Slow-Simmered Clam Chowder with Potatoes and Corn
A hearty chowder featuring plump clams, tender potatoes, and sweet corn simmered in a rich broth. This new england-inspired soups ready in about 60 minutes pairs potatoes, olive oil, medium yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 2 stalks celery
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups clam juice
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 24 oz clams
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice 1.5 lbs potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. In a large pot over medium heat, warm 2 tbsp olive oil. Add 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced, and 2 celery stalks, finely diced, and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 3 garlic cloves, minced, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Step 3: Gradually pour in 4 cups clam juice while whisking to avoid lumps, then add 2 cups whole milk and 1/2 tsp dried thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 1.5 lbs diced potatoes and 1 cup frozen corn. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Step 5: Stir in 24 oz drained clams (with reserved juice) and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
- Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh parsley, season with 1/4 tsp black pepper, and adjust salt if needed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Clam Chowder with Potatoes and Corn take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow-Simmered Clam Chowder with Potatoes and Corn?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep potatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Clam Chowder with Potatoes and Corn?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow-Simmered Clam Chowder with Potatoes and Corn for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow-Simmered Clam Chowder with Potatoes and Corn?
New England soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best New England chowder I’ve cooked—simple ingredients, perfect consistency. My kids even asked for seconds!
- ★★★★★
This chowder is now my go-to for cold evenings. The corn and potatoes balanced the clams beautifully, and it’s foolproof for beginners.
- ★★★★★
My Japanese in-laws were impressed! The potatoes added a lovely heartiness without overpowering the seafood. Will make for Thanksgiving.