Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Corn Soup With Smoky Chipotle Coconut Swirl

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s as flavorful and easy to make as this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Corn Soup! This isn’t your average chicken corn soup; we’re taking it to the next level with a smoky chipotle coconut swirl that adds a delightful depth of flavor and a touch of creamy indulgence. Perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, homemade soup with minimal effort. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors in every spoonful!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredient Lineup

• 500g (1 lb) Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: We’re using chicken thighs because they stay incredibly tender and juicy during the long slow cooking process. Feel free to trim any excess fat, but leaving a little bit in will contribute to the overall flavor. Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
• 1 L (4 cups) Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: The foundation of our soup! Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish. You can use store-bought or homemade broth – both work beautifully.
• 300g (2 cups) Fresh or Frozen Corn Kernels: Corn is the star of the show! Fresh corn, when in season, offers the sweetest flavor. Frozen corn is a fantastic substitute and works just as well.
• 150g (1 cup) Diced Onion (about 1 medium): Onion forms the aromatic base of the soup, providing a savory depth. Yellow or white onions are both suitable.
• 3 cloves Garlic – Minced: Garlic is essential for adding a pungent and aromatic flavor. Freshly minced garlic is always best!
• 150g (1 cup) Diced Carrots (2 medium): Carrots add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
• 100g (1 cup) Diced Celery (2 stalks): Celery contributes a subtle savory flavor and adds to the overall texture of the soup.
• 300g (2 cups) Diced Potatoes (2 medium): Potatoes help to thicken the soup and provide a hearty, filling element. We recommend using Yukon Gold or red potatoes, as they hold their shape well during cooking.
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics (onion, garlic, carrots, and celery) to build a flavorful base.
• 200 ml (¾ cup) Full-Fat Coconut Milk: This is where the magic happens! Full-fat coconut milk adds a luxurious creaminess and a subtle sweetness that complements the smoky chipotle.
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Chipotle Pepper in Adobo – Minced (optional for mild heat): Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce bring a smoky, spicy kick to the soup. Adjust the amount to your preference, or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) Fresh Lime Juice: Lime juice brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty tang.
• 2 tbsp (8g) Fresh Cilantro – Chopped, plus extra for garnish: Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
• 50g (½ cup) Corn Kernels – Toasted for garnish: Toasted corn kernels provide a delightful crunch and enhance the corn flavor.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? No problem! Here are a few easy substitutions:

• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but be mindful that they may become drier during slow cooking.
• Fresh Corn: Frozen corn works perfectly well.
• Coconut Milk: If you don’t have coconut milk, you can use heavy cream, but it will alter the flavor profile.
• Chipotle Pepper: If you don’t like spice, omit the chipotle pepper. You could also use a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor without the heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Corn Soup

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for the soup, enhancing its overall depth. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker.
2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, diced potatoes, corn kernels, and chicken broth to the slow cooker with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are submerged in the broth. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s easier to add more later than to try and fix a bland soup!
3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The goal is to cook the chicken until it’s incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork, and the vegetables are soft and yielding. The longer, slower cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Toast the Corn Garnish: While the soup is simmering, prepare the toasted corn garnish. Spread the 50g of corn kernels in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for about 4 minutes, or until the kernels are golden brown and slightly puffed. Be careful not to burn them! Remove from heat and set aside. This adds a delightful crunch and sweetness to the finished soup.
5. Create the Chipotle-Coconut Swirl: Once the soup is cooked, carefully ladle 1 cup (240ml) of the hot broth into a blender. Add the full-fat coconut milk, minced chipotle pepper in adobo (if using – adjust amount to your spice preference), and fresh lime juice. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
6. Marbling the Soup: Gently pour the blended chipotle-coconut mixture back into the slow cooker. Using a spoon, gently swirl it into the soup, creating a beautiful marbled effect. Avoid stirring vigorously, as you want to maintain the distinct swirl rather than fully incorporating it.
7. Final Seasoning and Serving: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lime juice to achieve your desired flavor profile. Keep the soup warm until ready to serve.
8. Plating and Garnishing: Serve the soup in bowls, preferably on dark matte plates to enhance the visual contrast. Drizzle a little extra of the chipotle-coconut swirl on top of each serving. Sprinkle generously with the toasted corn kernels and chopped fresh cilantro.

Why Slow Cooking Enhances Flavor

Slow cooking is a fantastic method for developing deep, complex flavors in soups like this one. The extended cooking time allows the collagen in the chicken to break down, resulting in a richer, more flavorful broth. The gentle heat also allows the flavors of the vegetables and spices to meld together harmoniously, creating a truly satisfying and comforting soup.

The Magic of Chipotle and Coconut

The combination of smoky chipotle peppers and creamy coconut milk is a surprisingly delightful pairing. The chipotle adds a subtle heat and smoky depth that complements the sweetness of the corn and the richness of the coconut milk. This unexpected flavor combination elevates the soup from ordinary to extraordinary.

Adjusting the Spice Level

The amount of chipotle pepper in adobo can be adjusted to suit your spice preference. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a very small amount (1/2 teaspoon) and taste as you go. For those who enjoy a bolder flavor, you can add up to 1 tablespoon or more. Remember that the adobo sauce also contributes to the heat, so consider that when adjusting the amount.

Tips for the Best Texture

For a smoother, creamier soup, you can use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker after the cooking time is complete. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can make the soup gummy. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup in a regular blender and then return it to the slow cooker. Leaving some chunks of vegetables adds a nice textural contrast.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Corn Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with grilled cheese sandwiches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. However, you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or two to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You may also want to add a can of drained and rinsed white beans for extra protein.

How long will this soup keep in the refrigerator?

This soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container.

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Corn Soup! Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

slow cooker creamy chicken corn soup

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• Author: Grace Miller
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Corn Soup is a flavorful and easy-to-make comfort food. A smoky chipotle coconut swirl adds a delightful depth and creamy indulgence to this crowd-pleasing recipe.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500g (1 lb) Chicken Thighs, bite-sized
• 1 L (4 cups) Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
• 300g (2 cups) Corn Kernels, fresh or frozen
• 150g (1 cup) Onion, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 150g (1 cup) Carrots, diced
• 100g (1 cup) Celery, diced
• 300g (2 cups) Potatoes, diced
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil
• 200 ml (¾ cup) Coconut Milk, full-fat
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Chipotle Pepper, minced (optional)
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) Lime Juice
• 2 tbsp (8g) Cilantro, chopped
• 50g (½ cup) Corn Kernels, toasted
• Salt and Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
2. Combine in Slow Cooker: Add chicken, potatoes, corn, broth, and seasoning to the slow cooker.
3. Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender.
4. Toast Corn: Toast corn kernels until golden brown.
5. Blend Swirl: Blend broth, coconut milk, chipotle pepper (if using), and lime juice until smooth.
6. Marble Soup: Swirl blended mixture into the soup.
7. Season & Serve: Adjust seasoning and keep warm.
8. Garnish & Plate: Serve with swirl, toasted corn, and cilantro.

Notes

For a smoother texture, partially blend the soup with an immersion blender. Adjust chipotle pepper amount to control spice level.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg