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Home » Recipes » Soups and Stews

Turkey Corn Chowder

Published: Nov 6, 2022 · Modified: Nov 20, 2022 by Bowl Me Over · 38 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Turkey Corn Chowder with Corn is a hearty, creamy soup! Don't toss your thanksgiving leftovers! When you grow tired of turkey sandwiches or even if you're not! Transform leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a rich delicious hearty chowder.

No turkey? No problem! Rotisserie chicken works just as well.

Next time try - this Potato Soup Recipe it's delicious and a quick 30 minutes meal!

An aluminum stock pot filled with turkey chowder with corn.
This Turkey Corn Chowder Recipe is an easy meal made from leftovers and pantry staples.
Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe 
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions 
  • Equipment
  • FAQ's
  • Tips
  • Variations
  • Storage
  • Related recipes
  • Serve with
  • Turkey Chowder with Corn
  • Recipe backstory

Why you'll love this recipe 

✔️ This is an easy soup recipe!

✔️ This hearty soup will be a family favorite.

✔️ It's a great way to utilize leftover holiday turkey or leftover chicken!

A blue bowl filled with turkey chowder
Turkey Chowder with Corn

Ingredients

For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

  • bacon
  • yellow onion 
  • celery
  • garlic
  • potatoes
  • cooked turkey or chicken
  • frozen corn, canned corn or cream style corn
  • butter
  • olive oil
  • flour
  • turkey broth or chicken broth
  • heavy cream
  • Tabasco sauce
  • salt
  • parsley (optional)

Instructions 

Collage with step-by-step instructions showing how to make the soup.
Making the chowder

This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!

  1. Start by sautéing the bacon. Dice it into small chunks (lardons). Put the bacon in a cold pot (use the same one you're going to make the stew in - no need to dirty another dish) and THEN turn the pot on over medium heat. Starting it off in a cold pot will help render off the fat. Cooking the bacon should take about fifteen minutes. Remove the bacon bits with a slotted spoon and put them on a paper towel to drain.
  2. While the bacon is cooking, dice the onion, celery and the potatoes. If you use russet potatoes, I recommend peeling them. Yellow or red potatoes, no need to peel - just scrub them well.
  3. After you remove the bacon, pour out most of the grease, but reserve all those brown bits in the bottom of the pan. Add the butter & olive oil, then the onions and celery. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until they just begin to soften. Then add the potatoes and minced garlic. Cook for another minute or two.
  4. Add the flour and cook that for a couple minutes also. Then it's time to add the Tabasco sauce (don't be afraid of the heat, Tabasco adds a great flavor!) and chicken stock. When you add the chicken stock, take a spoon and scrape up all the bits off the bottom of the pan. They are going to give you big flavor!! Increase the heat to high and bring everything to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender.
  5. Next, ladle about half the soup into the Blender. Blend until creamy and smooth. Add it back into the soup pot along with the turkey and corn and heat through. Remove from the heat and add in the half & half. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve.
  6. Next, ladle about half the soup into the Blender. Blend until creamy and smooth. Add it back into the soup pot along with the turkey and corn and heat through. Remove from the heat and add in the half & half. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve.

This chowder takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. If you're looking for an easy dinner idea for tonight, this is the meal!

Equipment

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.   

  • THIS beautiful soup pot from Caraway!! It's super pretty and goes from the stovetop right to the table. I have a whole set of this cookware!
  • I microwave soup to warm it up ALL. THE. TIME. How did I not know this existed? My mom gave me one when we were in Oregon. No more mess in the wave!!
  • Silicone Pad - I love how versatile these pads are! Pot holder, spoon rest, etc - plus dishwasher safe too. Perfect for taking your soup pot right to the table.
A bowl filled with Turkey Corn Chowder.
This easy turkey corn chowder serves a crowd, but can easily be cut in half for smaller families.

FAQ's

How do you thicken corn chowder?

I thicken this chowder with flour and by blending it. You can eliminate the flour and blend a larger amount of the soup to thicken it if you choose!

Can you use something other than flour to thicken the chowder?

Yes, thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. Using cream-style corn will also help thicken the soup!

What if I don't have any turkey?

No problem! Use chicken, it's a great substitute.

Tips

If you prefer a smoother chowder, use a stand blender for a smooth texture. If chunkier is more your preference, use an immersion blender.

A rich soup uses cream - so good! You can also use half and half or whole milk.

Yellow frozen corn (rather than white) is my choice making this chowder. The yellow corn gives it a bright POP of color, love that!

Most chowders are served with crackers or bread.

Want all of my soup making tips and tricks? Check out Homemade Soup; A Complete Guide.

Variations

  • No turkey, no problem! Use leftover cooked chicken. Here's what you need to know.... this chowder is AMAZING! Big and bold, over-the-top flavor! Again... don't be afraid of Tabasco - it makes this chowder pop!
  • A great tip from a reader is adding creamed corn instead of frozen corn. It helps thicken the soup and adds a touch of sweetness!
  • Add four ounces of cream cheese makes it super creamy and adds a nice tang.
  • Four ounces of chopped green chiles gives this hearty soup a Tex Mex flair - yum!!

Storage

Refrigerate - Leftover turkey corn chowder should be allowed to cool completely. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate up to three days.

Freezer - Leftovers freeze ok. I say ok because the potatoes get mealy after being frozen. It's better enjoyed within the first few days of making it.

Reheat - reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Either works great!

Related recipes

Have more turkey leftovers? Give my Turkey Pot Pie Recipe a try - delish!

  • Creamy Corn Chowder - this vegetarian Corn Chowder takes just over 30 minutes to make. It's rich, hearty and creamy bowl of chowder.
  • Homemade Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe that doesn't take hours to make? Yes please!
  • 30 Minute Corn and Potato Chowder - this is an old-fashioned chowder filled with crunchy sweet corn, creamy potatoes and delicious cheese. It is super savory and absolutely delicious!

Serve with

Chowders are always served with oyster crackers or saltines, so be sure to have plenty on hand. Garnish with sliced green onions for a little freshness. It's the perfect crunchy bite after a spoonful of soup!

Make Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread Recipe - ooh this is so good! It's such a great combination served with this turkey chowder.

Dinner Rolls are also delicious too!

Serve a yummy green salad on the side this Outback Wedge Salad would be perfect. What a terrific meal!

Chowder in soup pot with ladle.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
4.89 from 9 votes

Turkey Chowder with Corn

This hearty chowder is the perfect way to utilize leftover chicken or turkey.
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time40 minutes mins
Total Time55 minutes mins
Course: Soups and Stews
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 600kcal
Author: Deb Clark
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • 4 strips thick cut bacon
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 2 celery stalks sliced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 4 cups potatoes diced (peeled if desired)
  • 2 cups cooked turkey or chicken
  • 2 cups frozen corn*
  • 1 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon to 1 ½ salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 teaspoons tabasco sauce optional
  • minced parsley for garnish optional

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Dice the bacon and add it to a large stockpot. Cook over medium heat until crispy, remove from pan. Drain on a paper towel - set aside.
  • In the same pot used to cook the bacon, drain off a bit of the oil. Add the butter & olive oil and the onion & celery. Season with salt and pepper. Saute over medium heat until softened, about 4-5 minutes. 
  • Add the garlic and saute another minute. Stir in the flour & mix it well with the softened veggies - cook another two minutes. Add in the potatoes and give the ingredients a couple good stirs.
  • Add about ¼ cup of the chicken stock. Stir everything really well, scraping all of the browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Add the remainder of the chicken stock, increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce to a medium heat, stirring occasionally, the mixture will thicken.. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.
  • When the potatoes are done and you can easily puncture them with a fork, turn the heat off. Ladle about half the mixture into the blender and blend until smooth. (You can also use an immersion blender - I prefer using a stand blender because I want to keep good texture in the chowder.)
  • Add the turkey and corn. Stir well to combine. Turn off the heat add cream & bacon, stir to combine & warm thru. I love a dash of Tabasco to finish off the chowder! Now's the time to add it!
  • Garnish with parsley and serve!

