Easy Seafood Chowder Crockpot Recipe - Ready in 6 Hours

Indulge in the creamy, rich taste of a seafood chowder, made simple in your crockpot. It’s a mix of tender shrimp, juicy scallops, and flaky fish, all cooked in a smooth broth. With just a few ingredients and little effort, you can have a cozy seafood chowder at home. It’s perfect for busy days or when it’s too hot outside.

Key Takeaways

Slow-cooked seafood chowder in a crockpot for maximum flavor and convenience
Creamy, rich broth with tender shrimp, scallops, and white fish
Perfect for busy weekdays or hot weather when you don’t want to stand over the stove
Easy to prep and cook, with minimal hands-on time required
Delicious and comforting meal the whole family will enjoy

Why Make Seafood Chowder in a Crockpot

The slow cooker, or crockpot, is a secret weapon for home cooks. It’s perfect for making seafood chowder, especially in the summer. This method offers many advantages.

Benefits of Slow Cooking Seafood

Slow cooking seafood in a crockpot lets flavors blend beautifully. This results in a rich, creamy chowder. The long simmer makes the seafood tender and velvety.

Time-Saving Advantages

The crockpot is great for busy cooks. It lets you prep ingredients quickly and then cooks them for you. This way, you can enjoy a delicious seafood chowder with just 10 minutes of prep time.

Perfect for Hot Weather Cooking

Summer is hot, and cooking over a stove is a hassle. A crockpot seafood chowder is a perfect solution. It keeps your kitchen cool while you enjoy a tasty meal.

Slow cooking enhances flavors and is easy on your kitchen. It’s perfect for any time, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a cozy meal. The crockpot makes seafood chowder effortless and delicious.

Essential Ingredients for Rich and Creamy Chowder

To make a top-notch seafood chowder, you need the right seafood chowder ingredients. Start with sautéed onions, celery, and red bell peppers. They add flavor and a mix of chowder vegetables. Chicken broth is the savory base, and evaporated fat-free milk and instant potato flakes make it creamy without heavy cream.

The seafood is key, too. Shrimp and flaky white fish, like Alaskan pollock, make the chowder rich and tasty. This mix creates a rich and creamy chowder that’s a treat for your taste buds.

“This seafood chowder recipe has received a rating of 4.96 out of 5 from a total of 67 votes.”

With the right ingredients and a few easy steps, you can make a seafood chowder that’s both comforting and healthy. Let’s explore the key ingredients that make this dish a true culinary masterpiece.

Key Seafood Chowder Ingredients:

Onions
Celery
Red bell pepper
Corn
Chicken broth
Evaporated fat-free milk
Instant potato flakes
Shrimp
White fish fillets (Alaskan pollock)

By choosing and mixing these seafood chowder ingredients carefully, you’ll make a creamy and flavorful soup. It’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Seafood Selection Guide for Perfect Chowder

Creating the ultimate seafood chowder is all about mixing the right fish and shellfish. Use small cooked shrimp, flaky Alaskan pollock fillets, and tender scallops for the best taste. This mix of seafood gives your chowder a rich, creamy flavor.

Best Fish Varieties to Use

Alaskan pollock is the recipe’s choice, but you can try other white fish too. Cod, halibut, and haddock are great options. They add a delicate texture to your chowder. Make sure to cut the fish into small pieces so it cooks evenly.

Shellfish Options and Combinations

Shrimp: Small cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, add a lovely sweetness and texture to the chowder.
Clams: Canned whole baby clams or fresh littleneck clams provide a briny, ocean-fresh flavor.
Scallops: Bay scallops or sea scallops, halved or quartered, contribute a luxurious, buttery element to the dish.

Fresh vs Frozen Seafood Tips

You can use fresh or frozen seafood for your chowder. Fresh seafood brings the most vibrant flavors. But, frozen options like shrimp and scallops work well too. Just thaw and pat dry the seafood before adding it to the chowder. Frozen corn is also a good choice for this recipe.

Seafood Chowder Crockpot Recipe

Make your dinner special with this Seafood Chowder recipe, perfect for the crockpot. It’s full of sea flavors, making it a cozy and tasty meal. Let’s explore how to make it!

Ingredients:

6 slices of thick cut smoky bacon, diced
3 tablespoons of butter
1 medium onion, diced
1 rib of celery, diced
1 1/2 lbs of potatoes, peeled and diced
3 cans (6.5 oz each) of clams with juice
1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves
2 large cloves of garlic, minced
1 1/4 teaspoons of kosher salt (or 3/4 teaspoon of table salt)
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
1/2 cup of clam juice (or low-sodium chicken broth or water)
1 1/2 cups of half and half
1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch or potato starch

For garnish, you’ll need 2 tablespoons each of chives and parsley, as well as some oyster crackers.

