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Creamy Turkey Corn Chowder Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Turkey Corn Chowder Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love how this chowder is loaded with tender turkey, sweet corn, and that silky creamy goodness that just wraps around you with every spoonful. When I first tried this recipe, I knew it’d be a staple for chilly nights and busy weeknights alike. So, pull up a chair and let me walk you through making this fan-freaking-tastic comfort food that your whole family will go crazy for.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Comfort in Every Spoonful: The creamy texture paired with savory turkey and sweet corn is the ultimate cozy meal.
  • Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You’ll find it uses staples from your pantry but tastes anything but ordinary.
  • Family-Friendly and Easy to Make: Perfect for busy weeknights because it comes together quickly and keeps everyone happy.
  • Versatile and Delicious Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making meal prep a breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Turkey Corn Chowder Recipe is in how simple, wholesome ingredients come together for maximum flavor and creaminess. I always recommend picking fresh corn (or good quality frozen) and boneless turkey breast for the best results.

  • Ground Turkey Breast: Lean and mild, it soaks up all the flavors while keeping the chowder light.
  • Sweet Corn: Fresh or frozen works great — adds sweetness and texture contrast.
  • Onions and Garlic: The aromatic foundation for that rich, comforting taste.
  • Carrots: They add a subtle sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
  • Chicken Broth (Low Sodium): To keep the flavor hearty without overwhelming saltiness.
  • Tomato Paste and Worcestershire Sauce: These deepen the umami and bring complexity to the chowder.
  • Flour and Half-and-Half: Together they make that luscious creamy base you’ll want to dive into.
  • Seasonings (Onion Salt, Garlic Salt, Oregano, Thyme): Tiny tweaks that build layers of subtle flavor.
  • Frozen Peas: I add these near the end for bursts of freshness and color—plus, they’re kid-friendly!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Creamy Turkey Corn Chowder Recipe is easily adaptable to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand. Feel free to make it your own and trust me, your family will never get bored.

  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the veggies for a subtle heat that wakes up the flavors.
  • Vegetarian Version: Swap ground turkey for diced potatoes and extra corn, then use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded sharp cheddar or pepper jack at the end to amp up richness and give it a gooey texture.
  • Seasonal Swaps: Use fresh tomatoes and roasted bell peppers in summer, or add a handful of kale or spinach for some greens during fall.

How to Make Creamy Turkey Corn Chowder Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Turkey

Start by melting a bit of light butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions, shredded carrots, and minced garlic—this combo builds the flavor base you’ll notice throughout the chowder. Cook until everything softens and smells incredible, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add your ground turkey breast. I find gently breaking it up with your spoon and cooking until it’s browned but still tender really keeps the texture pleasant, around 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Flavor with Seasonings and Tomato Paste

Sprinkle in onion salt, garlic salt, dried oregano, dried thyme, and then stir in that tablespoon of tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. The tomato paste gives the broth a subtle richness and depth, while Worcestershire adds that beloved umami punch. Let this cook together for a minute or two so those flavors meld beautifully before moving on.

Step 3: Thicken and Add Broth

Sprinkle in your flour and stir continuously so it cooks out the raw taste and starts to thicken the base. Gradually pour in the low sodium chicken broth while stirring to keep it smooth. Watch as the chowder begins to take on that creamy, velvety texture right before your eyes. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes while it thickens and the flavors deepen.

Step 4: Add Corn and Peas, Then Cream It Up

Now it’s time for the sweet corn and frozen peas. These go in last to maintain their texture and brightness, so just stir them in and let the chowder warm through for around 3-5 minutes. Finally, stir in the fat free half-and-half along with a pinch of garlic and onion salt to enhance creaminess without being too heavy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed—you want a comforting balance of savory, sweet, and creamy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Dish it out into bowls and prepare for some serious spoon-to-mouth action. This chowder is perfect as is, but wait till you see how it pairs with a little crusty bread or a fresh side salad. Each bite reminds me why I keep coming back to this recipe whenever I want that perfect mix of healthy and indulgent.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Turkey Corn Chowder Recipe

  • Brown, Don’t Overcook the Turkey: I always keep an eye on the turkey to stop cooking just as it turns golden, so it stays juicy and tender.
  • Fresh Corn vs. Frozen: If fresh corn is in season, I love the bright sweetness it adds; otherwise, frozen works perfectly and is super convenient.
  • Gradually Add Broth: Pour in broth slowly while stirring to avoid lumps and build a smooth base.
  • Avoid Over-Thickening: If it gets too thick, just add a splash of broth or half-and-half to loosen it right up without sacrificing creaminess.