Nutrition

Calories: 600kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 65g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 193mg | Sodium: 1384mg | Potassium: 1082mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 470IU | Vitamin C: 7.2mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 2.4mg
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Recipe backstory

I ain't gonna lie... I love the day I have planned! I'm doing some decorating for the holidays. I have another pot of easy Turkey Corn Chowder on the stove, some dinner rolls in the oven - life is good!

Yesterday I had the BEST brainstorming session with my buddy Jessica in Sacramento. I shopped for some fun Christmas Ornaments and bought 20 pounds of mandarins. It was a wonderful day!

It's not very often you can steal some time for yourself and just do your own thing. Truly, I feel blessed!

I also love a meal that I can pull the ingredients out of the pantry & freezer and make something completely spectacular. Like THIS chowder!

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About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jessica

    March 02, 2020 at 3:53 pm

    Has anyone tried this recipe in a crockpot and can make suggestions on what they did?

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 05, 2020 at 3:21 pm

      Hey Jessica - I have never tried making this in the slow cooker, but if I did, here's what I'd suggest. Sauté the bacon and drain it well. Clean and dice the potatoes, add to the slow cooker, top with the turkey and corn. Sauté the veggies in the bacon grease and make the sauce by adding the flour and then adding the chicken stock. Stir until thick and pour over everything in the slow cooker. Cover and turn on low. Cook for 4-6 hours until the potatoes are tender. You can thicken it further by using an immersion blender and blending a portion of the soup. Top with the bacon. Let me know how that turns out for you!

      Reply
  2. Beachy

    December 29, 2019 at 4:32 pm

    Delicious! Perfect for my left over smoked turkey. Such a great way to spice up the holiday leftover situation.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 31, 2019 at 9:08 am

      Thank you so much, I love this chowder, I'm glad you enjoyed it too!!

      Reply
  3. Liza

    December 15, 2018 at 11:08 pm

    5 stars
    Oh, I love chowders! And this one is the ultimate for the cozy winter dinner! Loving it so much!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 18, 2018 at 8:11 am

      So easy and so good, thank you Liza!!!

      Reply
  4. Whitney

    November 25, 2017 at 8:41 am

    5 stars
    This soup is great! I did something a little different that I wanted to share. I had leftover creamed corn from my Thanksgiving meal that I used instead of frozen corn. It turned out delicious! It added some extra creaminess, which was good because I also only had half and half leftover from our meal. I also added a little extra Texas Pete (instead of Tabasco) to give it a tad bit of heat. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 26, 2017 at 6:53 pm

      Great additions Whitney! I love cream style corn and I know that would taste just fantastic! Thanks so much for letting me know!

      Reply
  5. Nancy Johnson

    December 27, 2016 at 4:55 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious. I made it tonight with leftover turkey I had in the freezer. It was creamy and thick without a raw flour taste. My husband has a LVAD and is waiting for a heart/kidney transplant. He has to have a low sodium diet so we can't open a can of soup. This was so easy and flavorful we didn't miss the salt. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      January 03, 2017 at 9:08 am

      How exciting Nancy, I'm so glad you enjoy this soup! But more importantly, my thoughts and prayers go to you & your husband. It sounds like you have some very challenging times ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

      Reply
  6. Patty Haxton Anderson

    December 21, 2016 at 12:45 am

    Your chowder sounds wonderful and comforting and I love how easy it is too. I am featuring it at the Let's Get Real Weekly Link Party this Thursday!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 22, 2016 at 1:58 pm

      Thank you so much Patty for featuring it this week! Hope things are well your way - I'll swing by and link up this week. I really appreciate the feature!

