Smoky Turkey Corn Chowder with Bacon

A hearty and flavorful chowder featuring tender turkey, sweet corn, and crispy bacon in a creamy broth with vegetables and southwestern spices. Perfect for using leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken.

6 servings
36 min

Ingredients

  • 6 slices bacon
  • 1 medium yellow onion
  • 1 medium carrot
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 whole red bell pepper
  • ½ medium jalapeño
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 6 cups chicken or turkey broth
  • 1 medium sweet potato
  • 2 cans mild diced green chiles
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 whole dried bay leaves
  • 4 cups shredded turkey
  • 10 ounces frozen corn
  • ¾ cup half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons scallions
  • 2 tablespoons parsley
  • for serving

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    In a large pot over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain on a paper towel and crumble into small pieces and set aside, reserving the fat in the pot.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat, return the pot to medium heat, and add onion, carrot, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes more. Add jalapeño and cumin and cook, stirring, 1 minute more.

    9 min

  3. 3.

    Add broth, sweet potato, chiles, oregano, and bay leaves and bring to a simmer. Cook until sweet potato is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the turkey or chicken and corn and cook until warmed through, 3 to 5 minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and half-and-half. Continue to cook until just warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning, thinning the chowder with another 1/4 cup half-and-half, if desired.

    15 min

  4. 4.

    Serve chowder topped with crumbled bacon, scallions, and parsley.

    2 min