This Light Turkey & Corn Chowder is everything you love in a comforting soup — creamy, hearty, and full of flavor — but made lighter for everyday cooking. Each spoonful blends tender turkey, sweet corn, and colorful vegetables in a perfectly seasoned, creamy broth that feels indulgent yet wholesome. It’s an ideal recipe for using up leftover turkey or chicken while delivering a balanced and satisfying meal your family will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Light Turkey & Corn Chowder because it’s a comforting yet healthy soup recipe that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The natural sweetness of corn complements the savory turkey, while a light, creamy broth ties everything together. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and full of fresh, colorful ingredients.

Perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave something cozy and nourishing, this healthy corn chowder is a wonderful way to enjoy a bowl of warmth without the heaviness of traditional cream soups. Plus, it’s ready in about 30 minutes — making it a quick dinner idea that feels special yet simple.

Light Turkey & Corn Chowder

When the weather turns cool or you’re simply in the mood for a comforting meal, nothing satisfies quite like a bowl of homemade chowder. This Light Turkey & Corn Chowder is the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth with every spoonful — creamy yet light, rich in texture yet wholesome enough for a weeknight dinner.

Unlike heavy cream-based soups, this version achieves that beloved chowder creaminess using milk and a touch of flour for natural thickness. The result is a soup that’s smooth, flavorful, and nourishing without feeling overly rich.

What makes this recipe shine is its balance of textures and flavors. Tender shredded turkey adds protein and substance, sweet corn kernels bring bursts of freshness, and vibrant bell pepper and celery create a beautiful mix of color and crunch. Combined with the savory base of onions, garlic, and mild green chiles, the chowder becomes deeply aromatic and comforting.

It’s also an excellent way to use up leftover turkey from the holidays or even a simple rotisserie chicken. Nothing goes to waste, and you end up with a meal that tastes completely new and exciting.

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. In just one pot, you sauté the aromatics, whisk in milk and broth, and add the rest of your ingredients. Before long, your kitchen fills with the cozy scent of a bubbling chowder — hearty yet bright, familiar yet fresh.

For those who love variety, this chowder is endlessly customizable. Add diced potatoes for extra heartiness, stir in a handful of spinach for a green boost, or swap in your favorite shredded cheese for a bolder flavor.

The sweet corn and savory turkey pairing is a classic combination that satisfies without effort. Every spoonful delivers creamy broth, juicy bites of corn, and the comforting savoriness of turkey, creating a symphony of taste that makes every bite feel like home.

Serve it with a slice of crusty bread, a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, or a handful of chopped green onions for that final touch of freshness.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy comfort food recipe, a clever way to use up leftovers, or simply a delicious meal that warms you from the inside out, this Light Turkey & Corn Chowder checks every box.

Once you make it, you’ll see why it’s one of those go-to recipes you’ll return to again and again — simple ingredients, big flavor, and pure comfort in a bowl.

Servings & Time

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients (Revised & Enhanced Order)

• 2 ½ cups shredded cooked turkey (or chicken)

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 stalk celery, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 ¼ cups frozen corn kernels

• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 2 cups skim milk

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

• ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for mild heat)

• Green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.

2. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add diced green chiles and cook for 1 minute, stirring to combine.

4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat evenly.

5. Gradually pour in chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps.

6. Add milk, corn, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.

7. Reduce heat and cook until slightly thickened, about 10–12 minutes.

8. Add shredded turkey and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and heated through.

9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

10. Ladle into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Tips

• Use pre-cooked turkey or chicken to save time.

• Add diced potatoes for extra texture and creaminess.

• For a richer flavor, substitute half the milk with light cream.

• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2 months.