      Reply
  7. easypeasylifematters

    December 17, 2016 at 5:06 pm

    What a fun and yummy twist on corn chowder! 🙂

    Reply
  8. Evi

    December 13, 2016 at 7:56 am

    Great way to use leftover turkey! This looks yummy!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 14, 2016 at 4:02 pm

      Thanks Evi, we just love this chowder!

      Reply
  9. Diana

    December 11, 2016 at 2:35 pm

    5 stars
    We always make corn chowder with our turkey leftovers, so yum!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 14, 2016 at 4:05 pm

      Very smart, great way to repurpose leftovers!!

      Reply
  10. Lisa | Garlic & Zest

    December 11, 2016 at 1:52 pm

    This looks incredible -- I'm a sucker for anything "chowder" -- big chunks of potato and turkey in a creamy, thick chowder base! Yum!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 14, 2016 at 4:06 pm

      Yup, I'm with you! Definitely a stick to your ribs kinda meal!

      Reply
  11. Scarlet @ Family Focus Blog

    December 11, 2016 at 1:38 pm

    This sounds like a great combo I would never have thought of. The bacon will be great for flavor and sticking to your ribs in cold weather too. Yum!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 14, 2016 at 4:07 pm

      I hope you give it a try Scarlet, the whole family will just love it!

      Reply
  12. Platter Talk

    December 11, 2016 at 1:27 pm

    5 stars
    This soup would taste good any time of year! I like the addition of Tobasco! Just enough to make it interesting,.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 14, 2016 at 4:08 pm

      Yes, I totally agree Dan, when I don't have turkey I sub the rotisserie chicken, just as delish!

      Reply
  13. Amanda

    December 09, 2016 at 1:17 pm

    4 stars
    I love chowders..most any kind. I've made corn/potato chowder for years...never any recipe. The results are always tasty. It never occurred to me to add turkey. This will be my go-to chowder. Easy to adapt to gluten free and versatile. It won't let me give the 5 stars it deserves.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 15, 2016 at 5:39 am

      I just love the turkey version - so hearty and delicious. I hope you enjoy too after adapting it for gluten free!! Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your day Amanda's!

      Reply
  14. [email protected]

    December 09, 2016 at 12:40 pm

    I love chowders and smelling them cooking on the stove on a cool winter day 🙂 It's also great to make time for yourself. We all need that to re-group.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 11, 2016 at 10:30 am

      I think taking time for yourself is always a tough thing, especially around the holidays. I hope you enjoy this soup Stephanie!

      Reply
  15. Mary

    December 09, 2016 at 12:13 pm

    I can't get enough soup this time of year! Thanks for sharing this one!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 11, 2016 at 10:30 am

      You bet - enjoy Mary!

      Reply
  16. Suzy | The Mediterranean Dish

    December 09, 2016 at 11:51 am

    Oh I am going to have to try this one! Looks so comforting!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 11, 2016 at 10:31 am

      Yes, comforting and delish - please come back and let me know what you think Suzy!

      Reply
  17. Diana D

    December 08, 2016 at 10:43 am

    5 stars
    Well this is a keeper! Went to MIL's for Thanksgiving so I actually have a whole turkey in the freezer right now. Probably going to make it next week so of course with the leftovers this recipe is going to come in handy. I am rating it already at a 5 star because it just looks fabulous and tasty and perfect for a cold day here in CA.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 08, 2016 at 1:51 pm

      Awesome, you are set then Diana! It's a cold day here too - great day for a bowl of soup!

      Reply
  18. Lois

    December 08, 2016 at 10:43 am

    This just look fantastic. Can't wait to try it and looks so easy to.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 08, 2016 at 1:52 pm

      I hope you try it soon, we sure enjoyed it! I bet you will too!

      Reply
  19. Healing Tomato

    December 08, 2016 at 10:41 am

    5 stars
    This is a great way to use leftovers. I have always wanted to try a vegetarian version of corn chowder and maybe someday you can make one for me? 🙂 Your recipes and photos, as always, are enticing and delicious.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 08, 2016 at 1:53 pm

      You betcha Rini, I'll be working on that, YUM!! Thank you so much for stopping by!

      Reply

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