is or spice it up with your favorite toppings. What delicious variations will you create?

Why is this chowder a must-try?

Comforting warmth: As the weather cools down, this Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder provides a cozy hug in a bowl, making it the ultimate comfort food.

Effortless preparation: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a hearty meal ready without the hassle—perfect for busy weeknights!

Flavorful kick: The zesty salsa verde adds a unique twist that sets it apart from traditional chowders, guaranteeing a delightful taste experience.

Family-friendly: Both kids and adults will love this dish! Its creamy texture and savory flavor cater to a wide range of palates, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.

Endless variations: Experiment with toppings or ingredient substitutions to create your perfect bowl. Try it with fresh cilantro or even jalapeños for extra spice! For more easy meals that bring the family together, don’t miss out on our delicious Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Baked Potatoes.

Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder Ingredients

For the Chowder

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – a juicy, tender protein that soaks up all the flavors when slow-cooked.
Chicken Broth – a crucial base that adds depth; opt for low-sodium to keep it heart-healthy.
Whole Corn (canned, do not drain) – this brings natural sweetness and texture to the chowder; you can use frozen corn if preferred.
Cream Style Corn (canned) – ensures a rich, creamy consistency that makes each spoonful delightful.
Salsa Verde – infuses the chowder with a unique zesty flavor; red salsa can be an interesting swap for a different twist.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilis (canned, 10 oz) – add vine-ripened flavor and a kick; be sure not to drain for the best results.
Cumin – a key spice for that authentically deep Mexican flavor; don’t skip this!
Salt and Pepper – these essentials are crucial for enhancing the overall taste; feel free to adjust to suit your palate.
Minced Garlic – aromatic notes elevate the dish; fresh is best, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
Heavy Cream – brings the chowder to a luscious finish; use half and half for a lighter alternative.
Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded) – melts beautifully to add creaminess; cottage cheese can lower fat content if desired.

For Serving

Tortilla Chips – perfect for dipping and adding a crunchy element!
Fresh Cilantro – brighten up the dish with a sprinkle of this fresh herb.
Diced Avocado – adds a creamy texture that complements the flavors wonderfully.
Lime Wedges – a squeeze of lime can elevate the taste with a refreshing zing!

Now that you have everything you need for a bowl of Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder, get ready to enjoy the cozy flavors that await!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder

Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken broth, whole corn, cream style corn, salsa verde, and diced tomatoes with green chilis. Add the cumin, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Stir all ingredients well, ensuring the chicken is well-covered with the liquid to promote even cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Chowder
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork. The aromas filling your kitchen will be a delightful hint of the comforting meal that awaits!

Step 3: Shred Chicken
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, allowing the juicy flavors to mix with the spices. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, stirring it into the remaining ingredients.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded Monterey Jack cheese into the Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Cover the cooker, and let it cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully together.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is heated through and the cheese is melted, it’s time to serve your chowder hot. Ladle the creamy chowder into bowls and top with your choice of fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime for extra zing. Enjoy this comforting dish that warms the soul!

Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder by customizing it to match your family’s taste and dietary needs!

Rotisserie Chicken: Swap in shredded rotisserie chicken for quicker prep and a smoky flavor that enhances the dish effortlessly.
Bell Peppers: Add chopped bell peppers for an extra crunch. Their natural sweetness complements the chowder’s creamy goodness beautifully.
Spicy Kick: For heat lovers, toss in jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. This addition brings a fiery twist that will ignite your taste buds!
Creamy Alternative: Use cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option that maintains the dish’s luxurious texture while adding a nutty flavor.
Different Greens: Stir in some fresh spinach or kale toward the end of cooking for a pop of color and extra nutrients!
Herb Topper: Fresh cilantro elevates the chowder’s brightness. Don’t forget to sprinkle some on top just before serving for a refreshing finish.
Corn Variations: Try using roasted corn for a smoky, charred flavor that will add a new layer of deliciousness to your chowder.
Cheesy Delight: For cheese lovers, mix in a blend of cheeses such as cheddar and pepper jack for a cheesy kick that melts beautifully into the soup.

With these variations, there’s no limit to how you can make this chowder your own. If you love this dish, be sure to check out our recipes for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi and Sweet Sticky Chicken for more exciting options!

How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Freezer: Freeze the chowder in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before sealing.

Thawing: To thaw, place the container in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water for consistency.

Texture Note: Be aware that freezing may slightly change the texture of the Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder upon reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious!

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder

Enhance your dining experience with delightful sides that perfectly complement this creamy, flavorful chowder.

Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping, the crusty texture and soft interior balance the chowder’s smoothness beautifully.
Tortilla Chips: Add delightful crunch and a savory contrast, making each bite a party in your mouth.
Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of this bright herb elevates the flavors, adding a refreshing touch to every spoonful.
Diced Avocado: Creamy and rich, avocado brings an extra layer of indulgence, harmonizing with the chowder’s spices.
Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime offers a zesty kick, brightening the dish and enhancing its Mexican roots.
Mexican Street Corn Salad: This sweet corn salad with lime and feta provides a delicious contrast, bringing vibrant flavors to the table.
Jalapeño Cornbread: Spicy cornbread pairs perfectly with the chowder, providing a delightful warmth and satisfying texture with every bite.
Margaritas: For a festive touch, enjoy a refreshing margarita alongside for a complete Mexican-inspired meal experience.

Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder

Liquid Coverage: Ensure the chicken is well-covered with the broth mixture to promote even cooking and avoid dryness.
Don’t Drain Cans: Avoid draining the canned tomatoes and corn, which helps maintain the chowder’s creamy consistency and depth of flavor.
Reheating Method: When reheating leftovers, microwave individual portions and stir every 30 seconds to ensure even heating throughout.
Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your palate; taste often, especially when using salt and pepper to enhance your Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder.
Ingredient Variations: For a quicker version, swap out raw chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken. Just add it toward the end to warm through!

Make Ahead Options

These Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the ingredients—chicken, broth, corn, salsa verde, diced tomatoes, and spices—up to 24 hours in advance. Simply combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker and refrigerate overnight. To maintain quality, ensure the chicken is submerged in the liquid to preserve flavor and prevent drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy, just cook it in the slow cooker as per the instructions, shredding the chicken and adding the cream and cheese towards the end. This way, you’ll have a comforting, home-cooked meal with minimal effort, making it ideal for those busy weeknights!

Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe FAQs

What type of corn should I use?
Absolutely! For this chowder, I recommend using canned whole corn without draining it to retain its natural sweetness and moisture. Frozen corn can also be a suitable substitute if that’s what you have on hand.

How should I store the leftovers?
Very simply, store any leftover Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s cooled before sealing to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I freeze the chowder? How do I do that?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze this chowder! Once cooled, pour the chowder into airtight containers, making sure to leave some space at the top as it may expand when frozen. It’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. For reheating, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to adjust the consistency as needed.

What if the chowder is too thick after cooking?
If your Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder turns out thicker than you’d like, fret not! Simply stir in a bit more chicken broth or water incrementally until it reaches your desired consistency. Always add liquid gradually, allowing it to incorporate fully after each addition, so you don’t overshoot the thickness.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Absolutely! If you have any dietary restrictions, you can easily modify this recipe. For gluten-free options, ensure your broth is certified gluten-free. If you’re avoiding dairy, feel free to substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Additionally, for those watching sodium, use low-sodium broth and adjust the salt to meet your personal health needs.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts instead of fresh?
Yes! You can use frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker without thawing. Just ensure you cook it for the longer side of the cooking time, about 8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high, until the chicken shreds easily with a fork. Enjoy your cozy chowder!