Dolly’s Stampede-Inspired Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder
There are certain meals that stop you in your tracks the moment the first spoonful hits your lips. For so many visitors to the legendary dinner show attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, that moment comes in the form of a steaming bowl of rich, velvety chicken corn chowder. It’s warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying — exactly the kind of comfort food that makes a chilly evening feel like a cozy dream.
The good news? You don’t need to travel to the Smoky Mountains to enjoy it. This homemade version captures every bit of that creamy, smoky, Southern-style magic right in your own kitchen. Once you see how straightforward it is to pull together, you’ll wonder why you ever waited so long to make it yourself.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works perfectly)
- 2 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
- 4 strips bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled (for garnish)
Method
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