Instructions:

First, cook the diced bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate, keeping the bacon fat in the skillet.

Next, add the butter to the skillet with the bacon fat. Sauté the onions and celery until they’re soft, about 5 minutes. Then, move the mixture to a crockpot.

Add the diced potatoes, clams with their juice, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Pour in the clam juice (or broth/water) and stir well.

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, until the potatoes are tender. In the last 30 minutes, mix the half and half with cornstarch or potato starch. Stir this into the chowder to thicken it.

Serve the crockpot seafood chowder hot, topped with crispy bacon, chives, and parsley. Enjoy with crusty bread for a complete meal!

This crockpot chowder recipe is a big time-saver. It lets you make a delicious slow cooker seafood soup with little effort. The easy chowder instructions make it simple to create a dish that everyone will love.

Preparation Steps and Kitchen Tools Needed

Making a tasty seafood chowder in your crockpot needs some basic tools and prep work. You’ll need a 4-quart slow cooker, a sharp knife for chopping veggies, and sturdy soup bowls. Let’s look at how to prepare your ingredients for a smooth cooking process.

Required Kitchen Equipment

4-quart slow cooker or crockpot
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon
Soup bowls
Immersion blender (optional)

Ingredient Preparation Guidelines

Before cooking, prep all your ingredients. Chop onions, celery, and potatoes into small pieces. Measure out the liquids like water, chicken stock, or evaporated milk. Set them aside.

For the seafood, thaw frozen fish or shrimp in cold water. Change the water every 30-45 minutes. With all your chowder cooking tools, seafood prep tips, and kitchen equipment for soup ready, cooking will be easier. Your seafood chowder will be creamy and full of flavor.

Creating the Perfect Base for Your Chowder

Making the perfect chowder base is key to a delicious seafood soup. It’s all about mixing flavors and textures for a rich, creamy soup foundation. Begin by simmering diced veggies, corn, and seafood broth in your slow cooker.

Start by mixing chopped onions, celery, carrots, and corn in the slow cooker.
Add a flavorful chowder base recipe made with chicken or vegetable broth, thyme, and spices.
Let it cook for 4-6 hours on low, until the veggies are soft and the flavors blend well.

After the base is cooked, blend it with an immersion blender to your liking. Keep it a bit chunky to keep the creamy soup foundation hearty. This makes the seafood stand out even more.

Spending time on this chowder base recipe will make your seafood chowder taste amazing. The slow-cooked veggies and seafood broth make a great base for the seafood to shine.

Secret Ingredients for Extra Creaminess

Seafood chowder is already rich and comforting. But, a few secret ingredients can make it even creamier. Evaporated milk and potato flakes are great for this. They add texture without extra fat.

Using Evaporated Milk

Instead of heavy cream, try fat-free evaporated milk in your chowder. It’s creamy like cream but with less fat and calories. Just replace the cream with an equal amount of evaporated milk for a smooth texture.

Potato Flakes Thickening Method

For even creamier chowder, add a few tablespoons of instant potato flakes towards the end. The starch in the flakes thickens the soup. This makes a dairy-free chowder options that’s both light and indulgent.

“The secret to a truly decadent seafood chowder is all in the details. Evaporated milk and potato flakes are my go-to tricks for achieving that rich, velvety texture without packing on the calories.”

Seasoning and Spice Combinations

Improving your seafood chowder’s taste is all about the right seasoning. Chowder spices like thyme, bay leaves, and parsley are key. But, a homemade Cajun spice mix can elevate it even more. This spice blend adds a nice heat and depth that goes well with seafood.

To make your own seafood seasoning, mix these ingredients in a bowl:

2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Begin with 2 teaspoons of the Cajun spice mix and taste your chowder. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. The heat might grow as it simmers, so start with a small amount. Aim for a balance between the savory chowder spices and the bold Cajun spice blend.

“The right seasoning can transform a good chowder into an exceptional one. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect blend for your taste buds.”

Play with the spice levels to make your own unique seafood chowder. It will surely impress your family and guests. Bon appétit!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making a tasty seafood chowder in your crockpot is easy with this recipe. The secret to great taste and texture is in the cooking steps. Follow these steps for a delicious, creamy chowder.

First Stage Cooking Process

Start by cooking the onions, celery, and potatoes in the crockpot. Use high heat for 4-6 hours until they’re soft. This first step helps the flavors mix and the vegetables soak up the broth’s sweetness.

Adding Seafood at the Right Time

After the vegetables are done, add the seafood. This step is key to keep the seafood tender. Stir in the shrimp, fish, and other seafood gently. Cook for 30 more minutes on low, until everything is hot and the seafood is cooked.

