Chipotle Chicken Chowder: Your New Favorite Cozy, Smoky Hug in a Bowl!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)

📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025

Oh, my friends, do I have a treat for you today! As the days grow shorter and the air crisper, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of comforting, soul-warming soup to make everything right in the world. But this isn’t just any soup; this is my absolutely irresistible Chipotle Chicken Chowder. It’s rich, it’s creamy, and it boasts that incredible smoky depth from chipotle peppers that just sings on your palate. Forget bland weeknight meals; this Smoky Chowder is here to elevate your comfort food game to a whole new level!

Why This Chipotle Chicken Chowder Will Become Your Winter Obsession

Imagine a chilly evening, a warm blanket, and a bowl of something incredibly satisfying that wakes up your taste buds with a gentle, smoky kick. That’s the vibe of this Chipotle Chicken Chowder – it’s a hug in a bowl with a hint of adventure. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, packed with tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and sweet corn, all swimming in a velvety broth infused with the unmistakable magic of chipotle. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even entertaining guests who appreciate a dish with a little personality.

Total Time: 65 minutes | Prep Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6-8

What You’ll Need for the Ultimate Smoky Chicken Chowder

Gather these simple yet powerful ingredients to create your next favorite meal:

* 2 tablespoons olive oil
 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
 1 large yellow onion, chopped
 2 carrots, peeled and diced
 2 celery stalks, diced
 3 cloves garlic, minced
 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
 6 cups chicken broth
 2 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
 1 (15.25 oz) can sweet corn, drained
 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (plus 1-2 teaspoons adobo sauce, to taste)
 1 teaspoon ground cumin
 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (to enhance smokiness)
 1.5 cups heavy cream
 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
 Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
 Lime wedges for serving

How to Make Chipotle Chicken Chowder (Step-by-Step Perfection!)

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy and spicy bowl of goodness:

1. Prep & Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate, leaving any drippings in the pot.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Thicken: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a roux.
4. Build the Base: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the diced potatoes, diced tomatoes (undrained), minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Simmer & Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the Chipotle Chicken Chowder has thickened slightly.
6. Finish: Stir in the drained corn and heavy cream. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until heated through, but do not bring to a rolling boil after adding the cream.
7. Season & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hearty Smoky Chowder into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for an extra pop of freshness.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

• Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in some bell peppers, zucchini, or even black beans for added texture and nutrition.
• Spice it Up (or Down!): For more heat, add an extra chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne. If you prefer it milder, use less of the adobo sauce.
• Topping Bar: Set out a topping bar with sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, and extra fresh cilantro.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the chicken, use vegetable broth, and add extra potatoes, corn, and perhaps some cooked black beans or chickpeas for protein.
• Serve with: Crusty bread for dipping, warm cornbread, or a simple side salad.

Reader Reviews & Testimonials

– Sarah L. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”Absolutely incredible! This Chipotle Chicken Chowder is now a staple in our household. The smoky flavor is just perfect, and it’s so comforting.” 

– David P. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”I made this for my family last night, and everyone raved about it! The potatoes were perfectly tender, and the chipotle kick was spot on. My new favorite Smoky Chowder recipe!” 

 – Jessica T. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”Wow, this recipe delivered! It was surprisingly easy to make for how gourmet it tastes. The lime and cilantro at the end really brightened everything up.”

Your Burning Questions Answered! (Chipotle Chicken Chowder FAQs)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

A: Yes! If using pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken), add it during step 5 along with the potatoes to warm through, and skip the initial browning step. Adjust cooking time for potatoes accordingly.

Q: How can I make this chowder thicker?

A: If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can mash a portion of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot with a spoon. Alternatively, make a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water and whisk it into the simmering chowder until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q: How long does Chipotle Chicken Chowder last in the fridge?

A: This chowder will last for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it has thickened too much.

Q: Can I freeze this chowder?

A: While generally not recommended for creamy soups due to potential texture changes with dairy and potatoes, you can freeze it if absolutely necessary. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, stirring well. You might need to add a little extra cream or broth to restore consistency.

Recipe Note:

This Chipotle Chicken Chowder is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The smoky notes of chipotle, the tender chicken, and the creamy base create a symphony of flavors that will leave you feeling utterly satisfied and deeply comforted. Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful Smoky Chowder!