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Chipotle Clam Chowder Recipe

4.8 from 617 reviews

This Chipotle Clam Chowder is a smoky, creamy, and hearty soup featuring tender clams, smoky bacon, and a touch of spicy chipotle peppers. Perfectly balanced with diced potatoes and sweet corn, this chowder is a comforting meal that combines rich flavors with a hint of heat, making it a delicious twist on classic clam chowder.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seafood

  • 8 oz raw bacon
  • 10 oz canned clams with juice

Vegetables

  • 1 cup diced carrot
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 2 cups diced potatoes
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Other Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp Wesson Canola Oil
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 8 cups water
  • 3 tbsp minced canned chipotle peppers in Adobo sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Garnish

  • Oyster crackers (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bake the Bacon: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange the bacon on a parchment or foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until crisp. Transfer the bacon to paper towel-lined plates to drain and cool, then break into large pieces and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Soup Base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 3 tbsp of Wesson Canola Oil over medium heat. Add diced carrot, celery, onion, and 2 tsp kosher salt. Cook until onions are translucent and vegetables soften, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Make the Roux: Add 4 tbsp all-purpose flour to the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds to form a roux. Slowly stir in half of the 8 cups water to prevent lumps. Once the mixture thickens and bubbles, add the remaining water and bring to a simmer.
  4. Add Main Ingredients and Simmer: Stir in the clam juice from the canned clams, diced potatoes, and frozen corn. Simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.
  5. Finish the Chowder: Stir in the heavy cream, canned clams with any remaining juice, minced chipotle peppers, and chopped parsley. Simmer for 1-2 minutes. Adjust consistency by adding more water if too thick.
  6. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or chipotle peppers as desired. Divide chowder into bowls, top each with reserved bacon pieces and optional oyster crackers, then serve hot.

Notes

  • Baking bacon in the oven ensures even cooking and less mess than frying.
  • Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers according to your preferred spice level.
  • Use low-sodium canned clams if watching salt intake and adjust added salt accordingly.
  • This chowder can be made ahead and reheated gently on stovetop.
  • For a thicker chowder, reduce the amount of water or simmer longer.

Keywords: Chipotle Clam Chowder, clam chowder, smoky soup, chipotle peppers, bacon chowder, creamy clam soup