Adding seafood late in cooking keeps it tender and flavorful. This makes your seafood chowder truly enjoyable.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Leftover seafood chowder is a great way to save time and enjoy a tasty meal. To keep it fresh and tasty, it’s important to store and reheat it correctly.

For leftover chowder storage, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors in and the seafood moist. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

To reheat seafood soup without losing its texture, heat it gently. The best way is to reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Microwaving works too, but use low power and stir often to avoid hot spots.

Having leftover chowder is a smart meal prep tip. It’s quick and easy to reheat for a satisfying meal. Serve it with a salad or some bread for a cozy and healthy meal.

“Leftovers make the best lunches – they’re already cooked and just require gentle reheating.”

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

This seafood chowder is not just tasty but also healthy. It has only 185 calories per serving. This makes it a great choice for those watching their diet.

Calorie Content and Macronutrients

A single serving of this creamy seafood chowder contains:

185 calories
22.9g carbohydrates
17g protein
2.9g fat
1.4g fiber

The low-fat content comes from using fat-free evaporated milk. This adds creaminess without extra calories or saturated fat.

Health Benefits of Seafood Chowder

Seafood is packed with nutrients, and this healthy seafood soup is a great example. It has lean proteins and omega-3 fatty acids. This makes it a nutritious choice.

Eating this nutritious seafood meal often can help your health in many ways:

It supports heart health and lowers the risk of heart disease.
It improves brain function and helps with thinking.
It boosts the immune system and keeps you feeling well.
It helps with weight management and supports a healthy metabolism.

“This seafood chowder is a delightful and nutritious way to enjoy the bounty of the sea. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking for a wholesome, low-calorie option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.”

Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments

Make your Seafood Chowder even better by adding some side dishes and accompaniments. This soup is great on its own, but with a few extras, it becomes a full and tasty meal.

Start with a crusty bread or buttery crackers. They add a nice crunch that contrasts well with the smooth chowder. For more flavor, try brushing the bread with garlic-infused olive oil.

Balance the chowder’s richness with a light salad. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy dressing is perfect. You could also choose a crisp Caesar or a colorful Mediterranean salad.

For a complete meal, add steamed or roasted veggies. Asparagus, broccoli, or a mix of roasted root veggies are great choices. They add nutrition and color to your dish.

Don’t forget about garnishes. A sprinkle of parsley, chives, or a bit of Cajun seasoning can make your chowder look and taste even better.

With the right sides and extras, your Seafood Chowder becomes a complete and satisfying meal. It’s a feast for your taste buds and a treat for your eyes.

Conclusion

This Seafood Chowder Crockpot Recipe is a great choice for a quick and healthy meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The mix of seafood, creamy broth, and veggies makes it both comforting and tasty.

If you’re looking for an easy seafood dinner, a healthy crockpot meal, or a comforting soup recipe, this chowder is ideal. The crockpot’s slow cooking blends the flavors beautifully. This creates a rich, indulgent dish that will impress everyone.

Try this seafood chowder, especially in summer or on busy weekdays. It’s nutritious and can be tailored to many diets. The crockpot makes it easy to prepare, and the flavors are amazing. Enjoy this delicious seafood treat!

FAQ

How long does it take to make this seafood chowder in the crockpot?

It takes 6 hours to cook this seafood chowder in the crockpot. It’s great for busy days or when it’s hot outside.

What are the key ingredients in this crockpot seafood chowder?

The main ingredients are onions, celery, red bell pepper, and corn. You’ll also need chicken broth, evaporated fat-free milk, and instant potato flakes. Plus, shrimp and white fish like Alaskan pollock.

Can I use a combination of different seafood in this chowder?

Yes, you can mix small cooked shrimp, Alaskan pollock fillets, and scallops. Choose what you like best.

How does the slow cooking process enhance the flavors and textures of this seafood chowder?

Slow cooking makes the chowder rich and creamy. It’s easy and doesn’t use too much heat. This way, the flavors blend well, making it very tasty and comforting.

What tools and equipment are needed to make this crockpot seafood chowder?

You’ll need a 4-quart slow cooker, a chef’s knife, and soup bowls. An immersion blender is also helpful. Make sure to chop veggies and measure liquids before starting.

How can I make this chowder extra creamy without using heavy cream?

Use evaporated fat-free milk and instant potato flakes. They make the chowder creamy without heavy cream.

Can I adjust the spice level in this seafood chowder?

Yes, you can. The recipe has a homemade cajun seasoning blend. You can adjust the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to your taste.

How long can I store leftover seafood chowder, and how should I reheat it?

Store leftover chowder in airtight containers for a few days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. This helps keep the seafood’s texture and flavor.