Turkey Corn Chowder: Creamy, Hearty, and Ready in 30 Minutes

Turkey Corn Chowder is that warm hug in a bowl we all need on chilly evenings when life feels a bit too busy for anything complicated. This hearty, creamy, and flavor-packed soup turns leftover turkey into something you’ll crave long after Thanksgiving is over.

With tender chunks of turkey, sweet pops of corn, and velvety potatoes, this Turkey Corn Chowder brings comfort without the fuss—ready in just 30 minutes! It’s the perfect one-pot meal for families juggling weeknight chaos or anyone looking to whip up a homemade dinner that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Grab your favorite soup spoon and maybe a cozy blanket because once you taste this Turkey Corn Chowder, you’ll want to stay awhile.

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What is Turkey Corn Chowder?

Turkey Corn Chowder is a creamy, hearty soup that combines cooked turkey (usually leftover from Thanksgiving or Sunday dinner) with sweet corn, potatoes, carrots, and a touch of thyme for that earthy depth. Chowders are traditionally thicker than soups, often made creamy with milk or cream instead of a clear broth. This particular version keeps things light but satisfying with 2% milk and a simple roux base from butter and olive oil. The result? A dish that’s both comforting and wholesome. It’s not just another way to use leftovers—it’s a full-on family favorite that deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation.

Reasons to Try Turkey Corn Chowder

First off, Turkey Corn Chowder is ridiculously easy—like “one pot and done” easy. No fancy gadgets, no extra cleanup, just straightforward cooking that still tastes amazing. Second, it’s budget-friendly and flexible; you can swap in chicken, ham, or even tofu if you’d like. Third, it’s a great way to sneak in veggies without hearing complaints from picky eaters (looking at you, little ones). Plus, the flavor balance—sweet corn, savory turkey, and creamy broth—is unbeatable. This chowder also reheats beautifully, so you’ve got lunch or dinner sorted for days. Honestly, once you make this, it’ll become part of your comfort food rotation right next to your Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup or Hearty Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup.

Ingredients Needed to Make Turkey Corn Chowder

• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 large carrot, thinly sliced
• Pinch of salt
• 2–3 cups diced or shredded cooked turkey
• 3 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1¼ teaspoons salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 can (14.75 ounces) cream-style sweet corn
• 1 can (15.25 ounces) sweet corn, rinsed
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 cups 2% milk
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions to Make Turkey Corn Chowder

Making this creamy, comforting Turkey Corn Chowder is easier than you might think, and this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything from the first sizzle of butter to the final cozy spoonful. Let’s get started—because dinner’s about to smell amazing.

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Start your Turkey Corn Chowder step by step by heating 2 tablespoons of butter and ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and the oil shimmers slightly, toss in the diced onion, sliced carrot, and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. This step is where your base flavor is born—don’t rush it! If you want to boost that savory aroma, you can add a small clove of minced garlic here (check out my Creamy Easy Potato Soup for another garlic-infused soup trick).

Step 2: Add Turkey and Potatoes for Heartiness

Once the veggies have softened, it’s time to add the star of the show—diced or shredded cooked turkey—along with your peeled and cubed russet potatoes. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Give it all a good stir so the seasonings evenly coat every bite. The gentle heat helps the turkey soak up the herbs and the potatoes start absorbing that buttery base. If you’re using Thanksgiving leftovers, this step-by-step moment is where that roast turkey gets a delicious second life. For an extra creamy twist, you could use small golden potatoes instead of russets—they hold their shape beautifully and add a silky texture.

Step 3: Stir in the Corn and Liquids

Now we’re getting to the good part! Pour in one can of cream-style sweet corn and one can of whole sweet corn kernels (drained and rinsed). The cream-style corn is your secret weapon—it thickens the chowder naturally while the whole kernels add that satisfying pop of sweetness. Next, add 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 3 cups of 2% milk. Give everything a slow, thorough stir to blend all the flavors.

Then, bring the mixture to a gentle boil over high heat. This Turkey Corn Chowder step by step transition is where the soup begins to look irresistibly creamy. You’ll see the bubbles start forming and the aroma will make everyone in the house wander into the kitchen asking, “What’s cooking?”

Step 4: Simmer Low and Slow

Once the chowder starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This part is where the magic truly happens—the potatoes become tender, the flavors meld perfectly, and the chowder naturally thickens to that dreamy consistency. Keep an eye on the heat; you want it to bubble gently, not boil hard. If you love thicker soups, mash a few potato cubes against the side of the pot with your spoon—it’ll release starch and make your chowder even creamier. This technique works beautifully in my Easy Homemade Potsticker Soup too, where texture makes all the difference.

Step 5: Adjust, Garnish, and Serve with Love

After simmering, turn off the heat and let your Turkey Corn Chowder sit for 5 minutes. This short rest allows everything to settle and thicken slightly. Give it a final stir, taste for seasoning, and adjust if needed—sometimes an extra pinch of salt or pepper brings it to perfection. For a finishing touch, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or buttery biscuits. If you’re in the mood for an extra comforting side, pair it with Italian Pastina Soup or Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring for a complete cozy dinner spread.

What to Serve with Turkey Corn Chowder

Turkey Corn Chowder pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread or a buttery biscuit for dipping. You can also serve it alongside a light salad for balance, or even with Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes if you’re going all-in on comfort food. A simple green side—like steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts—adds freshness. For a cozy fall dinner, finish it off with something sweet like Delicious Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple.

Key Tips for Making Turkey Corn Chowder

1. Use leftover turkey! It saves time and adds depth of flavor.
2. Don’t skip the cream-style corn—it’s what makes the chowder rich and thick without heavy cream.
3. If your chowder feels too thin, mash a few potatoes right in the pot to thicken it naturally.
4. Want it heartier? Stir in cooked bacon or shredded cheese near the end.
5. For a lighter twist, try swapping some milk for unsweetened almond milk—it keeps the texture silky.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Turkey Corn Chowder

Store leftover Turkey Corn Chowder in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop over medium-low heat—just stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick. You can also microwave it in a pinch, stirring halfway through. If it thickens too much in the fridge, just add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. To freeze, let it cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Turkey Corn Chowder ahead of time? Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Can I use chicken instead of turkey? Yes, cooked chicken works perfectly.
How can I make it dairy-free? Use plant-based milk like almond or oat and vegan butter.
Is this chowder gluten-free? Yes, as long as your ingredients (especially the corn) are gluten-free labeled.

Final Thoughts

Turkey Corn Chowder is one of those recipes that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With one pot, simple ingredients, and just 30 minutes, you get a dish that’s creamy, hearty, and downright satisfying. It’s the perfect way to bring warmth to your dinner table—especially when life gets busy. Whether you’re using up Thanksgiving leftovers or craving a cozy meal any night of the week, this Turkey Corn Chowder deserves a spot in your rotation.

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