Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder

I have no words. 

Seriously...I don't know what to tell ya.

It's amazing!

Linked with Weekend Potluck.

Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder

3 tbsp butter

1 onion, chopped

1 red pepper, chopped

3 slices bacon, chopped

3 tbsp flour

3 small potatoes, peeled & chopped into 1/2 inch pieces

2 1/2 cups chicken broth

2 bay leaves

1/2 tsp thyme

1 3/4 cups frozen corn

1 1/2 cups half & half, or half whole milk & half heavy cream

2 1/2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded

4 oz. extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Salt and pepper

Pinch of red pepper, optional

Melt butter over medium heat in a heavy pot. Saute onion and red pepper 2 minutes. Move to the sides of the pot creating a hole and add bacon to the middle. Cook stirring occasionally 2-3 minutes or until bacon starts to brown. Stir together and continue cooking 2-3 more minutes. Stir in flour and cook 2 minutes. Add potatoes and stir to combine.

Stir in broth, bay leaves and thyme. Simmer 5 minutes stirring occasionally.

Add corn and simmer until potatoes are tender 5-7 minutes.

Add half & half, shredded chicken and cheese; stir until cheese has melted. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if desired, along with red pepper if using. Continue to simmer until chowder has thickened 10-15 minutes.