Blackened Shrimp Corn Chowder

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Smoky, creamy, and loaded with bold Southern flavor, this Blackened Shrimp Corn Chowder is comfort food with a kick. The rich broth blends sweet corn, crispy bacon, and spicy blackened shrimp to create a soul-warming dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.

Perfect for cozy nights or impressing dinner guests, this chowder is hearty enough to stand alone but versatile enough to pair with your favorite side. The spice from the shrimp is balanced beautifully by the sweetness of corn and creaminess of the base. Every spoonful is packed with texture and flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Blackened Shrimp Corn Chowder

This chowder isn’t your average bowl of soup—it’s a flavor-packed meal that brings the heat and the comfort. The smoky sear on the shrimp, combined with the savory depth of bacon and the natural sweetness of corn, makes this dish unforgettable. It’s easy to make, great for meal prep, and even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Plus, it’s gluten-free and protein-rich!

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What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use for Chowder?

For this recipe, medium to large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, are ideal. They should be fresh or thawed (if frozen), so they soak up the blackened seasoning and sear perfectly. Tail-off shrimp make eating easier, but if you’re going for presentation, you can leave them on. Just make sure not to overcook them—shrimp cook fast and should be juicy, not rubbery.

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Ingredients for the Blackened Shrimp Corn Chowder

Each ingredient plays a special role in building layers of flavor and texture in this comforting chowder.

• Shrimp – The star of the dish, seasoned with bold blackened spices and seared for a smoky finish.
• Corn kernels – Add a burst of natural sweetness and crisp texture. Fresh, canned, or frozen all work great.
• Bacon – Provides a salty, savory crunch that enhances the depth of flavor.
• Yellow onion – A flavorful base for the chowder, bringing subtle sweetness once cooked.
• Garlic – Infuses the chowder with robust, aromatic flavor.
• Jalapeño – Adds mild heat and a fresh, green pepper kick.
• Chicken broth – Forms the soup base and keeps it light yet savory.
• Heavy cream – Brings richness and a silky texture to the chowder.
• Cream cheese – Helps thicken the chowder and gives it a luscious mouthfeel.
• Blackened seasoning – A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper that gives the shrimp a spicy, smoky crust.
• Salt & pepper – For seasoning and balance.
• Fresh parsley and green onion – For garnish, adding freshness and color.

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How To Make the Blackened Shrimp Corn Chowder

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Toss the shrimp with blackened seasoning. In the same pot, sear the shrimp for about 1–2 minutes per side until charred and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add diced onions, jalapeños, and garlic to the bacon fat. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 4: Build the Chowder Base

Stir in corn and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then add cream cheese and stir until melted. Pour in the heavy cream and mix well.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Let the chowder simmer on low for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors and slightly thicken.

Step 6: Add Shrimp and Bacon Back

Return the shrimp and half the bacon to the pot. Stir well and heat for 2–3 more minutes until everything is warmed through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Ladle into bowls and top with remaining bacon, fresh parsley, sliced green onions, and optional jalapeño slices.

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How to Serve and Store Blackened Shrimp Corn Chowder

This chowder is rich and filling, making it a perfect main dish for lunch or dinner. Serve it hot, garnished with crispy bacon, green onions, and a few extra jalapeño slices for heat. It comfortably feeds 4 to 6 people depending on serving size.

To store, let the chowder cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. For longer storage, freeze without the shrimp (to avoid overcooking later) for up to 2 months.

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What to Serve With Blackened Shrimp Corn Chowder?

Crusty Bread

A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough is perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy broth.

Side Salad

A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich chowder.

Grilled Vegetables

Charred zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make a light and colorful side.

Cornbread

Sweet, buttery cornbread pairs wonderfully with the smoky and spicy flavors of the chowder.

Garlic Parmesan Toast

Toasted bread with garlic butter and melted parmesan adds a savory crunch.

Avocado Slices

Creamy avocado cools the palate and complements the heat from the chowder.

Pickled Vegetables

Pickled red onions or okra offer a tangy twist that balances the richness.

Roasted Potatoes

Small roasted potatoes or home fries on the side can turn this chowder into a hearty, soul-satisfying meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this chowder less spicy?
Absolutely! Reduce or omit the jalapeño and use a mild blackened seasoning. You can also add a splash more cream to mellow the heat.

2. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can use extra heavy cream or even a bit of sour cream to add richness. The chowder may be slightly thinner but still delicious.

3. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess water in the chowder.

4. How do I make it dairy-free?
Swap the cream and cream cheese for full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based alternative. Choose dairy-free butter or oil instead of bacon fat.

5. Can I add potatoes to this chowder?
Definitely! Diced and pre-cooked potatoes add an extra level of heartiness. Stir them in with the corn.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add potatoes or extra spice? Maybe even switch up the garnish?
I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are always welcome—let’s make every bowl better together.

You can also find more of my recipes on my Pinterest here: Life With Livia on Pinterest

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Conclusion

This Blackened Shrimp Corn Chowder is pure comfort in a bowl—bold, creamy, spicy, and packed with texture. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and special enough to serve guests. Whether you’re chasing warmth on a cold night or craving something satisfying and flavorful, this chowder delivers every single time. Try it once and it just might become your go-to cozy recipe.

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