There’s nothing quite like coming home to the rich, comforting aroma of Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Chowder simmering away. This recipe has been my go-to for years, whether I’m fighting off a cold, needing some cozy comfort food, or just wanting an easy dinner that practically cooks itself. The magic happens when tender chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy broth meld together for hours, creating that deep, soul-warming flavor we all crave.
What makes this chowder special? It’s packed with immune-boosting ingredients (hello, garlic and carrots!) but still feels indulgent with its velvety texture. My kids gobble it up, my husband asks for seconds, and I love that I can toss everything in the crockpot before work and come home to a ready-made meal. Plus, it’s easily adaptable, skip the carrots for keto, swap in turkey bacon for extra smokiness, or load up on extra veggies when you’re feeling virtuous.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Chowder
This isn’t just another chicken soup, it’s a hug in a bowl that practically makes itself! Here’s why it’s become my family’s favorite:
- Set-it-and-forget-it easy: Dump everything in the crockpot in the morning, and come home to dinner ready
- Comfort food magic: That creamy, velvety texture feels indulgent but won’t wreck your diet
- Cold-fighting powerhouse: Garlic, thyme, and nutrient-packed veggies give your immune system a boost
- Keto-friendly with one tweak: Just reduce the carrots, and you’ve got a low-carb dream meal
- Kid-approved: Even picky eaters can’t resist the cheesy, creamy goodness
Trust me, once you try this chowder, you’ll understand why I make it weekly all winter long!
PrintSlow Cooker Creamy Chicken Chowder: 6-Hour Comfort in a Bowl
A comforting Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Chowder packed with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for cold days, immune support, or a hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts, broth, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the slow cooker.
- Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a keto version, skip the carrots or reduce the quantity.
- Use turkey bacon for added flavor without pork.
- Freeze leftovers for quick meals later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Chowder
Here’s everything you’ll need for that perfect bowl of comfort, I’ve included my little prep notes that make all the difference:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thighs work too for extra richness)
- 4 cups chicken broth (homemade if you’ve got it, but store-bought works fine)
- 1 cup heavy cream, the secret to that luxurious texture
- 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 medium, peeled, cut them small so they soften perfectly)
- 1 cup diced celery (3-4 stalks, include those leafy tops for extra flavor)
- 1 cup diced onions (yellow or sweet both work great)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp, it’s great for immunity!)
- 1 tsp thyme + 1 tsp rosemary (fresh is amazing if you have it)
- 1 tsp salt + ½ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste later)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar melts best)
See? Nothing fancy, just good, wholesome ingredients that transform into magic in your slow cooker!
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Chowder
Okay, here’s where the magic happens, and trust me, it couldn’t be easier! I’ve made this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Chowder so many times I could do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through every simple step:
First things first: Grab your slow cooker (I use a 6-quart) and toss in the chicken breasts, broth, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. No need to stir, just let everything settle in there naturally. The veggies will soften and the chicken will become fork-tender as they cook together.
Cook it low and slow: I always choose the low setting for 6 hours, it gives the flavors time to really develop. If you’re in a hurry, high for 3 hours works, but the texture won’t be quite as melt-in-your-mouth perfect.
The shredding secret: After cooking, pull out the chicken breasts (they’ll practically fall apart!) and shred them with two forks right on your cutting board. This takes about 30 seconds, no fancy tools needed. Return all that juicy chicken to the pot.
Creamy finale: Now stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar until everything’s beautifully combined. Let it cook another 30 minutes (lid on!) so the cheese melts completely into the broth, creating that signature velvety texture we all love.
That’s it! Your kitchen will smell incredible, and you’ll have the most comforting bowl of chowder ready to warm you up from the inside out.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Chowder
After making this chowder more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to get it just right every single time. First, don’t overcook the chicken! If it goes beyond 6 hours on low, it can get dry (though the creamy broth helps). Too thick? Add a splash of broth. Too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. For keto friends, halve the carrots or swap them for zucchini. And always, always taste before serving, sometimes it needs an extra pinch of salt to make those flavors pop!
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Chowder
Oh, the fun part, dressing up this already amazing chowder! My family loves it with a big hunk of crusty sourdough for dipping, that golden bread soaks up every last drop of creamy goodness. For lighter meals, a simple spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Don’t forget the garnishes! A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color, while extra black pepper or shredded cheddar on top makes it feel extra special. In our house, we call this “confetti chicken chowder” when the kids go wild with toppings!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Chowder keeps beautifully! Store leftovers in airtight containers, they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months (perfect for future lazy dinners). When reheating, go low and slow! Microwave at 50% power, stirring frequently, or warm gently on the stovetop. Watch that cream, high heat makes it separate. Pro tip: Add a splash of fresh cream while reheating to bring back that silky texture!
Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Chowder
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each comforting bowl, but remember, these are estimates (your ingredients may vary slightly). Per serving: 320 calories, with 28g protein to keep you full, 18g fat (10g saturated from that luscious cream and cheese), and just 8g carbs (2g fiber). The sodium hits about 800mg, use low-sodium broth if you’re watching that. Of course, skipping carrots cuts carbs further, while adding turkey bacon bumps up the protein. It’s all about making it work for YOU!
FAQs About Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Chowder
Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Absolutely! Just add an extra hour to the cook time (7 hours on low or 4 on high). No need to thaw, the slow cooker handles it beautifully. I do recommend checking that the chicken reaches 165°F before shredding.
Is this chowder keto-friendly? You bet! Just reduce the carrots to ½ cup or swap them for zucchini. The rest of the ingredients are naturally low-carb, and that rich cream keeps you satisfied. My keto friends can’t believe it’s “diet food”! If you are looking for more easy dinner ideas, check out Family Tastes for inspiration.
What can I use instead of heavy cream? For dairy-free, full-fat coconut milk works great (just shake the can well). Half-and-half makes a lighter version, though it won’t be quite as luxuriously thick. Whatever you choose, add it at the end to prevent curdling.
Can I make this soup ahead? Actually, it tastes even better the next day! The flavors deepen overnight. Just store it properly and reheat gently (see my storage tips above). It’s perfect for meal prep Sundays!
Now it’s your turn! I’d love to hear how your Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Chowder turned out. Did your family go crazy for it? What fun twists did you add? Drop a comment below, snap a photo of your cozy bowl, or tag me on social, nothing makes me happier than seeing my recipes in your kitchen! For more easy dinners, keep exploring!