Hearty & Creamy Cheesy Chicken & Ham Chowder: Your Ultimate Winter Comfort Food Recipe
As the chill of winter truly settles in, there’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a homemade, steaming bowl of soup. The days might be cold and gray, perhaps even blanketed by a fresh snowfall – we recently got a good six or seven inches, though much of it has melted now. On such brisk days, my go-to comfort meal is always a hearty soup for lunch, and among all the varieties, I confess a particular fondness for rich, creamy chowders. They aren’t just delicious; they are incredibly practical. A large batch of soup can be easily frozen, providing several satisfying, hot lunches throughout the month, making meal prep a breeze. This particular recipe delivers on all fronts: it’s incredibly satisfying, packed with succulent shredded chicken, savory diced ham, and an abundance of wonderfully melty, flavorful cheese. It’s truly a hug in a bowl, designed to chase away the winter blues.
Many of you might know that I had the pleasure of founding the Secret Recipe Club, a wonderful community that brings together food bloggers from all corners of the internet. Every Monday, our members eagerly post their culinary creations, crafted from recipes they’ve secretly been assigned from another blogger’s site, finally revealing their assignments to everyone. It’s a fantastic way to discover new blogs, hone cooking skills, and foster a supportive network. However, sometimes on what we call “Reveal Day,” a challenging situation arises: an “orphan.” This term refers to a blog whose assigned chef, for whatever reason – be it a simple oversight, an unexpected real-life emergency, or technical difficulties – was unable to complete their post. This can be quite disheartening for the orphaned blogger, who is left without a reveal to anticipate and celebrate.
This past Monday, exactly such a situation occurred: Krista from Double Dipped Life found her blog orphaned. The truly beautiful aspect of The Secret Recipe Club, and indeed the entire blogging community, is the incredible generosity and camaraderie among its members. No one likes to see anyone left out or disappointed. So, when word spreads about an orphaned blog, it’s a common and heartwarming occurrence for another blogger to step forward, volunteer their time, and quickly whip up a recipe from the unassigned blog to fill the void. This time, as fate would have it, that volunteer happened to be me. I was more than happy to help out and delve into Krista’s culinary world, turning a small setback into an exciting new discovery.
When I began browsing Krista’s blog, “Double Dipped Life,” I was genuinely delighted to find that her culinary preferences aligned remarkably well with my own. Her collection of recipes was incredibly tempting, presenting a delightful challenge in choosing just one to recreate! I found myself bookmarking several potential dishes for future cooking adventures. In fact, when I made my grocery run this morning to gather the ingredients for this savory chowder, I couldn’t resist also picking up everything I needed to make her mouthwatering Spinach Dip. It’s always exciting to discover a new blog that resonates so strongly, and Krista’s site is a treasure trove of delicious and approachable recipes that I can’t wait to explore further. This initial dive into her content reinforced the true spirit of the Secret Recipe Club: a platform for discovering new favorites and connecting with like-minded food enthusiasts.
Among the many appealing recipes on Double Dipped Life, this particular soup instantly caught my eye. Krista’s original creation is called Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup, and it cleverly incorporates Swiss cheese, drawing inspiration from the classic French-Swiss dish of the same name. While I must admit I’m not a huge fan of Chicken Cordon Bleu itself – the traditional preparation just doesn’t quite hit the spot for me – the concept of a soup inspired by those flavors, especially with a rich, creamy base, sounded incredibly satisfying. I saw immediate potential to adapt it to my personal preferences. With a few simple adjustments to the ingredients, primarily the type of cheese, I was confident I could transform it into something I would absolutely adore. The result, a Cheesy Chicken & Ham Chowder, turned out even better than I imagined, offering all the warmth and heartiness I crave on a cold day, with a flavor profile perfectly suited to my taste buds. This experience truly highlights the versatility of recipes and the joy of making them your own.
When it came to preparing the chicken for this chowder, time was of the essence. My schedule was a bit tight, so I opted for a quick and efficient method to get that perfectly shredded consistency. I simply tossed some chicken breasts into my pressure cooker, and within minutes, they were tender and easily shredded, ready to be incorporated into the soup. This method is a fantastic time-saver, ensuring that even on busy days, a homemade meal is within reach. Krista’s original suggestion of using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is, of course, an excellent alternative and a brilliant shortcut for those who are truly pressed for time. However, on the morning I was preparing this, I arrived at the grocery store quite early, and the rotisserie chickens hadn’t been roasted yet. My pressure cooker came to the rescue, proving its worth once again! If you have more time, you can also boil chicken breasts until cooked through and then shred them with two forks. The key is to have flavorful, tender shredded chicken, regardless of the method, as it forms a crucial part of this delicious chowder.
Incorporating diced ham into this chowder adds a wonderful salty, savory depth that perfectly complements the chicken and cheese. This soup would be an absolutely brilliant way to utilize all that leftover ham you often find yourself with after holiday feasts, particularly after Easter dinner. Instead of letting those precious leftovers go to waste, transforming them into a rich, flavorful chowder is a fantastic idea that gives them a new lease on life. Since I didn’t happen to have any holiday leftovers on hand, I simply turned to what I had readily available in my refrigerator: some ham steaks. These worked perfectly, providing the same delicious flavor and texture. You could also use pre-diced ham from the grocery store for even greater convenience, or even thick-cut deli ham, chopped into small pieces. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility; it welcomes whatever type of cooked ham you have on hand, making it not only delicious but also incredibly adaptable for reducing food waste and making the most of your pantry staples.
