Chicken & Potato Chowder: 8-Min Instant Pot Magic!

Oh, you guys, there’s just something about a big bowl of chowder, right? Seriously, it’s like a hug in a bowl, especially when it’s this creamy, dreamy Chicken & Potato Chowder! I’m telling you, it’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for those chilly evenings when you just want something warm and cozy. And guess what? This recipe is super versatile! You can whip it up in your slow cooker or, if you’re in a hurry (like me, most of the time!), your Instant Pot. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver!

The best part? It’s so easy. Dump and go, practically! You can easily adapt it to your preferences. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Ingredients for Your Delicious Chicken & Potato Chowder

Okay, so here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Chicken & Potato Chowder. Don’t worry, the ingredient list isn’t scary at all – I promise!

Ingredient List

Chicken Breasts

About 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You’ll want to cube these into bite-sized pieces.

Potatoes

A pound of potatoes – I usually go for Yukon Golds. Peel them and then dice them into about 1/2-inch cubes.

Aromatics and Vegetables

One medium onion, roughly chopped, two carrots, also chopped, and two stalks of celery, chopped. Get those veggies ready!

Broth & Dairy

Four cups of chicken broth, and one cup of milk or heavy cream – whatever you have on hand works great!

Seasonings

One teaspoon of salt, a half teaspoon of black pepper, and a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder. Gotta get that flavor in there!

Optional Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped, for a little pop of freshness at the end. Totally optional, but I think it’s pretty!

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make the Best Chicken & Potato Chowder

Alright, let’s get down to business and make this Chicken & Potato Chowder! I’ve made this a million times, so trust me, these steps are super simple. The hardest part is waiting for it to cook, haha!

Slow Cooker Instructions

Step 1: Combining Ingredients

First things first, toss all those amazing ingredients from the list above into your slow cooker. Yep, everything! Chicken, potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, and that lovely chicken broth. Easy peasy!

Step 2: Cooking Time

Now, set that slow cooker and forget about it for a bit! If you’re using the low setting, let it cook for about 6 to 8 hours. If you’re in a real hurry, the high setting will do the trick in about 3 to 4 hours. No peeking!

Step 3: Thickening the Chowder

About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, it’s time to thicken things up. In a small bowl, whisk together your milk (or cream!) and flour until it’s nice and smooth. Then, just stir that mixture right into the chowder in the slow cooker. Give it a good mix!

Step 4: Seasoning and Finishing

Finally, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Taste it and adjust as needed – you know, maybe add a little more salt if you’re like me! Then, if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. Serve it up and enjoy!

Instant Pot Instructions

Step 1: Combining Ingredients

Okay, Instant Pot time! Just like with the slow cooker, throw all those ingredients into your Instant Pot. Chicken, potatoes, everything! Make sure it’s all in there before you seal it up.

Step 2: Cooking Time and Pressure Release

Close the lid and make sure the valve is sealed. Cook on high pressure for just 8 minutes. Yes, only 8 minutes! Once it’s done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. This is important, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Thickening the Chowder

Once the pressure is released, carefully open the lid. In a small bowl, whisk together your milk (or cream!) and flour until smooth. Then, stir that mixture right into the chowder in the Instant Pot. Give it a good mix!

Step 4: Seasoning and Finishing

Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Taste it and adjust as needed. And just like with the slow cooker, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top if you want. Dinner is served!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken & Potato Chowder

Honestly, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Chicken & Potato Chowder! Here’s why:

• It’s seriously easy to make – perfect for those busy weeknights!
• The flavor is out of this world – so creamy, savory, and comforting.
• You can make it in the slow cooker or Instant Pot, depending on your mood.
• It’s packed with good-for-you ingredients like veggies and protein.
• Leftovers? Even better the next day!

Equipment You’ll Need

Okay, before we get cooking, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Don’t worry, it’s nothing too crazy!

Equipment List

Slow Cooker or Instant Pot

You’ll need either a slow cooker or an Instant Pot for this recipe. Choose your own adventure!

Cutting Board and Knife

For all that chopping! Safety first, friends – be careful!

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Gotta get those measurements right, you know?

Small Bowl and Whisk

For whisking the milk and flour mixture – it’s a game changer.

Serving Ladle

Totally optional, but makes serving super easy and pretty. Plus, it feels fancy!

Ingredient Notes and Possible Substitutions for Chicken & Potato Chowder

Listen, I know sometimes you gotta make do with what you’ve got! So, let’s talk about a few swaps and substitutions you can make to this Chicken & Potato Chowder recipe. It’s all about flexibility, right?

