This Creamy Chicken and Corn Soup is the perfect comforting bowl for any season. Filled with tender shredded chicken, sweet corn kernels, vibrant veggies, and warming spices, it’s both hearty and wholesome. Finished with a splash of heavy cream for richness, this soup comes together in one pot and is great for cozy dinners, meal prep, or when you need something nourishing and delicious in a hurry.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 3 cups corn kernels (from about 4 ears of corn)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
To Serve (optional):
• Cotija cheese
• Fresh cilantro
• Red pepper flakes
Directions
Step 1: Remove the corn kernels from the cobs using a sharp knife. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and green bell pepper, and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Add garlic, tomatoes, corn kernels, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Stir and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Place the chicken breasts into the pot, ensuring they are submerged. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
Step 5: Remove the chicken breasts, shred them using two forks, and set aside.
Step 6: Carefully remove 3 cups of soup from the pot and blend until smooth. Return the blended mixture to the pot. (Alternatively, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup in the pot.)
Step 7: Return shredded chicken to the soup, pour in the heavy cream, and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
Step 9: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrients (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 351
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 12g
Fat: 16g
Protein: 26g
A One-Pot Meal That Doesn’t Compromise on Flavor
Convenience is key in everyday cooking, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste. This soup is a perfect example of how smart layering of ingredients can produce deep, developed flavors with minimal effort. It all comes together in a single pot, which means fewer dishes and more time to actually enjoy your meal.
The base starts with sautéed vegetables—onion, garlic, bell pepper, and tomato—which provide a flavorful foundation. From there, the corn and spices bring dimension, while chicken breasts simmer gently in the broth, soaking up all the surrounding flavors before being shredded and added back in. A final swirl of cream brings it all together, giving the soup a rich, silky texture without making it feel too heavy.
Fresh Corn: The Sweetheart of the Season
One of the key ingredients that elevates this soup is the use of sweet corn. Fresh corn kernels offer a crisp bite and subtle sweetness that plays beautifully against the savory chicken and aromatic broth. If you’re making this soup during peak corn season, it’s a fantastic way to use up summer’s bounty. The natural sugars in the corn caramelize slightly during cooking, enhancing their flavor even further.
However, this soup is just as good with frozen corn, making it a year-round option. The adaptability of the recipe means you can enjoy the essence of summer even in the middle of winter, bringing a little brightness to gray days.
Tender Shredded Chicken for a Hearty Bite
At the core of the soup is the tender, shredded chicken breast, which brings substance and satisfying protein to the dish. Cooking the chicken directly in the broth keeps it juicy and infuses it with the surrounding spices and aromatics. Once shredded, it’s stirred back into the soup, giving every spoonful a generous bite of meat without overpowering the vegetables.
You can also use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time. The recipe is forgiving and versatile, allowing you to adapt it to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether freshly cooked or repurposed from another meal, the chicken adds richness and depth that rounds out the soup beautifully.
Warming Spices for Depth and Comfort
A touch of chili powder and cumin gives this soup a gentle warmth that enhances the natural sweetness of the corn and the richness of the cream. These spices aren’t overpowering—they simply add a background hum of flavor that makes each bite more interesting. Combined with garlic and onion, they create a base that’s aromatic and robust, yet balanced enough for both spice lovers and those who prefer milder meals.
If you’re in the mood for more heat, you can easily increase the amount of chili powder or add a dash of red pepper flakes. For those who like to keep things on the milder side, the base seasoning is still rich and flavorful without leaning spicy.
The Creamy Finish Without the Guilt
What sets this soup apart from a traditional chicken and vegetable broth is the creamy finish. A splash of heavy cream added at the end gives the soup a velvety texture that coats your spoon and enhances the body of the broth. Despite the creaminess, the soup remains surprisingly light, thanks to the use of broth and plenty of vegetables.
It’s an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a comfort food experience without diving into something too rich or indulgent. You can even swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version that maintains the soup’s silky consistency.
A Soup That’s Meal Prep Gold
This soup isn’t just comforting and flavorful—it’s also incredibly practical. It keeps well in the refrigerator for several days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. It also freezes like a dream, making it a fantastic option for batch cooking or prepping ahead for busy weeks.
Portion it out into individual containers and you’ve got ready-to-heat lunches or dinners that are satisfying, balanced, and packed with nutrition. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread, a simple salad, or enjoy it on its own—this soup doesn’t need much else to be complete.
Garnishes That Elevate the Experience
While the soup is delicious as-is, garnishing it with a few simple toppings can take it to the next level. Crumbled cotija cheese adds a salty, tangy kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro brings freshness and color. For a hint of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce does the trick.
These finishing touches allow you to customize each bowl to your taste. You can even offer a selection of toppings on the side if you’re serving the soup to a crowd, letting everyone personalize their dish.
Nutritionally Balanced and Wholesome
With lean protein from chicken, fiber from vegetables and corn, and a creamy broth that satisfies without overwhelming, this soup is as nourishing as it is tasty. It’s filling but not too rich, comforting without being overindulgent. The blend of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates makes it a smart option for both everyday meals and mindful eating.
Whether you’re recovering from a long day, fighting off the sniffles, or simply craving something warm and cozy, this soup ticks all the boxes. It proves that healthy meals can be hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare—all in one pot.
Conclusion: A Reliable Recipe for Comfort and Nourishment
Creamy Chicken and Corn Soup is one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again. It’s quick to make, deeply satisfying, and adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. With a perfect blend of sweet, savory, creamy, and spicy, it delivers the kind of flavor and comfort that makes home cooking so rewarding.
Ideal for weeknight dinners, weekend meal prep, or simply when you need something warming and restorative, this soup belongs in every home cook’s rotation. It’s proof that the best meals are often the ones that start with simple ingredients, cooked with care, and shared around the table.