Virginia Beach Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder
A creamy chowder bursting with sweet local corn and tender shrimp, enhanced with smoky bacon and fresh herbs for a comforting coastal meal. This american-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs chopped bacon, medium diced yellow onion, diced celery stalks 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
- 4 slices chopped bacon
- 1 medium diced yellow onion
- 2 diced celery stalks
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups (about 3 ears) fresh corn kernels
- 2 medium peeled and diced potatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp leaves fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, cook 4 slices chopped bacon until crisp, about 5-6 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 2 diced celery stalks to the pot with bacon fat. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 3 tbsp all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux and remove raw flour taste.
- Step 5: Gradually whisk in 4 cups chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Add 2 cups fresh corn kernels and 2 diced medium potatoes.
- Step 6: Bring the chowder to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Step 7: Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves.
- Step 8: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 4-5 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 9: Stir in reserved crispy bacon and 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives. Remove from heat and serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Virginia Beach Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Virginia Beach Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder?
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 chopped bacon from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Virginia Beach Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder?
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 Virginia Beach Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder 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 Virginia Beach Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder?
American 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.