Chicken Substitutions

Ground Turkey or Beef

Don’t have chicken? No sweat! You can totally use ground turkey or ground beef instead. Just brown it in a pan before you add it to the slow cooker or Instant Pot. Super easy and still delicious!

Vegetable Variations

Additional Vegetables

Feel free to throw in some extra veggies! Corn and peas are fantastic additions – I love adding a handful of frozen corn in the last 30 minutes of cooking. You could also add some chopped bell peppers or even some spinach.

Dairy Alternatives

Non-Dairy Options

If you’re avoiding dairy, no problem! You can totally swap the milk or heavy cream for unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or even cashew cream. Just make sure it’s unsweetened so it doesn’t mess with the savory flavors!

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken & Potato Chowder Every Time

Okay, so you want to make this Chicken & Potato Chowder absolutely perfect, right? I got you! Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years to make it even better.

Achieving the Right Consistency

Adjusting Thickness

If you like your chowder a little thicker (I know I do!), you can easily adjust the consistency. If it’s too thin at the end, just whisk a little more flour with cold milk or water and add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Let it simmer and thicken up!

Enhancing the Flavor

Adding Herbs and Spices

Want to amp up the flavor? Absolutely! I love adding a bay leaf or two while it’s simmering – just remember to take them out before serving! A pinch of thyme or a dash of paprika can also work wonders. Play around and find your favorite combination!

Preventing Overcooking

Monitoring Cook Time

Keep an eye on that cook time, especially in the slow cooker! Every slow cooker is a little different. Check the potatoes for doneness towards the end of the cooking time – they should be tender but not falling apart. If they’re getting too soft, that’s when you know it’s ready!

Chicken & Potato Chowder: Serving Suggestions and What to Serve With

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Chicken & Potato Chowder simmering away… what to serve with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got some ideas to make this meal complete!

Side Dish Pairings

Bread Options

You absolutely *need* some crusty bread for dipping! A nice sourdough, a baguette, or even some warm rolls are perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth. Yum!

Salad Pairings

A fresh, crisp salad is a great contrast to the creamy chowder. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a Caesar salad would be perfect!

Vegetable Sides

If you want more veggies, roasted broccoli, green beans, or even some sauteed spinach would be fantastic alongside this comforting soup. You can’t go wrong!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Your Chicken & Potato Chowder

So, you’ve made a big batch of this amazing Chicken & Potato Chowder, and you’ve got leftovers? Awesome! I’m all about making extra so I can enjoy it again later. Here’s how to store and reheat it, so you can enjoy it for days!

Storing Leftovers

Refrigeration

Let that chowder cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll be good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!

Freezing

Want to save some for later, *later*? Freezing is your friend! Let it cool completely, then freeze it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll keep for a couple of months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating Methods

Reheating on the Stovetop

For the stovetop, just pour the chowder into a pot and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. Careful, it splatters!

Reheating in the Microwave

Microwave is great for a quick fix! Put it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot. Easy!

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken & Potato Chowder

Alright, so you’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about this amazing Chicken & Potato Chowder, along with some helpful tips. Hopefully, this helps you with your chrokpot recipes journey!

Can I use frozen chicken?

Absolutely! Using frozen chicken is totally fine. Just make sure to thaw it completely before you add it to the slow cooker or Instant Pot. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Just make sure it’s fully thawed for even cooking. This is one of my favorite dump and go crockpot dinners.

How can I make this in an Instant Pot?

I got you! I’ve already shared the Instant Pot instructions above, but here’s a quick recap. Just toss all the ingredients into your Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, and let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. It’s one of the easiest Instant Pot Recipes ever!

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, indeed! To make this Chicken & Potato Chowder gluten-free, the secret is to swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or even cornstarch. Just whisk it into your milk or cream, and you’re good to go! It’s one of those super easy healthy dinner recipes that everyone can enjoy!

What if I don’t have milk or cream?

No worries at all! If you don’t have milk or cream, you can substitute it with unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or even cashew cream. Just make sure it’s unsweetened so it doesn’t mess with the savory flavors. This is perfect for the lazy dinners when you’re short on ingredients.

How can I make this spicier?

Oh, spice it up! For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or even a diced jalapeño pepper to the slow cooker or Instant Pot along with the other ingredients. You can also add some cayenne pepper to taste. Perfect for those fall dinner recipes!

Nutritional Information

Okay, so here’s a little something about the nutrition facts! Keep in mind, this is just an estimate, but it’s good to know! I’ll get those typical values for you, like calories, fat, protein, and carbs.

For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out RecipesBestOf on Pinterest!

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