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Creamy Hatch Green Chile Corn Chowder Recipe with Crispy Bacon

creamy hatch green chile corn chowder - featured image
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A creamy, comforting chowder featuring sweet corn, smoky Hatch green chiles, and crispy bacon, perfect for cozy gatherings and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh corn kernels (or frozen)
  • 2–3 roasted, peeled, and chopped Hatch green chiles
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups half-and-half (or whole milk for lighter version)
  • 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until crisp and golden, about 10 minutes. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pan; discard or save the rest.
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon to form a roux, bubbling slightly but not browning, about 2 minutes.
  4. Slowly whisk in chicken broth to avoid lumps. Stir in diced potatoes. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.
  5. Stir in corn kernels and chopped Hatch green chiles. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Lower heat and slowly stir in half-and-half. Heat gently until warmed through, about 3 minutes, but do not boil.
  7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting carefully due to bacon saltiness.
  8. Crumble reserved crispy bacon over chowder just before serving. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or chives on top for a fresh finish.

Notes

Cook bacon slowly to render fat and achieve crispiness; add bacon at the end to keep it crunchy. Stir roux constantly to avoid browning and bitterness. Warm half-and-half gently to prevent curdling. If chowder is too thick, add broth or water to adjust consistency. For ultra-smooth texture, puree half the chowder before adding bacon. Substitute coconut milk for dairy-free and arrowroot powder for gluten-free options. Roasting Hatch chiles yourself adds smoky depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: corn chowder, Hatch green chile, bacon, creamy soup, comfort food, easy chowder, smoky soup, summer corn recipe

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/creamy-hatch-green-chile-corn-chowder-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-easy-and-best/