How to Serve Creamy Turkey Corn Chowder Recipe

The image shows a white round plate with two food layers on the left side and green beans on the right. The bottom layer is made of small pieces of cooked meat mixed with small green peas and thin orange carrot strips, with a crumbly texture. The top layer is a smooth, thick, pale mashed potato square covering the meat mixture. Around the plate, there are several rectangular glass containers filled with the same layered food, placed on a white marbled surface with a black and white checkered cloth underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For me, a little fresh chopped parsley or chives on top brightens every bowl, plus a sprinkle of cracked black pepper to add a little kick. I sometimes add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra creaminess and tang, which really balances the savory flavors.

Side Dishes

I highly recommend pairing this chowder with crusty artisan bread or warm garlic breadsticks—they’re perfect for mopping up every last bit. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the richness beautifully, making the meal feel balanced and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m serving this at a casual dinner party, I like to ladle the chowder into mini bread bowls for that extra cozy vibe. For family nights, I sometimes top it with shredded cheese and pop it under the broiler for a few minutes until bubbly and golden—it turns a simple chowder into something a bit special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chowder in airtight containers in the fridge and it usually keeps well for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating, as the ingredients naturally settle. I’ve found the flavors even deepen overnight—bonus!

Freezing

If you want to freeze some, it’s best to leave out the half-and-half initially and add it fresh when reheating to avoid curdling. Portion out in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

I reheat the chowder on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s thickened too much in the fridge, a splash of broth or milk helps bring back that creamy texture without watering it down.

FAQs

  1. Can I use turkey sausage instead of ground turkey in this chowder?

    Absolutely! Turkey sausage will add a spiced flavor that can complement the chowder nicely. Just brown and crumble it the same way you would ground turkey.

  2. Is it okay to use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?

    You can swap in heavy cream if you want an even richer chowder. Just remember it’ll increase the calorie content and thickness, so you might want to thin it with a bit more broth.

  3. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

    Yes! Brown the turkey and sauté the veggies first, then add everything to the slow cooker except the half-and-half. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in the half-and-half near the end to finish.

  4. How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?

    Keep an eye on the liquid as it simmers and add more broth or water if it thickens too much. Stirring frequently helps keep the consistency smooth as well.

  5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without losing creaminess?

    Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or half-and-half to refresh the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving on high so it doesn’t separate.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Turkey Corn Chowder Recipe has become a comforting classic in my kitchen—especially when I want something hearty yet lighter than your usual chowder. It’s the type of meal that feels indulgent but won’t leave you weighed down, which my family appreciates a lot. Give it a whirl and let me know how it becomes your own go-to cozy dinner. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for that perfect creamy, turkey-packed goodness.

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Creamy Turkey Corn Chowder Recipe

4.8 from 116 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is a wholesome, comforting dish featuring lean ground turkey and sautéed vegetables enveloped in a savory sauce, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. This family-friendly meal combines hearty flavors with a nutritious profile, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep lunches.


Ingredients

Filling

  • 1 tablespoon light butter
  • 2 cups onion, chopped
  • 2 cups shredded carrots
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 lbs ground turkey breast (99% fat free)
  • 1/2 tsp onion salt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic salt
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup frozen peas

Mashed Potato Topping

  • 30 oz russet potatoes (raw, peeled, approximately 3 medium potatoes)
  • 1 cup fat free half and half
  • 1/4 tsp garlic salt
  • 1/4 tsp onion salt


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the shepherd’s pie later.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the light butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and shredded carrots, sautéing until they soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Cook the turkey: Add the ground turkey breast to the skillet with the vegetables. Season with onion salt, garlic salt, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
  4. Create the sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and flour to the turkey mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes to combine and slightly thicken. Gradually add the low sodium chicken broth while stirring to create a thickened filling. Mix in the frozen peas, then remove from heat.
  5. Prepare mashed potatoes: Boil the peeled russet potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Mash the potatoes with fat free half and half, garlic salt, and onion salt until smooth and creamy.
  6. Assemble the pie: Transfer the turkey and vegetable filling into a baking dish, spreading evenly. Layer the mashed potatoes on top, smoothing them out with a spatula to cover the filling completely.
  7. Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the mashed potato topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
  8. Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving warm.

Notes

  • Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and nutritious alternative to traditional recipes made with beef, featuring lean ground turkey and plenty of vegetables.
  • This dish is kid-friendly and perfect for making ahead of time as the flavors deepen when reheated.
  • Use fat free half and half to keep the mashed potatoes creamy yet lower in fat.
  • Adjust seasonings to taste, especially if you prefer more or less salt.
  • For a crispier topping, broil the assembled pie for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 316 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 797 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 41 g
  • Cholesterol: 87 mg

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