Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Chowder Recipe

There’s just something about a big bowl of Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Chowder that feels like a celebration, no matter the season. It’s creamy, smoky, slightly sweet from fresh corn, and every spoonful is bursting with bold, irresistible flavors—exactly the kind of cozy comfort food you’ll crave again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be surprised how everyday ingredients can create such incredible depth of flavor! Each addition—whether it’s the sweet corn or the smoky chipotle—brings the unmistakable taste, aroma, and color of authentic Mexican street corn straight into your slow cooker.

• Chipotle peppers in adobo: These bring gentle heat and loads of smoky depth; a must for that signature flavor.
• Fresh corn on the cob: Cutting kernels off the cob gives unbeatable sweetness and pop; frozen corn works, too!
• Chicken broth: The rich, savory base that marries all the other ingredients together—go for low-sodium to control salt.
• Yellow onion & red bell pepper: They become tender and fragrant in the slow cooker, adding sweetness and color.
• Garlic: Minced fresh for the deepest flavor lift.
• Russet potatoes: These starchy cubes help thicken the chowder, giving it that hearty “stick-to-your-ribs” feel.
• Ancho chile powder, cumin, oregano: These spices make the chowder taste warm, complex, and totally irresistible.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Season to taste, keeping it perfectly balanced.
• Heavy cream: Poured in at the end for velvety richness—don’t skip if you love a creamy finish!
• All-purpose flour: Whisked with the cream, it thickens the chowder just right.
• Bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon brings extra flavor and some irresistible crunch on top.
• Cotija or feta cheese crumbles: Cotija is classic street corn, but feta makes a tangy, salty substitute.
• Optional toppings: Try chives, green onion, cilantro, jalapeño, even diced avocado, lime, or an extra hit of bacon!

Variations

The best part about this Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Chowder? It’s endlessly customizable! Don’t be afraid to make it your own—there are so many ways to tweak this recipe for different tastes, occasions, and dietary needs.

• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken and skip the bacon—you’ll still get a chowder bursting with flavor!
• Make it Spicier: Double the chipotles, toss in a diced jalapeño, or add a sprinkle of cayenne if you like it hot.
• Lighter Cream: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter (but still creamy) finish.
• Roasted Corn: Char your corn kernels under the broiler or over high heat before adding for extra roasted flavor.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese or just skip the cheese topping—still so comforting!

How to Make Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Chowder

Step 1: Puree the Chipotles and Corn

Add the chipotle peppers, about 1 cup of the corn kernels, and 1 cup of the chicken broth to your blender or use an immersion blender. Blend until the mixture is mostly smooth; this pureed base is the secret behind the chowder’s body, silkiness, and signature smoky punch.

Step 2: Layer the Vegetables and Seasonings

Now add the rest of the corn, onion, red bell pepper, garlic, potatoes, ancho chile powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and the remaining chicken broth to your slow cooker. Pour in the chipotle-corn puree and give everything a quick stir so those flavors can start getting cozy right away.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. The potatoes and corn will become meltingly tender, while the flavors meld together to create an ultra-comforting, Tex-Mex-inspired chowder base.

Step 4: Thicken and Add the Creaminess

In a small bowl, whisk the flour into the heavy cream until smooth—no lumps! Pour this mixture into the chowder, stirring well. Add the bacon and cotija cheese (reserving some for topping, if you like), then cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes. The result? Velvety, luscious chowder with a wonderful smoky edge.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle your Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Chowder into bowls while it’s still piping hot. Pile on your favorite toppings—extra cheese, bacon, scallions, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, avocado—you name it! The toppings add freshness, color, and texture to every spoonful.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Chowder

Garnishes

The right toppings can make your Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Chowder feel like a full-on fiesta! Scatter on handfuls of fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, extra cotija cheese, crispy bacon, jalapeños, or a dollop of lime-spritzed sour cream. Each adds color, freshness, and that classic ‘elote’ vibe!

Side Dishes

This chowder’s creamy, hearty goodness goes so well with warm corn tortillas, a basket of cheesy quesadillas, or a bright, crunchy salad with radishes and lime. If you want to keep things cozy, serve with skillet cornbread or classic tortilla chips for dipping!

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle the chowder into colorful bowls or rustic mugs for easy eating, or serve in little shooters for a fun appetizer. For a truly “street corn” presentation, garnish each bowl with a mini wooden skewer of grilled corn, a wedge of lime, and plenty of toppings at the table—everyone can dress up their bowl just the way they like!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Chowder cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It keeps perfectly in the fridge for up to 4 days—the flavors even deepen as it sits!

Freezing

This chowder freezes surprisingly well! Ladle into freezer-safe containers (leave a little space for expansion) and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—just remember, the texture may be a bit less creamy after freezing but is still absolutely delicious.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your chowder gently over medium-low heat, stirring often. You may want to add a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creamy consistency. If you’re microwaving, use a lower power setting and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring the joy of Mexican street food right to your kitchen, this Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Chowder is the perfect place to start. It’s warm, festive, and almost guaranteed to disappear fast—so grab your slow cooker and dive into a bowl of pure comfort!

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