Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Corn Soup

There’s nothing more comforting than a big bowl of hearty soup, especially when it’s made effortlessly in a slow cooker. This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Corn Soup is exactly what you need on busy weekdays, chilly evenings, or when you want to serve something cozy and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Packed with tender chicken, sweet corn, earthy sweet potatoes, and savory vegetables, it offers layers of flavor with minimal prep time.

The creamy base is made with whole milk and a touch of cornstarch, giving the soup a rich texture without needing heavy cream. The addition of bacon brings a smoky depth that balances beautifully with the sweetness of corn and the heartiness of the chicken and vegetables. Fresh thyme and dried parsley give it a herbaceous lift, making every spoonful aromatic and satisfying.

Perfect for families, this soup is not only delicious but also wholesome—full of protein, fiber, and vegetables. It’s also freezer-friendly and makes enough for leftovers, which taste even better the next day. If you’re looking for an easy, hands-off recipe that delivers on both comfort and nutrition, this one deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Slow Cooker Meal – Just dump, set, and forget until it’s time to eat.
2. Comforting and Creamy – The perfect blend of savory, sweet, and creamy in every bite.
3. Nutritious and Filling – Packed with veggies, lean protein, and fiber-rich ingredients.
4. Customizable – Easily swap veggies or add spices based on your taste.
5. Great for Meal Prep – Stores well, reheats beautifully, and freezes like a dream.

Ingredients

• Bacon
• Carrots
• Celery
• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Cream-style corn
• Canned corn or frozen corn
• Sweet potatoes (or regular potatoes)
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Chicken broth

Seasonings

• Fresh thyme
• Dried parsley flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Creamy Finish

• Whole milk
• Cornstarch

Variations

• Make it Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Add shredded rotisserie chicken in the last hour of cooking.
• Add Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar or a dollop of cream cheese for extra richness.
• Go Dairy-Free: Use canned coconut milk or oat milk instead of whole milk.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and bacon; use veggie broth and add beans or tofu.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove, chop, and set aside. Reserve a bit of bacon fat for sautéing veggies if desired.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

Slice the carrots and celery, dice the onion, and mince the garlic.

Step 3: Add to Slow Cooker

To the slow cooker, add cooked bacon, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, cream-style corn, canned or frozen corn, sweet potatoes, cubed chicken, and chicken broth.

Step 4: Add Seasonings

Stir in fresh thyme, parsley flakes, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.

Step 6: Add Creamy Finish

In a small bowl, whisk milk and cornstarch together until smooth. Stir into the soup in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Cook uncovered for the remaining time to thicken.

Step 7: Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra bacon or fresh herbs.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cube the potatoes small to ensure even cooking.
• Stir occasionally (if you’re home) to distribute flavors and prevent sticking.
• Use cream-style corn for extra richness and sweetness.
• Don’t add the milk too early—wait until the end to avoid curdling.
• A bit of bacon fat can be used to sauté vegetables before slow cooking for added flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this soup hot in large bowls with a side of crusty bread, biscuits, or a fresh green salad. Top with extra crispy bacon, shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. It’s also delicious with a dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lime for added brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before adding the milk/cornstarch mixture, and stir it in fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until hot. Stir frequently and add a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the soup. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?

Yes, use about 3 cups of frozen corn in place of canned. No need to thaw first.

2. Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?

Yes, for a richer soup, substitute whole milk with heavy cream.

3. What’s a good substitute for sweet potatoes?

You can use Yukon gold or russet potatoes for a more traditional flavor.

4. Can I leave out the bacon?

Yes, but the soup will lose some of its smoky depth. Try adding smoked paprika for a similar flavor.

5. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! Sauté the vegetables and bacon first, add the rest, simmer for 30–40 minutes, then stir in the milk and cornstarch.

6. Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients (including cornstarch and bacon) are certified gluten-free.

7. Can I add noodles or rice?

Sure! Add cooked rice or pasta during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking to bulk it up.

8. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely—thighs add more flavor and stay juicy during slow cooking.

9. How do I thicken the soup more?

Use additional cornstarch mixed with cold water or reduce the broth slightly.

10. What other herbs work well in this soup?

Sage, rosemary, or bay leaves can be added for deeper herbal flavor.

Conclusion

This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Corn Soup is the definition of comfort food made simple. It’s full of flavor, creamy without being heavy, and packed with wholesome ingredients that nourish and satisfy. Whether you’re cooking for a family, prepping meals ahead, or just want to cozy up with a bowl of goodness, this recipe delivers every time. Throw it all in the slow cooker, set it, and come back to a hot, hearty meal that everyone will love.

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