Next Post
Bursting Blueberry Cardamom Buckle.
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
Instant Pot Chipotle Cheddar Corn Chowder. The best summer corn chowder. So quick, so easy to make, and so delicious. Just grab a few ears of sweet corn, some spicy, smoky, chipotle peppers, some sharp cheddar cheese, and a few other ingredients, and in less than an hour you can have the perfect, summery, cozy bowl of corn chowder. Monday night just got so much better!
Hey, hi and happiest Monday! Hope you all had a great weekend and are soaking up these summer days. I can’t believe we are approaching mid-August. I am loving this time so much, but also running around like a crazy person. What’s new, right?
Anyway, moving right along to today’s recipe…
Is it too early for this corn chowder? I know it’s August, and oh so HOT outside, but it’s also peak corn season. Which to me means we just have to make corn chowder! Sure you could wait until September when the weather cools off a bit. But if I’m being honest, this is too good and too easy not to make right away. Plus, this chowder requires zero stove top cooking and zero oven use. So you don’t even need to heat up your kitchen to make it.
Meaning, this should be tonight’s dinner…Obviously.
You know what’s funny? Up until a few years ago I’d never had corn chowder, it’s always been a dish that my mom has loved, but I don’t ever remember eating it as a kid. The only corn dish my dad would serve up was grilled corn with butter. My mom occasionally made homemade cornbread, but other than that, it was really just grilled corn. No chowder or creamed corn chicken, nothing like that.
Thinking about this now, it kind of bums me out that I didn’t grow up enjoying a bowl of summery corn chowder. It’s a summer classic, and man, it’s so cozy and delicious, I’m hooked. With the weather being warm during the day, but very cool at night (I’m talking forty degrees cool), it’s left me craving some cozier dishes.
Enter this chipotle cheddar corn chowder, it’s so good.
Over the last few years of writing HBH I have made two versions of corn chowder. A buffalo chicken corn chowder and a Thai inspired corn chowder, but today’s version is my favorite. It’s a little more traditional, but with a twist, and I am so into it.
In an effort not to heat up my kitchen, I knew I wanted to make this chowder in my Instant Pot. I’m loving using the Instant Pot in the summer. It barely pushes out any heat into my already hot kitchen. Not only that, but it makes the littlest mess and it cooks dinner in minutes.
Cool. Cool.
Here are the details.
For one, grab yourself an instant pot or a slow cooker, I included directions for both.
Now, cook up some bacon. What I love about the instant pot is that you can sear and sauté things in the instant pot insert. This just makes life so much easier and I love not having to mess up the stovetop.
Cook up some bacon and then add in all your remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for ten minutes, release the steam, puree half of the chowder in a blender (or use an immersion blender), add the milk and cheese, cook a little longer, and DONE.
In just about forty-five minutes you’ll have corn chowder that tastes like it took hours to make. No joking around, it’s really that easy. And the best part? This is seriously the most delicious corn chowder.
There may be some of you who think of corn chowder as a little boring, but trust me, nothing about this corn chowder is boring.
I love the flavors of the sweet corn, spicy chipotle peppers, and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s not a combo that I see paired together that often, but it’s one of my personal favorites. It’s very savory, a little spicy, and extra cheesy.
You can serve this as a first course or do what I do and serve as a main with a side salad, and homemade beer bread (HBH cookbook recipe). If you ask me, the beer bread is essential…because you’ll need it to dip into your chowder.
Bottom line? If you’ve got some extra ears of corn lying around, make this chowder. Promise, you and whomever you are serving, are going to love this.
If you make this chipotle cheddar corn chowder, please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love hearing from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every one of you. Oh, and of course, if you do make this chowder, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram so I can see! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Watch the How To Video:
Instant Pot Chipotle Cheddar Corn Chowder
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 701 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 4 strips thick cut bacon, diced
- 1/2 sweet onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 4 cups yellow corn kernels (from about 4 ears corn)
- 1 russet potato, peeled and cut into cubes
- 2 chipotle chilies in adobo, chopped
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- chopped green onions, for serving
Instructions
Instant Pot
- 1. Set Instant pot to sauté. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined plate. If there is an excess amount of bacon grease, remove all abut 1 tablespoon of grease.2. To the instant pot, add the onion and cook another 5 minutes or until fragrant. Add the garlic, corn, potatoes, chipotle chilies, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth. Cover, select the manual setting, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. 3. Once done cooking, use the natural or quick release function and release the steam. Transfer 1/2 of the chowder to a blender and pulse until chunky smooth (not totally pureed). Return to the instant pot.4. Set the Instant pot to sauté. Stir in the milk and cheese, and cook 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the chowder thickens slightly. Stir in the cilantro.4. Ladle the chowder into bowls and top with the reserved bacon and green onions. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker
- 1. To the slow cooker, add the onion, garlic, corn, potatoes, chipotle chilies, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth. Cover, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.2. Once done cooking, transfer 1/2 of the chowder to a blender and pulse until chunky smooth (not totally pureed). Return to the slow cooker. Stir in the milk and cheese, turn the heat to high and cook 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the chowder thickens slightly. Stir in the cilantro.3. Crisp the bacon on the stove top. Ladle the chowder into bowls and top with the reserved bacon and green onions. Enjoy!
Stove Top
- 1. Crisp the bacon in a large soup pot set over medium heat. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined plate. If there is an excess amount of bacon grease, remove all abut 1 tablespoon of grease.2. To the pot, add the onion and cook another 5 minutes or until fragrant. Add the garlic, corn, potatoes, chipotle chilies, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth. Cover, and bring the soup to a boil, simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the potato is soft.3. Transfer 1/2 of the chowder to a blender and pulse until chunky smooth (not totally pureed). Return to the pot. Stir in the milk and cheese, and cook 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the chowder thickens slightly. Stir in the cilantro and remove from the heat.4. Ladle the chowder into bowls and top with the reserved bacon and green onions. Enjoy!
Hi Tieghan, I’d like to add another protein to this when I make it. I’m thinking either shrimp or chicken. Which would you suggest?
Hey Lauren,
Chicken would work well here! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
This was simple and excellent. I added a couple of extra potatoes because mine were small. It would be helpful to give weights of your ingredients. I know recipes are made to be altered but having weights so that I can make the recipe as you envisioned it would be great. Thanks so much for all of your delicious recipes. My family really enjoys them!
Hi Julie,
Awesome!! Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! If you click “metric” at the bottom of the ingredient list, the measurements will convert for you. xTieghan
Second time making this. First time my husband ate 4 bowls! He did not feel so great afterward:) but said it was soo good.
Hey Valerie,
Awesome! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it! xTieghan
Any thoughts on a good vegetarian alternative?
Hey there,
I would just skip the bacon:) I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Smoked paprika is my go-to for a smokey flavour without the bacon. I just add it to some olive oil while it’s heating up. Hope that helps!
Thanks so much Kori!!
I made this recipe exactly as written and it is AMAZING!
Hey Rebecca,
I am so glad the recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! xTieghan
We love this recipe. Can I make it dairy free?
Hi Monica,
Awesome!! Thanks so much for trying this recipe out, I am so glad it was a hit! Sure, you can use your favorite dairy free products. Happy Thursday! xx
I made the stove top version and used an immersion blender instead of throwing into a blender or food processor. It was really good! My only regret was that I opted out of using the bacon to try to make a healthier/vegetarian version but honestly I wish I would’ve included it, I know it would’ve just added that extra little bit of flavor to make it just perfect. Next time, I’ll be making exactly as the recipe says.
Keep up the great work- love your recipes!! They’re all delicious!
Hey Teal,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad you enjoyed! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Hi so excited to make this in my crockpot! Do I cook the corn first before cutting of the cob?!
-Marleena
Hey Marlee,
No need to cook the corn:) I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Hey Teighan! Anything you recommend instead of milk? Was thinking coconut milk
Hey Molly,
Yes, coconut milk would work well for you here. I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
Hello! I made this when corn was in season and absolutely loved it! Can I make this with frozen corn now that it isn’t fresh corn season?
Hey Emily,
Yes frozen or canned corn is totally fine to use:) I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I did this stove top
Added little celery and fresh poblano pepper. Delicious!
Thank you so much Kim! I am really glad this turned out so amazing for you! xTieghan
This is one of our family’s go-to dinners ! Everyone loves it !!!!
I am so happy to hear that, Nikky! Thank you so much! xTieghan
Made this recipe today! OMG! SOOOO good! My husband couldn’t stop eating it! He even sent the recipe to a couple of his friends! LOL! This soup will definitely be on the rotation list at our house!! (We do Soup Sundays with our neighbors during the colder months!) LOVE tryig new soups!
Love that! I am really glad you have been enjoying this recipe, Kathy! Thank you so much! xTieghan
I made this on a snowy Sunday evening and it is easily the best soup I’ve ever made. I pan roasted some chicken thighs in the bacon grease, lazily shredded and added to the soup. It was heavenly. My husband used the word “incredible”. I look forward to all of your recipes. Thanks!!
Thank you so much Lauren! I am really glad you have been loving my recipes! xTieghan
Just made this in my insta pot and I’m so happy. It was the simplest recipe and so flavorful. I’ll be making a second batch to freeze!
Amazing! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you, Renae! xTieghan
Great fall chowder! I know you meant it for fresh summer corn, but it still worked well with frozen corn on this windy fall day.
Love to hear that! Thank you for trying this one, Jeanine! xTieghan
Hands down the best thing I’ve ever made! I put some leftovers in for me, my boyfriend, and my mom… and not even an hour later I ate all mine! Ugh! This was beyond delicious. I’ll be making it regularly from now on. 11/10.
That is amazing! I am really glad this turned out so well for you, Sofia! Thank you! xTieghan