And now, for the star ingredient that truly made this chowder “cheesy” and elevated it to new heights of deliciousness: the cheese! As I mentioned, Krista’s original recipe called for Swiss cheese, which makes sense given the “Chicken Cordon Bleu” inspiration. However, in my family, with the notable exception of myself, Swiss cheese isn’t exactly a crowd-pleaser. To ensure everyone would enjoy this hearty meal, I decided to pivot to one of my all-time favorite cheeses, a true game-changer in many of my recipes: Spinach Artichoke Jack. This incredible cheese, which I regularly pick up from Sam’s Club, boasts a fantastic creamy texture and a savory flavor profile that perfectly complements both chicken and ham. It melts beautifully, creating a silky-smooth chowder that is simply irresistible. I genuinely love, love, love this cheese, and its inclusion was a definite upgrade for our family’s palates. Plus, as a proud Wisconsinite, there’s an extra layer of satisfaction knowing that this fantastic cheese is crafted right here in my home state. If Spinach Artichoke Jack isn’t available to you, or if you simply prefer a different flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment! A sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked gouda would also work wonderfully, contributing their own unique character to this adaptable and comforting chowder. The goal is a rich, melty cheese that brings a depth of flavor and creamy texture to the finished dish.
This Cheesy Chicken & Ham Chowder is incredibly easy to put together, making it a perfect weeknight meal, and it’s especially ideal for creatively using up leftovers. It’s a recipe you’ll undoubtedly want to add to your regular menu rotation for those chilly days or any time you’re craving something warm and comforting. A huge thank you to Krista from Double Dipped Life for the fantastic original recipe inspiration! Her blog is truly a gem, and I encourage everyone to check it out for more culinary delights. Also, don’t forget to join the amazing SoupaPalooza event, hosted by TidyMom and Dine and Dish, and generously sponsored by KitchenAid, Red Star Yeast, and Le Creuset. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover even more delicious soup recipes from a vibrant community of food bloggers!
More Irresistible Soup Recipes to Warm Your Soul
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting embrace of this Cheesy Chicken & Ham Chowder, you’re likely a fellow soup enthusiast! There’s something uniquely comforting about a hot bowl of soup, especially during cooler months, or even when you just need a quick, nourishing meal. The versatility of soup means there’s an endless variety to explore, from hearty stews to creamy purees, each offering its own distinct flavors and textures. Building a repertoire of go-to soup recipes ensures you’ll always have a delicious option at hand, whether for a cozy family dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even to share with friends. Here are some of our other cherished soup recipes that we’re confident you’ll enjoy just as much. Each one brings its own unique character to the table, promising warmth, flavor, and a touch of homemade goodness. From classic comfort foods to exciting new flavors, these recipes are designed to inspire your next culinary adventure in the kitchen. Dive in and discover your next favorite spoonful!
- Hearty & Flavorful Taco Soup
- Classic & Creamy Fish Chowder
- Our Best Homemade Chili Recipe
- Comforting Chicken Bean Soup
- Rich Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup
- Savory Italian Sausage Tomato Orzo Soup
- Simple & Sweet Corn Chowder
Cheesy Chicken & Ham Chowder
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ medium onion chopped
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups 1% milk
- 14- oz can chicken broth
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 medium Russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as Spinach Artichoke Jack, or sharp cheddar)
- 1 cup cooked chicken shredded
- 1 cup cooked ham diced
Before You Begin
Instructions
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Begin by preparing your potatoes. Wash them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Using a fork, pierce the skin several times to allow steam to escape during cooking. Place the potatoes in the microwave and cook for an initial 5 minutes. Carefully rotate them, then continue to cook for another 5 minutes, or until they are tender when squeezed. Alternatively, you can boil the potatoes until fork-tender.
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While the potatoes are cooking, turn your attention to the soup base. In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the onions become tender and translucent, and the garlic just begins to turn golden brown, releasing its aromatic fragrance. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Next, sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed onion and garlic mixture in the pan. Stir it thoroughly with a wooden spoon or whisk, ensuring the flour is fully incorporated to create a roux. Let this mixture cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste. Then, slowly and gradually add the milk, a little at a time, while continuously whisking to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy base. Once the milk is fully incorporated, pour in the chicken broth and whisk well again. Bring the entire mixture to a gentle simmer, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the soup begins to thicken to your desired consistency, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
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While your creamy soup base is thickening, return to your microwaved (or boiled) potatoes. Carefully cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the soft flesh into a bowl. You can either cut the potato flesh into small, bite-sized pieces or lightly mash them, depending on your preferred chowder texture. Set aside. Also, measure out your pre-cooked shredded chicken, diced cooked ham, and your chosen shredded cheese, ensuring they are ready to be added to the pot.
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Once the soup has reached your desired thickness, reduce the heat to medium-low. Gently fold in the prepared potatoes. Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference. Finally, add the shredded cheese, cooked chicken, and diced ham to the pot. Stir gently until the cheese has completely melted and all the ingredients are thoroughly warmed through. Serve this hearty, cheesy chowder piping hot, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a side of crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your comforting homemade meal!
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
Once you’ve enjoyed this delightful chowder, we highly recommend taking some time to explore Double Dipped Life for even more delicious and inspiring recipes from Krista!
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