Smoked Chicken Chowder, a hearty and comforting dish, is a perfect choice for a cozy winter meal or a potluck gathering with friends and family. Bursting with flavors of smoked chicken, creamy cheeses, and vibrant vegetables, this chowder is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, with a total preparation time of just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal option for those busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
To begin crafting this culinary masterpiece, start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need one yellow onion, which you’ll finely chop to add a sweet and savory base to the chowder. Additionally, you’ll require a quarter cup of olive oil for sautéing the onions until they’re soft and translucent, releasing their aromatic essence.
Next up, the star of the show: smoked chicken breast. Remove the skin and any excess fat from the chicken breast, then cut the meat into bite-sized cubes, roughly half an inch in size. This smoked chicken will infuse the chowder with its rich, smoky flavor, elevating it to gourmet status.
For the vegetables, you’ll need about five to six new potatoes, which you’ll wash and dice into small, uniform pieces, approximately a quarter inch in size. Alongside the potatoes, you’ll also incorporate four cloves of garlic, minced finely to impart their distinct yet subtle taste to the chowder.
Once your prep work is complete, it’s time to move on to the cooking process. In a large, heavy-bottomed kettle or pot, heat the olive oil over moderate heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them until they become tender and translucent, filling your kitchen with their irresistible aroma.
Now, add in the diced potatoes and minced garlic, stirring them into the fragrant onion mixture. Allow them to cook for about a minute, ensuring they’re evenly coated with the flavors of the onions and oil.
Next, sprinkle in a quarter cup of all-purpose flour, stirring it into the vegetable mixture to create a roux—a thickening agent that will give the chowder its luscious, creamy texture. Cook the flour for about two minutes over moderate heat, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
Now, it’s time to introduce the liquids that will transform this concoction into a velvety chowder. Whisk in two cups of chicken broth and half a cup of half-and-half, gradually incorporating them into the pot until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
As the chowder base comes to a gentle boil, add in the remaining ingredients: diced Roma tomatoes, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, grated smoked Gouda cheese, chopped fresh parsley, a hint of dried ancho chile powder for a touch of warmth and depth, and of course, the cubed smoked chicken breast.
Allow the chowder to simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent any sticking or burning. If the soup thickens too much, simply add more chicken broth until you achieve your desired consistency. Continue simmering for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully together.
Before serving, season the chowder with salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preferences. For an extra indulgent touch, consider serving the smoked chicken chowder in hollowed-out bread bowls, allowing your guests to savor every last drop of this delectable creation.
With its robust flavors, creamy texture, and hearty ingredients, this smoked chicken chowder is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether enjoyed as a comforting weeknight dinner or showcased at a festive gathering, this dish is bound to impress even the most discerning palates. So why wait? Head to your kitchen and whip up a batch of this sensational chowder today—it’s guaranteed to warm both body and soul with every spoonful.
