Turkey & Sweet Corn Chowder Recipe

Published: 22 October 2025

When the air turns crisp and you crave something warm and comforting, few dishes satisfy quite like a bowl of creamy Turkey & Sweet Corn Chowder. This hearty soup is the perfect way to transform leftover turkey into a soul-warming meal the whole family will love. Inspired by the flavors of classic corn chowder, this version blends tender turkey, sweet corn, and diced potatoes in a velvety, savory broth that feels like a comforting hug in every spoonful. It’s the kind of meal that makes chilly evenings feel a little brighter and brings back memories of family gatherings, cozy dinners, and holiday leftovers turned into something extraordinary.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend lunch, this Turkey & Sweet Corn Chowder is both nourishing and delicious—a bowl of pure comfort that tastes like home.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
3 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

Directions

Prepare the base.
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Add the garlic and seasonings.
Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant, making sure the garlic doesn’t burn.
Add the potatoes and broth.
Add the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken or turkey broth. Stir well, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Drop in the bay leaf, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
Create a creamy thickener.
In a small bowl, whisk the flour into the milk until smooth. Gradually pour the milk mixture into the pot while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the chowder to thicken slightly.
Add the turkey and corn.
Stir in the shredded turkey and corn kernels. Simmer for another 10 minutes so the flavors can meld and the chowder thickens to a creamy consistency.
Finish with cream and cheese (optional).
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese if using. Allow it to warm through but do not let it boil, as that can cause the dairy to separate. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Serve and enjoy.
Remove the bay leaf and ladle the chowder into bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish and serve warm with crusty bread or biscuits for a satisfying meal.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Why You’ll Love This Turkey & Sweet Corn Chowder

This chowder hits all the right notes—creamy, hearty, slightly sweet, and deeply comforting. It’s a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your meal rotation:

Perfect use for leftovers: If you have leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or a roast dinner, this recipe transforms it into a brand-new meal that feels intentional, not leftover.
Simple pantry staples: Most of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen—potatoes, corn, milk, and carrots.
Family-friendly comfort food: The mild, creamy flavor is appealing to kids and adults alike.
Freezer-friendly: It freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or storing extra portions for busy nights.

The sweetness of the corn complements the savory turkey perfectly, while the potatoes and cream lend a luscious, velvety texture. Every bite feels wholesome, cozy, and satisfying.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chowder

Use fresh corn when in season. If you’re lucky enough to have access to sweet summer corn, cut the kernels straight from the cob for unbeatable flavor.
Thicken without lumps. Always whisk the flour into the milk before adding it to the pot—this helps keep your chowder smooth and creamy.
Don’t skip the simmer. Letting the soup simmer after adding the milk and turkey ensures the flavors meld beautifully and the potatoes become tender.
Avoid boiling once cream is added. This prevents the dairy from curdling and keeps your chowder silky smooth.
Make it your own. Add diced bell peppers for color, toss in a handful of spinach for extra greens, or sprinkle crispy onions on top for crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Turkey & Sweet Corn Chowder is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

Crusty Bread: A warm baguette or sourdough loaf is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
Homemade Biscuits: Soft, buttery biscuits turn this soup into a hearty, Southern-inspired comfort meal.
Simple Green Salad: Balance the richness of the chowder with a crisp salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.
Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots complements the chowder’s creamy sweetness.

You can even serve this chowder as part of a larger spread—alongside sandwiches, baked potatoes, or a holiday buffet table. It’s a dish that adapts effortlessly to any setting.

How to Store and Reheat

One of the best things about Turkey & Sweet Corn Chowder is how well it stores. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen.

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Allow the chowder to cool completely, then freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the texture if needed. Avoid boiling to keep the cream smooth.

This makes it a fantastic meal-prep option—ready whenever you need a cozy dinner in a hurry.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, have fun experimenting with different variations to keep things exciting:

Spicy Southwest Turkey Chowder: Add diced green chilies, a pinch of cumin, and a sprinkle of chili powder for a bold twist.
Cheddar Bacon-Style (Turkey Only) Chowder: Use turkey bacon or smoked turkey pieces for a smoky, savory kick.
Herbed Garden Chowder: Stir in chopped spinach, kale, or peas near the end of cooking for extra nutrition.
Potato-Corn-Turkey Hash Chowder: Increase the potatoes and use half the broth for a thicker, stew-like consistency.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the milk and cream for coconut milk or a plant-based alternative. The result is still wonderfully creamy with a subtle sweetness.

These variations allow you to tailor the dish to your family’s tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Nutritional Benefits

Not only is this chowder delicious, but it’s also full of wholesome ingredients that make it a nutritious comfort food choice:

Turkey provides lean protein that’s rich in B vitamins and minerals.
Corn adds natural sweetness and dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
Potatoes are a great source of potassium and vitamin C.
Carrots and celery bring essential antioxidants and vitamins.
Milk and cream offer calcium and a satisfying richness.

This combination results in a balanced, filling meal that nourishes both body and soul—proof that comfort food can be wholesome too.

A Perfect Recipe for Every Season

While this Turkey & Sweet Corn Chowder feels especially cozy during the colder months, it’s a year-round winner. In summer, fresh corn adds a burst of sweetness that perfectly balances the savory turkey. In fall and winter, it becomes the ultimate comfort dish for using up holiday leftovers. And in spring, it’s a light yet hearty meal that bridges the gap between seasons.

Its flexibility and timeless flavor make it a staple recipe worth bookmarking. Serve it in big bowls on the couch during movie night, or ladle it into mugs for a casual family dinner—it’s as comforting as it is convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, this chowder is perfect for making ahead! The flavors actually improve as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day. Simply store it in the refrigerator after it cools and reheat gently when ready to serve.

2. Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely. If you don’t have turkey on hand, cooked shredded chicken works just as well. The flavor will be slightly different but equally delicious.

3. How can I make the chowder thicker?
For a thicker consistency, mash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot or add an extra tablespoon of flour mixed with milk. You can also let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Is this chowder gluten-free?
It can be! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (1 tablespoon mixed with 2 tablespoons cold milk or water) for the same thickening effect.