When the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty meal to make you feel cozy and content. One dish that fits this bill perfectly is the Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Tenderloin & Potato Chowder. Packed with tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and aromatic vegetables, this chowder is the ideal companion for chilly evenings or any time you crave a comforting homemade dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slow cooker chowder is not only rich in flavor but also incredibly easy to prepare. By utilizing a slow cooker, you can set up this meal in the morning and come home to a kitchen filled with the savory aroma of a perfectly cooked chowder. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, providing a satisfying combination of protein, vegetables, and a creamy broth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound chicken tenderloin, diced
- 5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons flour
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Sear the Chicken: Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken tenderloin and cook until browned on all sides. This step locks in the flavor and adds a subtle depth to the chowder. Once the chicken is browned, set it aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the onion becomes translucent. This helps release their natural sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
- Combine in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned chicken and sautéed vegetables into the slow cooker. Add the cubed potatoes, chicken broth, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure even distribution of ingredients and flavors.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should become fork-tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully during this time.
- Add the Creamy Finish: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until smooth. This step ensures a lump-free mixture that will thicken the chowder without curdling. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chowder and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle it into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Tips for a Perfect Chowder
- Opt for russet potatoes: Their high starch content helps create a naturally creamy texture.
- Browning the chicken: While you can skip this step for convenience, it adds a richer flavor to the chowder.
- Whisking the cream with flour: This ensures a smooth, thickened broth that’s free from lumps.
Enjoy the Warmth
This Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Tenderloin & Potato Chowder is more than just a meal—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Easy to prepare, brimming with comfort, and full of nourishing ingredients, it’s bound to become a staple in your seasonal rotation. Whether you’re looking for a dish to impress your family or just need something simple to savor after a long day, this chowder has you covered.
So grab your slow cooker, assemble these simple ingredients, and let the magic happen. Your future self will thank you when you come home to this aromatic, hearty delight.
Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Tenderloin & Potato Chowder
Description
This hearty and comforting chicken tenderloin and potato chowder is perfect for those chilly days when you crave a warm and satisfying meal. Easy to prepare in a slow cooker, it’s a must-try recipe that blends tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and flavorful spices.
Ingredients
– 1 pound chicken tenderloin, diced
– 5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons flour
Instructions
1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken tenderloin and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Transfer the browned chicken and cooked vegetables to the slow cooker.
4. Add cubed potatoes, chicken broth, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream and flour until smooth. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high, until the chowder thickens.
7. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!