Cozy Creamy Slow-Cooker Potato Chowder Recipe for Comfort

Potato chowder brings comfort like a warm hug on chilly afternoons.

Hearty ingredients mingle beautifully in this slow-cooker magic.

Chefs love how simple ingredients create something extraordinary.

Rich flavors bubble gently, promising deliciousness in every spoonful.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with tender vegetables and subtle seasonings.

Home cooks appreciate meals that feel luxurious yet effortless.

Make this recipe and watch everyone smile with satisfaction.

Potato Chowder FAQs You’ll Want to Read

• Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes, but they might become slightly softer during the long cooking process. Fresh potatoes are recommended for the best texture and flavor.

• Is it possible to make this chowder vegetarian?

Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup. You can also replace bacon with vegetarian bacon bits or omit it entirely.

• How can I make the chowder thicker?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water before adding to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. This will help thicken the chowder without changing its flavor.

Why Creamy Slow-Cooker Potato Chowder Hits the Spot

• Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, creating a hands-off cooking experience that saves precious time and energy.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Indulge in a hearty, creamy potato chowder that wraps you in warmth and satisfies those deep comfort food cravings with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy gatherings, this chowder appeals to both kids and adults with its rich, creamy texture and classic flavors.
• Customize with Ease: Dress up this versatile dish with optional toppings like crispy bacon, fresh chives, or shredded cheese to make it your own special creation.

What You’ll Need for Slow-Cooker Chowder Magic

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide the hearty base and texture for the chowder.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps cook the potatoes and adds savory depth to the soup.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy ingredient that contributes to the rich and smooth consistency.
• Cream Cheese: Dairy product that melts to create an extra creamy and luxurious texture.

• Onion, Black Pepper: Flavor enhancers that add depth and subtle spiciness to the chowder.

• Bacon, Chives: Optional toppings that provide a crispy and fresh finish to the dish.

How to Make Potato Chowder in a Crockpot

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker Base

Toss diced potatoes, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, chopped onion, and black pepper into your 5-quart slow cooker. Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let the magical transformation begin. Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, allowing the potatoes to become meltingly tender.

You’ll know they’re ready when a fork glides through them effortlessly.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Creaminess

Introduce cubed cream cheese into the bubbling chowder.

Gently stir until the cheese melts completely, transforming the soup into a velvety, rich masterpiece with a silky smooth texture.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the steaming chowder into waiting bowls.

For an extra flavor explosion, sprinkle crumbled bacon and fresh minced chives on top. The crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch, while the chives bring a bright, fresh note to this comforting dish.

Slow-Cooker Potato Chowder Tips for Rich Results

• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version that maintains rich flavor.
• Prevent cream cheese from curdling by letting it sit at room temperature before adding to the slow cooker.
• Enhance texture by partially mashing some potatoes during the last hour of cooking to create a thicker chowder.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and turkey bacon for a lighter, healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, gently reheating with a splash of broth to restore creamy consistency.

Twists on Classic Slow-Cooker Potato Chowder

• Bacon Ranch Potato Chowder: Replace cream of chicken soup with ranch seasoning mix and add extra crispy bacon bits during final stirring for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Green Chile Chowder: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth, add roasted green chiles, and use plant-based cream cheese for a spicy meat-free version.
• Seafood Potato Chowder: Incorporate diced cooked shrimp or crab meat during the last 30 minutes of cooking, creating a rich coastal-inspired soup with delicate protein elements.
• Loaded Baked Potato Chowder: Mix in shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and additional bacon crumbles just before serving to mimic classic loaded baked potato flavors.

Best Sides with Creamy Potato Chowder

• Pair Hearty Red Wine: Select a robust red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot to complement the rich, creamy texture of the potato chowder. The wine's subtle tannins and fruity notes will balance the soup's warmth and depth.
• Serve with Crusty Artisan Bread: Choose a rustic sourdough or herb-infused bread to provide a delightful crunch and absorb the chowder's velvety broth. The bread's crispy exterior and soft interior create a perfect textural contrast.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Prepare a light mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the chowder's creaminess. Crisp lettuce, cucumber, and a zesty dressing will refresh the palate between spoonfuls of the hearty soup.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Chowder

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover chowder to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezer Preservation: Pack cooled chowder in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
• Microwave Reheating: Place desired portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent hot spots.
• Stovetop Warming: Pour chowder into a saucepan, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency.

Creamy Slow-Cooker Potato Chowder Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes – 10 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty “Slow-Cooker Potato Chowder” brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Packed with rich flavors and creamy goodness, you’ll savor each spoonful of this soul-warming classic that hugs your taste buds with pure, simple deliciousness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes:

• 8 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Red Bliss)

Proteins and Dairy:

• 1 package (226 grams / 8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed and softened
• 1/2 pound (227 grams) sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
• 3 cans (14.5 ounces / 411 grams each) chicken broth
• 1 can (10.75 ounces / 305 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1/3 cup chopped white or yellow onion
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Minced fresh chives (optional)

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Instructions

1. Gently place diced potatoes, aromatic onions, and rich chicken broth into the slow cooker, seasoning with a gentle sprinkle of black pepper.
2. Pour in the velvety cream of chicken soup, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cooking vessel.
3. Set the slow cooker to low temperature and allow the mixture to simmer and develop flavors for 8-10 hours, until potatoes become fork-tender and meltingly soft.
4. Carefully introduce cubed cream cheese into the chowder, stirring methodically to create a luxurious, silky texture that envelops each potato piece.
5. Once the cream cheese has completely dissolved, transform the chowder into serving bowls, creating a warm and inviting presentation.
6. Elevate the dish with a generous garnish of crispy, crumbled bacon and delicate, freshly chopped chives for a burst of color and complementary flavor.
7. Serve immediately while piping hot, allowing diners to savor the comforting, creamy essence of this hearty slow-cooker potato chowder.

Notes

• Customize the chowder’s thickness by adjusting the amount of chicken broth, adding more for a lighter soup or less for a heartier texture.
• Transform this recipe into a vegetarian version by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth and using cream of mushroom soup instead.
• Prevent cream cheese from curdling by letting it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before adding and stirring gently into the warm chowder.
• Enhance flavor depth by sautéing onions briefly before adding to the slow cooker, which will release their natural sweetness and add a subtle caramelized note.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg